Evaluation of antifingerprint properties of plastic surfaces used in automotive components

Abstract

The antifingerprint properties of a range of surfaces produced with different technologies (in-mould decoration, in-mould labeling, and painted) were objectively evaluated by depositing on them in standard conditions an artificial fingerprint for direct determination of its visibility. The artificial fingerprint behaves similarly to the real human fingerprints. A classification method is then proposed to classify surfaces on the base of antifingerprint properties by measuring the roughness profile (Ra) and calculating the % variation of gloss (GU 20 and 60°), haze, luminance (L), and diffuse reflectance (R) values after fingerprint deposition. This approach provides an objective and quantitative test method to determine visual antifingerprint properties of coated surfaces, instead of the “easy-to-clean” properties commonly evaluated. The data acquired provides a design guideline for fabricating visually fingerprint-free surfaces by controlling roughness, texture, color, and transparency of surfaces, with the aim of optically masking fingerprints.