What material is the black plastic shell of the headlight?
2 Answers
The black plastic shell of the headlight is made of polycarbonate plastic. Reasons for using polycarbonate plastic: Compared to glass, plastic has strong elasticity. Under non-violent impact conditions, it has a buffering effect and is not easily broken. Even if it breaks, it causes much less harm to pedestrians or animals on the road than glass. Plastic is better than glass in terms of mechanical properties, strong plasticity, stable chemical properties resistant to acid and alkali corrosion, and light weight. Glass: In the past, vehicles used glass lamp covers mainly due to technological limitations at that time. The strength and transparency of plastic could not match the high transparency of glass, and it could not maintain its shape and color under strong light or high temperatures. Nowadays, plastic lamp covers can achieve the transparency and color stability of glass, and glass is significantly heavier than plastic.
When talking about the black plastic housing of car headlights, I have to mention the material. It's usually made of polycarbonate plastic, commonly referred to as PC in the industry. This is an engineering plastic known for its high-temperature resistance and impact strength. Imagine how hot the headlight bulb gets when it's on—ordinary plastic would deform under such conditions. But PC can withstand temperatures above 120°C without softening. It also has impact-resistant properties, protecting the bulb from shattering if a stone hits it. The black color isn't arbitrary; the dye treatment reduces internal light reflection, making the beam more focused. From my research, modern vehicles use this lightweight material to reduce weight and improve fuel efficiency. However, it may yellow over time, but regular cleaning with a soft cloth and mild detergent can slow down aging. Be careful not to scratch it while driving—though durable, scratches can affect its appearance.
