Painted and Color-Pigmented Elastomerics for Bumper Stone Deflectors

Painted and color-pigmented elastomerics, specifically painted microcellular urethane and ethylene propylene terpolymer (EPDM), and painted and color pigmented vinyls are being employed extensively as highly flexible bumper stone deflectors on 1973 passenger vehicles built in the United States. The urethane parts are fabricated by a cast process; the EPDM is extruded, compression and injection molded; and the vinyls are extruded or injection molded. The urethanes and some vinyl are painted by conventional paint processes, whereas the EPDM is treated by a specific surface activation prior to painting. A wide range of colors, including metallics, are used to match the painted body to provide color continuity. On some vehicles, black, argents, and grey colors are employed where the stone deflector is not as highly visible or where a pleasing color contrast is desired.