A team of engineering students from the Belgian Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, has unveiled Infinite, their tenth solar car, on 14 July 2023 during an event at the Port Authority Building House in the Port of Antwerp, Belgium. Infinite was painted at the Axalta Refinish Academy in Mechelen, Belgium. Moreover, it will take part in the Challenger Class of the 16th Bridgestone World Solar Challenge in Australia, from 22 to the 29 October 2023. It is the first World Solar Challenge since 2019. The team aims to break new ground with this innovative solar car.
Advanced Refinish Technology Driving Sustainability
Axalta applied its premium refinish brand Cromax® and Ultra Performance Energy System. Axalta powered the project with its revolutionary and patented Fast Cure Low Energy technology, applying it to the car at its world-class training facilities in Mechelen, Belgium. The advanced technology significantly reduces energy consumption in the spray booth, while still delivering exceptional repair quality. Importantly, it stands out as the only refinish system capable of drying at lower baking temperatures or through air drying at 20°C.
Members of the Innoptus Solar Team worked closely with Axalta’s technical experts throughout the refinishing process, carrying out essential preparation tasks including sanding, masking, cleaning, and demasking, while also ensuring the accurate placement of all logos on the vehicle. This sort of careful preparation helps maximize aerodynamic efficiency for the solar car.
A Partnership Built on Innovation and Teamwork
Pauline Vanvuchelen, Business Relations for the Innoptus Solar Team, says, “Having built a close partnership based on innovation, passion and teamwork since 2015, we were confident Axalta could handle our most aerodynamic entry yet. Not only are the Axalta experts incredibly skilful, but their guidance and input are invaluable in creating a car that looks amazing, makes sustainable personal transport a reality and is a contender to defend our 2019 World Championship title.” As a result, the solar car stands out in terms of both design and sustainability.
Shared Values of Innovation and Energy Efficiency
Koen Silverans, Axalta Refinish Academy Manager, Mechelen, says, “Every time we welcome the team to our facility, they are more forward-thinking than ever before. This year, it’s fair to say the Team and Infinite are the epitome of innovation, sustainability and energy saving – values we share and are which we match when they walk through the doors of our Axalta Refinish Academy. It is appropriate then that the unveiling took place at Havenhuis, as it is known in Dutch. Designed by Zaha Hadid, it symbolises the dynamic, reliable, ambitious and innovative nature of the Port of Antwerp – perfectly aligned to the values the Innoptus Solar Team and Axalta.” The pursuit of efficiency and performance remains critical for any solar car.
Lightweight Design Meets Aerodynamic Performance
Weight considerations are paramount for Infinite and the livery is no exception. The fewer paint products used, the lighter the car and more easily it can reach its full speed potential. Infinite’s livery comprises the brand colours of main sponsor Innoptus – white, dark blue, light blue and green. It is a complex pattern of flow lines. This includes a fade from dark to light blue. The logos on the nose were painted, while decals and stickers were used for the other logos. Three coats of clearcoat with a Xyrallic-effect pigment created the perfectly smooth, aerodynamic and fantastic reflectivity finish. This attention to detail gives the solar car an edge in competition.
About Axalta Refinish
Axalta Refinish – part of Axalta, a global leader in the coatings industry – is a valued, reliable global paint repair partner to our customers. They demand nothing short of total customer satisfaction. We give them confidence in our fast, efficient, high-quality coating technologies and integrated digital business processes. Therefore, this makes the entire paint repair journey faster, easier and more profitable. With more than 150 years of experience in the coatings industry, our dedication to innovation and our constantly developing technology means we offer our customers an unlimited colour choice for perfect colour matches. Most importantly, we work tirelessly to anticipate our customers’ needs. In turn, they can address the challenges they face every day. We have an impressive portfolio of brands for every bodyshop requirement, for every segment of the market, and for every level of market maturity.
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