TECHNOLOGY | IML AND IMD
Left: In a single
production step, the KraussMaffei PX 320 created a complete 10-inch display with integrated electron- ics, black decorative frame and scratch- proof coating
electrical conductivity is up to ten times higher,
while at the same time exhibiting excellent optical transparency. The thin functional films are mechani- cally robust and elastic which, in contrast to ITO sensors, enables them to be integrated not only into flat but also curved plastic components. The layout of the sensors can be precisely
tailored to the specific requirements for conductiv- ity and transparency. The sensors are suitable for a wide range of touch panel sizes, whether it be multi-touch large displays or small steering wheel sensors. The capacitive touch sensors are multi- touch capable, and any arbitrary location on the display can be equipped with touch functions, while still allowing the entire display field to be backlit. PolyTC sensors offer a good level of transmission, thereby enabling the entire display area to be backlit with clarity and colour fidelity. They are therefore suitable for use not only in consumer electronics touchscreens, but also for home appliance touch panels, or gesture-con- trolled automotive interior ambient lighting. PolyTC sensors are manufactured in high volumes in an efficient roll-to-roll process. These space and weight saving sensor films can be applied to the rear of plastic panels by means of high-speed industrial processes. They can be integrated not only in an adhesive-based laminating process, but also by means of IML or by functional foil bonding, a process similar to hot stamping. In contrast to ITO sensors, the electrical connection (tail) is integrated directly in the printing process and only needs to be connected to the controller. The sensor is then immediately functional. According to Henrik Langwald, Business Develop-
ment Director Automotive, Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Europe, the trend towards autonomous driving is also influencing how the interior of vehicles can be designed. Materials in the future will play a greater role in creating a sensory experience. For example, smart cars will use IMD films with sensors to create touch functionalities. This will likely reduce the number of components within the car’s interior. In order to illustrate the potential possibilities, Sumi- tomo (SHI) Demag, in partnership with Kurz, recently
20 INJECTION WORLD | June 2019
unveiled a new online video showcasing the making, marking and quality check of a highly innovative door trim with a high gloss day/night design. The fully automated Systec Servo cleanroom
cell, which features a six axis robot with gripper, will be on show at K 2019. The cell incorporates IMD to create a super-sleek day/night design car door trim in less than 50 s. Once decorated using advanced IMD, foil is then added to the door trim panel during the bonding process to provide touch functionality. Process data is then integrated into the higher-level MES to generate the unique data matrix sensor, which is bonded to the part to give each individual part its traceability data. Kurz has also collaborated with KraussMaffei to demonstrate how an all-electric PX 320 injection moulding machine was able to produce HMI displays with IML electric film and IMD decorated film – decoration and function in one. In a single production step, the PX 320 created a complete ten-inch display with integrated electronics, black decorative frame and scratch-proof coating. For this purpose, a six-axis robot inserts the IML film with printed conductor paths on the nozzle side. In addition, on the ejector side, an IMD film with single-image decor runs through the mould, transferring its paint with design layer and UV- hardening top coat to the component. KraussMaffei adds that besides the IMD film for the display, another film runs through the mould and provides a second cavity with another decor. This is possible due to the IMD SI Duo film feed from Kurz, which is the first worldwide to be able to position two single-image decors independently of each other with a hundredth of a millimetre accuracy, for which a patent is pending. Customers benefit from the use of multi-cavity moulds, and can thus increase output and flexibility in production.
CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: �
www.muller-iml.com �
www.itc-packaging.com �
www.verstraete-iml.com �
www.leonhard-kurz.com �
www.polyic.com �
www.proell.de �
www.rpc-astrapak.com �
www.sumitomo-shi-demag.eu �
www.kraussmaffei.com
Right: Door trim concept with high gloss day/ night design
www.injectionworld.com
PHOTO: KURZ
PHOTO: KRAUSSMAFFEI
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