Input systems where optics and haptics matter a lot
Design variety thanks to In-Mold-Decoration
How does In-Mold-Decoration work?
The central manufacturing process takes place in an injection molding machine, in which the plastic parts are not only formed, but also decorated and functionalized. This has the advantage that a control panel with integrated display can be decorated on the front side in one process step and functionalized on the back side by back-injecting foils with conductor tracks. No further secondary operations are required; additional costs and time are eliminated. Another advantage of in-mold decoration is that the process allows innovative surface designs that are not only aesthetic but also very robust.
The advantages of IMD
- Great flexibility in design
- Also suitable for complex or three-dimensional geometries
- Long service life
- Stable compound / surface
- Durability of the graphics
- High abrasion and chemical resistance
- Eliminated interfaces, simplified processes
Successfully implemented IMD customer example
Climeo - this is the name of the innovative "Indoor Climate System", which was developed and produced by the Swiss start-up company of the same name. This concept makes it possible to regulate temperature and air supply at the touch of a button and for each room individually.
For the core element, the RoomMaster control unit, Climeo has brought on board our vF partner Design Engineering Zurich and MICHEL ITC.
Due to the special three-dimensional shape of the control unit, it quickly became clear that the In-Mold-Decoration process (IMD) was the best choice here. This made it possible to catch several birds with one stone: on the one hand, all the design elements desired by the customer - including the gloss effect - could be implemented on the operating foil. On the other hand, fusing the operating foil with the plastic part created a stable, high-quality composite in just one single step. Last but not least, this production method required the least space. This meant that the planned eInk display could be optimally integrated with the IMD composite even in the tight space available.
Known how!
Together with our partners, we also convert your ideas into surprising surface designs including functional touch control. Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation at +41 (0)56 675 30 00 or e-mail. We look forward to hearing from you.
