Leonhard Kurz presents pioneering design concepts at IZB 2024
The International Suppliers Fair (IZB) will take place from 22 to 24 October 2024 in Wolfsburg, Germany. This year's show will focus on topics that are shaping the transformation of the automotive industry: digitalisation, electromobility and connected driving. According to a statement by the organisers, the European trade fair for automotive industry suppliers is the sector’s leading communication and business platform with more than 900 international exhibitors and around 45,000 visitors.
Leonhard Kurz is already developing pioneering solutions that support these trends and lay the foundation for the mobility of tomorrow. At Stand 1503 in Hall 1, the thin-film specialist from Fürth, Germany, will be showcasing advanced series-production-capable technologies for the design of decorative and functional surfaces in the interior and exterior of vehicles.
Brilliant design and smart technology
A highlight at the Kurz stand is the Crystal Steering Wheel design concept, which was developed in cooperation with Swarovski Mobility. The futuristic steering wheel is equipped with genuine Swarovski crystals, which lend the interior a touch of luxury and exclusivity. The backlit crystals can be color-coordinated with the vehicle interior and impress with their unique visual depth. But the actual groundbreaking innovation is only revealed at second glance: Thanks to the transparent sensor technology by Kurz subsidiary PolyIC, the fully ground crystals enable the control of various vehicle functions. The sensors consisting of wafer-thin metal-mesh silver structures can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of component geometries and do not affect the recyclability of plastic components.
Innovative automotive front panel concepts combine design and function
Autonomous driving requires cutting-edge technologies that enable reliable Car2X communication. At IZB, Kurz will be exhibiting a front panel that is radar- and LiDAR-permeable and thus meets the requirements of the future. At the same time, the concept impresses with its smooth, homogeneous surface, which is manufactured and finished in a single highly efficient work step, despite the impressive dimensions of 1,130 x 290 x 160 mm (W x H x D). This is made possible by Kurz's advanced In-Mold Decoration (IMD) process. In combination with hybrid technologies such as laser ablation, hot stamping or digital printing, this opens up numerous possibilities for decorating and customizing the front panel. At IZB, Kurz will demonstrate how the surface can be made translucent by laser engraving and can be provided with customer-specific brand statements such as logos or lettering. The front panel, which is made from polycarbonate, is also recyclable as a complete component.
Visitors to the Kurz stand will be able to discover another front panel concept, which has received the renowned SPE Automotive Award. The panel is finished using the pioneering Decopur process technology, which makes it possible to shape, decorate, and coat components made of polypropylene (PP) with a wafer-thin layer of polyurethane (PUR) in just one step. This results in high-gloss crystalline designs with many different design options. What’s special about it is that Decopur can also be used on components with complex geometries and provides them with a durable self-healing surface. KURZ recently managed to reduce the thickness of the Decopur layer to just 0.3 mm. This not only saves resources and costs but also reduces the weight of the component.
Aerodynamic rim inserts for optimised e-mobility
The advancing e-mobility places new demands on automotive components. They should not only combine design and functionality but also contribute to reducing weight and increasing range. With this need in mind, Kurz teamed up with the wheel manufacturer Ronal Group and developed an innovative design concept for aerodynamic rim inserts, which ensures reduced air resistance and at the same time minimizes noise development when driving. The rim inserts are manufactured via injection molding and refined using the series-capable and patented Hot Stamping Performance+ process by Kurz. The efficient, energy-saving technology completely eliminates environmentally harmful chrome (VI), significantly reduces CO2 emissions compared to electroplating, and is also ideally suitable for the use of recycled materials. Hot Stamping Performance+ also enables a wide range of delicate designs, such as gradients in different color shades, sophisticated real chrome looks, or holographic effects.
About Leonhard Kurz
Leonhard Kurz is a leading thin-film technology specialist with more than 5,500 employees at more than 30 locations worldwide. KURZ develops and produces decorative and functional layers, including for the printing, packaging, and the plastics industry, for banknotes and ID documents, as well as for the automotive, electronics and medical technology sectors. The company's comprehensive product portfolio ranges from decorative and smart interactive surface finishes, to design consulting and security concepts for product and brand protection. Together with its subsidiaries, Kurz offers solutions for digital embellishment, cold transfer, hot stamping, related printing and embossing machines and embossing tools. Kurz is also developing its own recycling programs, is a UN Global Compact participant and has been repeatedly recognised by EcoVadis for its sustainability activities.
Caption 1: A highlight at the Kurz stand at IZB 2024 is the Crystal Steering Wheel design concept, which was developed in cooperation with Swarovski Mobility. The futuristic steering wheel is equipped with genuine Swarovski crystals, which lend the interior a touch of luxury and exclusivity. The backlit crystals can be color-coordinated with the vehicle interior and impress with their unique visual depth.
Caption 2: At IZB 2024, Kurz will be showcasing advanced series-production-capable technologies for the design of decorative and functional surfaces in the interior and exterior of vehicles.
Source: Leonhard Kurz