In-Mold Electronics

Smart Structural Surfaces™

In-Mold Electronics (IME) have revolutionized the manufacturing process for surface-mounted components. IME technology is a crucial part of a Human Machine Interface (HMI), and combines in-mold decorating (IMD) with functional electronics. The result is a Smart Structural Surface™ that moves beyond bulky tech boxes and transforms traditional electronics and control panels into smart, curved, and freeform surfaces.

The IME process incorporates electronic components, lighting, in-mold decoration for overlays, and conductive ink onto curved surfaces, creating a functionally enhanced finished product. The ability to create smart functional surfaces is not only the most advanced offering from e2ip, but it also represents the most advanced offering in our industry when it comes to the utilization of in-mold electronics. In-mold electronics unite and showcase the full range of e2ip Technologies’ manufacturing capabilities, expertise and technical innovation.

Smart Structural Surfaces™ are truly the future of HMI.

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Smart Molded e2ip Video
Intuitive Interactions Molded to the Moment
'The Making of' Smart Structural Surfaces™

Manufacturing an IME product combines the innovative and expertly planned integration of many technologies and processes. The core electronic circuitry is typically printed, using conductive inks. These printed electronics allow for fewer parts and a reduction in size. Thermoforming techniques are then applied to create the desired shape, which provides more design freedom than an injection molding process. Finally, additional components such as lighting, or antennas may be layered in to meet the desired functionality.

Smart Structural Surfaces™ offer the most advanced HMI products under today’s standards: lightweight, low-cost, highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. From ideation to fabrication and beyond – through to everyday use in action – all aspects of IME embody the essence of being optimal in every way.

Elevated Function

Smart Structural Surfaces™ can be seen in products including, but not limited to, medical, whitegoods, and sleek, interactive automotive interiors. They are also used in aircraft interior design where the armrest and controls are one and the same, in a single, lightweight, curved unit with fully integrated electronics. It is truly a technology that can span any industry.

As the functionality of smart surfaces progresses and manufacturing processes permit greater design flexibility, electronics will seamlessly disappear into minimalistically styled objects all around us. Buttons and moving parts can be bulky, difficult to clean and can have reduced durability. Smart Structural Surfaces™ strip them away, offering the design freedom to develop products that are both sleek and highly functional. This is true experiential design captured in elegant, minimalistic style.

Awards

e2ip IME can be used in various applications such as medical, consumer, and aerospace. Notably, our In-Mold Electronic technology won the aerospace industries’ prestigious Crystal Cabin Awards 2020 in the Materials and Components category.

IME represents our dedication to continuous innovation – constantly pushing the boundaries of the most advanced methods in our field to new heights.

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Surfaces Like Never Before

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Key Features
  • Design freedom
  • Improved reliability and durability
  • Space and weight saving
  • Cost-effective
  • Improved touch performance
  • Ergonomic design
  • Ease of assembly
  • Streamlined manufacturing
  • Low carbon footprint
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Industries
  • Aerospace
  • Medical
  • Consumer
  • White goods
  • Automotive
Applications
  • Passenger control units
  • Remote controls
  • Galley insert control panels
  • Cabin management system interfaces
  • Patient monitor systems
  • Home appliances
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Download the datasheet to see full technological specifications including electrical, mechanical, environmental and certifications.

DOWNLOAD  THE  DATASHEET

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