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A technique has been developed for producing Light Fibers with Precision Lighting Elements, which emit side light in carefully controlled patterns for exterior lighting applications. Target specifications can now be satisfied with light delivered from a very small, robust package. Conventional lenses and reflectors are not required. Three exterior applications have been targeted: the Center High Mounted Stop Lamp (CHMSL), a Side Marker, and an Emergency Flasher. An optical model of each application has been built, for which basic input parameters are target distribution, fiber diameter, and fiber length. Fiber cores are manufactured with the desired optical elements; cladding and a reflective coating over the notches complete the Precision Lighting Element. Measured intensity distributions from prototypes meet the modeled performance expectations.

To insure adequate adherence of coatings to metal surfaces, the coil coating industry has historically used abrasive brushes to clean and prepare the substrate. The use of 3-dimensional, nonwoven abrasive brushes to generate a surface finish, remove contamination, and increase the bondability of the coating to the strip is highlighted in this report. The role of chemical cleaners, as well as other abrasive type brushes is also discussed. The continued production of Zincrometal and other precoated materials for use in automotive applications attests to the high performance levels that are achieved by the coil coating process.