Visionary designs and sustainable finishing at CES 2022: KURZ presents trends for the consumer electronics of tomorrow
CES has been one of the world’s most influential tech events for decades. It is a tradition that milestones in the history of consumer electronics are presented here for the first time – such as the video recorder in 1970, the Blu-ray Disc in 2004, and televisions with OLED technology in 2012. After a fully virtual event in 2021, the organisers now invite everyone back to Las Vegas: From 5-7 January 2022, industry representatives can once again marvel at numerous highlights live – including the innovations from LEONHARD KURZ (Fürth, Germany). At stand 4567, the expert in plastic surface solutions will present spectacular and sustainable design concepts for the consumer electronics of tomorrow.
But what does the future of consumer electronics look like? KURZ will present the most important trends that will shape the industry in the coming years, using a digital design that has it all. Specially for CES, the international enterprise has designed an e-gaming drone that combines several groundbreaking technologies and once again successfully demonstrates KURZ’s multi-layered expertise.
KURZ uses hot stamping and IMD decoration to create fascinating designs with backlighting, haptic effects, and intelligent technologies under the surface. The integrated display of the drone impresses with its Shy Tech design, various backlighting effects, and intuitive touch operation. Thanks to the indium metallization used, both the antenna insert and the pioneering 5G standard are supported. Last but not least, the concept envisages the use of IMD BIOFENSE, which means that the surfaces can be equipped with antibacterial properties.
The touch operation of the drone is made possible by the capacitive sensors produced by KURZ subsidiary PolyIC. The design of these sensors has been optimised to implement functions that hide behind homogeneous, elegant surfaces and are only revealed when they are approached or touched. Both the carrier material and the sensors themselves are characterised by their high transparency. At the same time, the sensors consisting of wafer-thin metal-mesh silver structures are particularly robust and can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of component geometries.
The touch sensors from PolyIC can be recycled together with the component and are therefore not only highly efficient but also particularly sustainable. The IMD decoration used by KURZ to transfer the wafer-thin decorative layers, as well as the indium metallization, do not impair the recyclability of the components in any way. What’s more, the two methods can also reduce CO2 emissions in the production process. In particular, the fact that with IMD decoration the production and decoration of components take place in a single, highly efficient step, has a positive effect on the environmental balance. This once again clearly demonstrates the enormous importance of sustainability for KURZ.
In addition to hot stamping and IMD processes, other advanced decoration options can also be implemented, including carbon composite decoration. Using this lightweight decoration process, drone components such as rotor blades could be produced and decorated in a single work step by using fibre-reinforced plastics. The advantages of the one-step technique are obvious. Not only can manufacturers save up to 60 percent of traditional process costs, but the manufactured components are also particularly light and extremely stable and durable.
When we think of the underwater world, we usually associate it with bright colours, strong contrasts, and flowing movements. The KURZ Visionary Design Team has reinterpreted the sea and is launching a colourful design for surfaces in the consumer electronics sector at CES 2022: NEONESS instantly draws all eyes and is sure to be remembered. Its structures are reminiscent of underwater plants growing from the seabed. Targeted backlighting not only makes the neon colours shine brightly but also creates special depth effects and the impression of flowing movements. With its brand-new design collection, KURZ is presenting a futuristic trend that will prevail in the field of consumer electronics in the years to come. Bold, bright neon colours that transform every product into a real eye-catcher.
The designs KURZ is presenting at CES have one thing in common: They increasingly involve recycled plastics – a trend that is entirely in the spirit of the circular economy. The surface finishing expert showcases its expertise in the area of Design for Recycling and emphasises the company’s pioneering role in the area of sustainable plastic finishing.
LEONHARD KURZ is also using its trade fair presence in Las Vegas to showcase a comprehensive online presentation of the company’s innovations and exhibition highlights.
Caption: The touch operation of the drone showcased at CES is made possible by the capacitive sensors produced by KURZ subsidiary PolyIC (photo: KURZ)