New paradigm for coloring plastics:

Pittsburgh, July 15, 2008 – When manufacturers need vivid, captivating, customized color for parts, they turn to revolutionary AURA® infusion technology from Bayer MaterialScience LLC (BMS). Yet to use AURA infusion technology, manufacturers have traditionally had to ship stock to an off-site processor to be colored, then ship it back … until now. AURA infusion technology is now available directly to OEMs thanks to a new licensing agreement with system design specialists Radco Industries of Toledo, Ohio.

Now companies that are licensed from BMS to use AURA infusion technology can obtain AURA infusion technology from Radco. The AURA infusion technology equipment can be incorporated into existing manufacturing operations, potentially creating a substantial reduction in their internal cost structure by reducing turnaround times and eliminating shipping fees. Radco Industries now serves as an equipment and “solutions” provider for AURA infusion technology licensees.

AURA infusion technology enables just-in-time coloring of thermoplastic parts made from clear, translucent or opaque resins after they are produced. The proprietary color infusion process takes place in a heated enclosure containing a mostly aqueous dispersion of dye and a polymer-friendly surfactant. The part is placed in the coloring solution until the desired depth of color is achieved as the dye penetrates into the part. AURA infusion technology is ideal for short-run, made-to-order customized parts produced by injection molding, extrusion or thermoforming. And now, manufacturers will be able to run their own AURA infusion technology systems in-house with the capability to produce batches of any size with automated, rapid color change-over.

“From a business perspective, AURA infusion technology marks a paradigm shift in coloring plastics,” said Rick Anderson, president, Radco Industries. “Today, plastics are typically colored upstream, ahead of the extrusion or injection molding process, which in many cases results in a very limited number of color options and long production runs. What AURA infusion technology offers is the opportunity to color very small batches. Manufacturers that have this system will be able to offer their customers on-the-spot color selection for an almost infinite array of colors.”

The closed-system AURA infusion technology process also offers manufacturers a more environmentally friendly option for coloring parts. When coloration via the AURA infusion technology cycle is complete, the solvent is sent into a recovery system that strips out the dye and returns the solvent clean and ready to use again. The AURA infusion technology process produces no hazardous waste, and also reduces the amount of material that is required from an inventory standpoint.

“One long-term benefit of having an AURA infusion technology system in-house is the inventory implications – if you have an item in six colors and you have to run a year’s supply of one color to make production cost-effective, you’ll potentially end up having an overstock of inventory on the shelf,” said Richard Yorde, manager, infusion technologies, Radco Industries. “Conversely, the AURA infusion technology system allows manufacturers to run products once and go back after the fact to customize the color based on demand.”

As part of the licensing agreement, Radco will offer existing AURA infusion technology licensees a new service to provide customized shop-floor technical support and produce color formulations or color matches on various substrates, as well as to train operators. Radco is building an on-site laboratory to provide customers the opportunity to experience a demonstration of the automation and support services Radco provides.

The continuous advancements in AURA infusion technology are leading to additional markets and opportunities, such as color-over-metal. There are also developments in using AURA infusion technology as a more economical way to achieve specific properties in a finished product through the infusion of UV stabilizers, thermal stabilizers and other polymer additives, for example.

“AURA infusion technology allows customers to economically and imaginatively create new products that stand apart from the competition and tap into completely new markets,” said John Skabardonis, marketing manager, Polycarbonates Business Unit, BMS North America. “Using AURA infusion technology, designers are able to stay ahead of industry trends by completely customizing their own look that can be produced on an individual or mass-market scale.”

An informative video on AURA infusion technology can be viewed on the Fantasia color and special effect technologies Web site at www.BayerFantasia.com. In addition to being able to view many of the colors available through all the Fantasia color and special effect technologies as 360° rotational forms on the site, you can also read the latest trend and application information in the eNewsletters found there. Sign up to receive the Fantasia eNewsletter on the site so you can stay up to the minute with the latest offerings and news from the BMS world of colors and special effects for thermoplastics, the world of Fantasia color technologies.

About Bayer MaterialScience
Bayer MaterialScience LLC is one of the leading producers of polymers and high-performance plastics in North America and is part of the global Bayer MaterialScience business with nearly 15,400 employees at 30 sites around the world and 2007 sales of 10.4 billion euros. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction, medical, and sports and leisure industries. Our inorganic basic chemicals unit produces chlorine and related essential products for the chemicals industry. Let us give life to your vision. Bayer MaterialScience – Where VisionWorks.

Bayer Corporation, headquartered in Pittsburgh, is a subsidiary of Bayer AG, an international health care, nutrition and high-tech materials group based in Leverkusen, Germany. In North America, Bayer had 2007 net sales of 8.1 billion euros and employed 16,800 at year end. Bayer’s three subgroups, Bayer HealthCare, Bayer CropScience and Bayer MaterialScience, improve people’s lives through a broad range of essential products that help diagnose, prevent and treat diseases; protect crops and enhance yields; and advance automobile safety and durability.