IML In-Mold-Labeling
HEYCO uses in-mold labeling (IML) to produce foil-decorated 3D plastic parts with integrated graphics and functions, special surfaces and a special feel.
HEYCO prints foils with decors, symbols and conductor tracks, shapes foils with high pressure, punches them to contour and back-injects them using the in-mold labeling injection molding process.
The product range extends from switch covers to decorative interior and exterior trims of all kinds with integrated functions. These can be designed to meet individual customer requirements in terms of look, feel, symbolism, lighting design, function and geometry.
“In particular, the paradigm shifts in the design of vehicle interiors and vehicle sensors on the path from assisted to driverless driving are already leading to a lasting change in the range of parts in the IML division,” comments Dirk M. Schibisch, the Managing Director responsible. “While in the past it was mainly smaller components such as switch covers and bezels or dials that left the factory, we are seeing a trend towards larger components with integrated functions such as lighting or electronic functions. With the HEYtronic, HEYCO offers its customers injection-molded parts with a Class A surface and integrated capacitive functions,” Schibisch continues.
HEYCO – Production systems for foil printing and further processing
– Everything under one roof
Foil-decorated parts, especially those with large surfaces, place particular demands on the cleanliness of the processes. This is why HEYCO attaches great importance to integrating all process steps in-house, for the most part highly automated and always in accordance with the principles of clean production. At HEYCO, the entry of disruptive particles from outside, their carry-over and formation in the process is prevented by short distances – everything under one roof is to be taken literally.
The result:
3D plastic parts with integrated surface, graphics, feel and function
HEYCO also benefits from in-house experience in the IML division. Foil-decorated components are not only integrating more and more functions, they are also getting bigger and bigger. Here, the IML division uses the experience gained from injection molding production for technical plastic products and seamlessly transfers lessons learned to its own production. In addition to the small injection molding machines up to 200 tons that are common for IML, HEYCO is already using machine sizes up to 700 tons. This makes HEYCO one of the technology leaders when it comes to large-format IML components.
Innovations
HEYCO – With safety into the future
This is more than just a slogan for HEYCO, it is our program. Foil-decorated components are used today and tomorrow for high-quality interior applications. HEYCO has been a leading partner to Tier 1 suppliers for many years when it comes to visually and haptically appealing as well as technically complex and functionally integrated components.
In view of the redefinition of the vehicle interior and new safety systems due to new mobility concepts and autonomous driving, however, the demands on IML components will change permanently.
Reference applications for innovative IML components
While the focus remains on high-quality, technically complex components with integrated lighting and electronic functions, safety-relevant aspects are also being added.
Buzzwords such as radar, lidar, laser and video camera systems are dominating the discussion about the environmental sensors that are needed in vehicles on the road from assisted to autonomous driving.
Different sensor types are used together to make optimum use of the advantages of the different sensors. Their interaction leads to an optimized result in the perception of the surroundings.
HEYCO-IML components now form the bridge between the function of the sensors and their efficiency. On the one hand, functional components with sophisticated 3-dimensional structures and high recognition value, and on the other hand, protective elements for the various sensors without affecting their efficiency.
HEYCO offers all this from a single source.
Automotive 4.0
Steering wheel buttons
Automotive is and remains HEYCO’s DNA. We have accompanied every evolutionary stage of the automotive industry with our developments and are proud of our products, which always contribute to the enhancement of the interior.
HEYCO not only offers the entire range of different designs, which are printed in series in-house, but also masters the complexity of the design:
A challenge for many, but day-to-day business for HEYCO!
Let your creativity run free:
The HEYCO range now extends from simple panels and manual buttons to “HEYtronic – the next generation of intelligence”, thus spanning the arc from mechanics to electronics. For applications with high design requirements and the need for electronic functions, HEYCO offers capacitive input elements with the HEYtronic. Conductor tracks are printed directly onto foil and a functionally integrated IML component is produced in further process steps.
HEYCO – your partner for Automotive Interior Design 4.0!
Radar emblems
Driver assistance – Automated driving
ACC automatic distance control is an intelligent cruise control system. A speed set by the driver is not only maintained by Active Cruise Control, but also adjusted depending on the traffic ahead via braking and acceleration within the system limits. The ACC uses a radar sensor, a camera and the route data from the navigation system.
(Source: https://www.volkswagen-newsroom.com/de/automatische-distanzregelung-active-cruise-control-acc-3664)
ACC emblem
Non-Automotive
Our customers from the medical and household technology sectors also benefit from our strong development performance and the large number of different design variants. The requirements are always the same: decorative components with maximum functional integration.
Good cleaning and disinfection options are also important, especially in the medical and household sectors. IML components with continuous surfaces without joints offer the best conditions for this and are therefore always the first choice.
The look, feel, symbolism, lighting design, function and geometry can always be adapted to the application and individual customer requirements.
Control panel of a fully automatic coffee machine
