K 2022: KURZ and WITTMANN show off joint automotive interior project

Fürth/Germany, September 19, 2022: K 2022, the world’s largest trade fair for industrial plastics processing, will take place in Düsseldorf from October 19 to 26, 2022. At this industry gathering, LEONHARD KURZ will present numerous innovative and sustainable solutions in 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 booth (Hall 5, A19), KURZ will also be presenting the Overhead Light Console (OHLC), a joint project from the automotive interior design sector, at the WITTMANN Group partner booth (Hall 12, Booth F23). The pioneering roof-lining control console will not only be presented as a finished component, but it will also be produced live on site. Thanks to its in-mold electronics, it can be used to control various functions such as the ambient light, reading light, and sliding roof. In addition to the injection molding machine manufacturer Wittmann Battenfeld, participating partners include the plastics specialist and manufacturer of complex plastic components Syntech Plastics, the light experts from Plastic Omnium, and the KURZ subsidiaries PolyIC (touch sensors) and BAIER (machine).

One-step process for the operating concept of tomorrow

The series-ready In-Mold Decoration process presented at the stand combines injection molding, in-mold integration of touch sensors, and IMD decoration in a 3D-shaped component in a single, highly efficient work step. Precisely positioned Shy Tech designs enable the creation of seamless, organic surfaces with maximum design freedom. Buttons and switches are obsolete here, saving material and energy. “The interior of vehicles is increasingly becoming a second living space. As a result, ambience, design, and the feel-good factor are becoming more and more important,” says 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, any surface can now be functionally equipped. Intelligent control and attractive design are perfectly implemented in our roof-lining concept. It impressively shows how modern technologies can replace multiple elements, switches, and controllers with a single, visually appealing component in a sustainable and efficient way.”

In addition to seven capacitive touch buttons, the concept component, based on a single sensor label, also offers a touch slider for controlling the ambient light as well as highly transparent buttons for operating the matrix LED reading light. Thanks to the previously mentioned Shy Tech design, the console only reveals its functionalities at a second glance - for example, when a call is received. But what makes the design stand out is the fact that almost all features can be customized. From backlighting and depth effects to different color variants and decors to customer-specific durability requirements, all conceivable variants can be realized. In addition to the black high-gloss look, surfaces can also be given super matte or even soft-touch effects. 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. If requested by customers, for example, recycled materials can be used for the component and deliver the same excellent production results as new material. The console is also fully recyclable - even the integrated touch sensors.

At a glance

K 2022 from October 19-26, 2022
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall 5, Stand A19
WITTMANN Group: Hall 12, Stand F23
Product group: Machines and equipment for finishing, decorating, printing, and marking
Focal points of the LEONHARD KURZ trade fair appearance: Automotive interior/exterior, consumer electronics, home appliances, sustainability