Research on Light Transmission Technology of Wood Veneer for Automotive Interior Smart Surfaces

Automotive wooden interiors are increasingly popular among consumers for their excellent appearance and texture. However, low light transmittance limits their application in automotive interior smart surfaces. This study explores light transmission technology for wood veneer in automotive interiors, proposing two solutions based on the properties of wood veneer: the light-transmitting veneer solution and the laser-engraved beacon solution. Both solutions were tested through production experiments to evaluate the light transmission effects and process feasibility. Experimental results show that the light-transmitting veneer solution significantly improves the light transmittance of wood veneers through material modification, but instability in structure and materials leads to the difficulty of presenting a better light transmission effect. In contrast, the laser-engraved beacon solution achieves clear and stable light transmission effects by directly processing light-transmitting beacons on the veneer, effectively avoiding interference from surface paint. To further address the issue of veneer fragility around the beacon areas, the solution was optimized, and the laser-engraved micro-perforated beacon solution was proposed. After testing, the optimal micro-perforation diameter (0.25 mm) and micro-perforation spacing (0.25 mm) were finally determined for the laser-engraved micro-perforated beacon solution. This research provides innovative solutions for the application of wood veneer in automotive interiors, promoting the personalization and intelligence of automotive interior design.