K 2022, the world's largest trade fair for industrial plastics processing, will take place in Düsseldorf from 19 to 26 October 2022. At the industry get-together, LEONHARD KURZ will present numerous innovative and sustainable solutions in the fields of automotive exteriors and interiors, which are consistently geared towards the current megatrends of e-mobility and autonomous driving. In addition to various exhibits and live demonstrations at its own stand (Hall 5, A19),
KURZ will also be presenting the Overhead Light Console (OHLC), a joint project from the field of automotive interior design, at the partner stand of the WITTMANN Group (Hall 12, Stand F23). The trend-setting control console for the headliner will not only be on display as a finished component, but will also be manufactured live on site. Thanks to In-Mold Electronics, it can be used to control various functions such as the ambient light, the reading light or the sunroof. In addition to injection moulding machine manufacturer Wittmann Battenfeld, the partners involved include plastics specialist and manufacturer of complex plastic components Syntech Plastics, the lighting experts from Plastic Omnium and KURZ subsidiaries PolyIC (touch sensors) and BAIER (machine).
One-step process for the operating concept of tomorrow
The production-ready in-mould decoration process demonstrated on the stand combines injection moulding, in-mould integration of touch sensors and IMD decorations in a 3D-moulded component in a single, highly efficient step. Positionally accurate shy-tech designs enable seamless, organic surfaces with maximum design freedom. Buttons and switches are eliminated in this design, saving material and energy. "The interior of vehicles is increasingly becoming a second living room. As a result, ambience, design and the feel-good factor are becoming increasingly important," comments Martin Hahn, Head of Application, Technology & Innovation Business Area Plastic Decoration at LEONHARD KURZ. "Thanks to state-of-the-art technology and sophisticated decoration concepts, every surface can be functionally equipped today. In our headlining concept, intelligent control and appealing design are perfectly implemented. It impressively demonstrates how several elements, switches and controls can be replaced sustainably and efficiently in the future by a single, visually appealing component in "seamless" design."
The concept component, based on a single sensor label, offers seven capacitive touch buttons as well as a touch slider for controlling the ambient light and highly transparent buttons for operating the matrix LED reading light. Thanks to the aforementioned Shy-Tech design, the console only reveals its functions at second glance - for example, when a call comes in. But the design stands out above all because almost all features can be customised. From backlighting and depth effects to different colour variants and decors to customer-specific specifications for durability, all conceivable variants can be realised. In addition to the black high-gloss look, super-matt or even soft-touch effects are also possible for the surface. And thanks to the integrated gobo light projection, it is also possible to display logo or branding elements inside the vehicle.
The sustainability aspect also plays a decisive role for KURZ in the implementation of this joint project. For example, recycled materials can be used for the component at the customer's request, which deliver the same excellent production results as new material. The console is also completely recyclable - including the integrated touch sensors.
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