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November 5, 2024
New Automotive Lighting Effects Made Possible Thanks to IMD Technology
Leonhard Kurz’s recent advancements in in-mold decoration (IMD) technology highlight the crucial role of injection molding in creating sophisticated, energy-efficient automotive lighting solutions. At Fakuma in Germany, Kurz showcased this technology, developed with ams Osram, which integrates mini-LEDs directly into decorated panels using a process that combines IMD with functional foil bonding (FFB).
This process relies heavily on the precision and control offered by injection molding. A complex foil system containing layers of hard coat, decoration, patterning, and primer is fixed in the mold using vacuum technology. During the injection process, heat and pressure activate the primer, bonding the foil securely to the plastic substrate, while a hard coat remains on the outer surface for added durability. This process ensures that mini-LEDs embedded within the foil remain functional and intact, even under the stress of molding.
By embedding lighting directly into the plastic panel during molding, the IMD-FFB approach reduces installation time and minimizes the need for separate light modules, creating slimmer, lighter components. Kurz’s technology also allows for custom 3D lighting effects and versatile design options, including contoured or flat structures. This injection molding integration ultimately provides a highly adaptable, streamlined production process for automotive manufacturers, combining efficient lighting functionality with the aesthetic flexibility of in-mold decoration. Learn more about this topic here.
This process relies heavily on the precision and control offered by injection molding. A complex foil system containing layers of hard coat, decoration, patterning, and primer is fixed in the mold using vacuum technology. During the injection process, heat and pressure activate the primer, bonding the foil securely to the plastic substrate, while a hard coat remains on the outer surface for added durability. This process ensures that mini-LEDs embedded within the foil remain functional and intact, even under the stress of molding.
By embedding lighting directly into the plastic panel during molding, the IMD-FFB approach reduces installation time and minimizes the need for separate light modules, creating slimmer, lighter components. Kurz’s technology also allows for custom 3D lighting effects and versatile design options, including contoured or flat structures. This injection molding integration ultimately provides a highly adaptable, streamlined production process for automotive manufacturers, combining efficient lighting functionality with the aesthetic flexibility of in-mold decoration. Learn more about this topic here.
November 23, 2024
Advancing Eco-Friendly Automotive Solutions: LS Mtron and Hyundai Collaboration
Advancing Eco-Friendly Automotive Solutions: LS Mtron and Hyundai Collaboration
In a strategic partnership, LS Mtron and Hyundai Motor Company are pushing the boundaries of sustainable automotive manufacturing. The collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on October 23, 2024, focuses on leveraging advanced injection molding technologies to produce lightweight automotive parts using post-consumer recycled (PCR) materials. This initiative aligns with the growing emphasis on eco-friendly manufacturing and lightweighting for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Key aspects of the partnership include addressing common challenges in injection molding, such as shrinkage-related sink marks and surface imperfections caused by resin foaming. LS Mtron’s hybrid physical foam injection molding technology is central to the solution, utilizing high-pressure gas injection to create lightweight, porous structures. This innovation not only enhances part quality but also supports mass production of large components like door garnishes.
The partnership also incorporates LS Mtron’s state-of-the-art 1300-ton injection molding machine, which combines multi-component and foam molding processes. This enables precise, high-strength, lightweight production, reducing costs and ensuring consistent quality. By integrating PCR materials into production, the collaboration supports Hyundai's sustainability goals, advancing practices that reduce carbon footprints.
LS Mtron's Vice President Chan-seong Park emphasized the long-term commitment to enhancing quality and sustainability in automotive manufacturing. Similarly, Hyundai's Jin-seok Choi highlighted the establishment of a consultative body to drive active research and development under the partnership. Together, these efforts promise significant contributions to eco-friendly innovation in the automotive sector. Learn more about this topic here.
Key aspects of the partnership include addressing common challenges in injection molding, such as shrinkage-related sink marks and surface imperfections caused by resin foaming. LS Mtron’s hybrid physical foam injection molding technology is central to the solution, utilizing high-pressure gas injection to create lightweight, porous structures. This innovation not only enhances part quality but also supports mass production of large components like door garnishes.
The partnership also incorporates LS Mtron’s state-of-the-art 1300-ton injection molding machine, which combines multi-component and foam molding processes. This enables precise, high-strength, lightweight production, reducing costs and ensuring consistent quality. By integrating PCR materials into production, the collaboration supports Hyundai's sustainability goals, advancing practices that reduce carbon footprints.
LS Mtron's Vice President Chan-seong Park emphasized the long-term commitment to enhancing quality and sustainability in automotive manufacturing. Similarly, Hyundai's Jin-seok Choi highlighted the establishment of a consultative body to drive active research and development under the partnership. Together, these efforts promise significant contributions to eco-friendly innovation in the automotive sector. Learn more about this topic here.
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