The Importance of High-Quality Materials in Vehicle Safety Hardware

Lenora Clark
Director of Autonomous Driving and Safety Technology
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions

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We are on the cusp of a major breakthrough within the world of automotive. Among the changes that are set to redefine every facet of mobility are developments such as electrification and autonomous driving.

These changes will extend far beyond the vehicles themselves, transforming the entire mobility ecosystem. Underpinning this transformation is an explosion in connectivity, which has the potential to deliver significant safety, efficiency and convenience benefits.

To truly realize the benefits that vehicle safety systems can offer, we need components and materials that can accommodate the demands that advanced applications will place on them. Simply put, the performance of the vehicle safety hardware is only as good as the materials used in their construction.  

Take solder joints for example, and their potential for failure in electronic components. As a technical expert, I cannot stress enough the criticality of material fractures in vehicle safety hardware, and how even a single material failure can have serious consequences.

Vehicle safety applications generate large volumes of critical data necessary for ensuring the safety of vehicle users. However, this increased data consumption puts strain on the materials used in these applications. The high and fluctuating temperatures experienced during operation cause components to expand and contract, leading to wear and tear. Fractures within the materials can ultimately result in system failures. Therefore, the selection of materials is vital as it directly impacts the durability and reliability of the overall systems.  

Automakers are increasingly prioritizing the choice of high-quality materials that can withstand the harsh conditions of everyday use, considering the significant implications at stake. This means gaining a detailed understanding of performance on a material level. By conducting rigorous testing and analysis, automakers can ensure that materials within their vehicle safety will remain reliable and effective throughout the lifespan of a vehicle.  

To learn how material selection can enhance the operation of automotive electronics in harsh environments listen to our exclusive webinar, ‘Driving Confidence: Overcoming Reliability Challenges in Vehicle Safety Electronics’ hosted by GlobalSpec. Ebad Rehman, Product Manager for Solder Paste, discussed the latest advancements in semiconductor packaging, exploring innovative materials and solutions that improve board-level reliability, thermomechanical resilience, and electrochemical performance.

For more information on how to view this webinar on demand, contact us here: Contact Us | MacDermid Alpha