Precise Measurements and Simplified Production Scalability
While LiDAR technology has existed since the 1960s, it is only now gaining significant momentum due to several innovative advancements. ULTEM™, SABIC's PEI, has contributed to this progress. This high-performance material is utilized in one of the most demanding components of the LiDAR sensor, the optical carrier. Here, ULTEM replaces the long-used metal, not only contributing to cost reduction but also ensuring precise measurements, simplified production scalability, and reliable sensor functionality through its excellent dimensional stability.
Complex Optical Carrier Design for Blickfeld's First Intelligent LiDAR Sensor
LiDAR, which stands for Light Detection And Ranging, is an optical sensing technology that provides highly accurate three-dimensional measurements of any environment and object using laser sensors. The optical carrier is a key component of the device, as this highly complex, miniaturized part houses the essential optics and microelectronics, making it crucial for precise measurements and reliable sensor functionality.
Blickfeld, based in Munich, is a leading company in LiDAR technology. The company offers specialized LiDAR solutions for applications including security systems, building and object protection, and crowd analytics. It has not only introduced the first LiDAR sensor capable of both capturing and instantly processing 3D data, but has also replaced a key component: the innovative solution behind the Qb2 is ULTEM™.
ULTEM™ is a Solution in the Growing LiDAR Market
“ULTEM™ offered a clear solution to the desire to replace aluminum in their new compact optical carrier. LiDAR is a growing market, and we are proud that our advanced material and design support has once again proven its ability to help customers solve the design challenges of structural applications in optoelectronics,” states Dr. David Elvers, PhD, Business Development Manager at SABIC Specialties.
Versatile ULTEM: Metal Replacement for Numerous Industries and Products
ULTEM™ PEI is a high-performance polymer capable of withstanding high temperatures, exhibiting high strength and stiffness, and characterized by low creep behavior. Its reliable maintenance of dimensional tolerances in all directions across a wide temperature range ensures the high optical performance of the LiDAR sensor in diverse environments. Therefore, it was a logical decision for the designers of the German LiDAR specialist to opt for ULTEM instead of the aluminum carrier previously used in their devices. The easier processing, scalability, and cost reduction justify this innovative step. With its excellent properties, versatile ULTEM also presents a valuable alternative as a metal replacement for numerous other industries and products.
