CES 2023: KURZ presents innovative and sustainable solutions for the automotive industry
Fürth/Germany, December 6, 2022: CES has been the most influential technology event in the world for many years. From January 5 to 8, 2023, global innovators from the electronics industry will once again converge on Las Vegas to present groundbreaking technologies. As part of the megatech event, LEONHARD KURZ will be presenting innovative and sustainable solutions for the automotive sector and more at stand 4367 in the automotive hall.
The theme of KURZ’s trade fair appearance this year is ‘Mission Infinity.’ In keeping with this, the exhibit of an automotive rear-end cover will demonstrate the almost infinite design options that designers and manufacturers can now enjoy. The rear cover application is one of the absolute highlights at the KURZ stand and is fully geared towards the megatrends of e-mobility and autonomous driving. It not only offers a continuous connected surface with large, seamless decoration, spectacular structures for 3D light effects and targeted light barriers, but it is also permeable to the sensor technology of autonomous vehicles.
Rear-end concept with sophisticated lighting design
KURZ will be presenting its rear-end cover concept at CES 2023 using a demonstration device and elaborately developed 3D animations of a vehicle rear, including light visualizations. The project was created in cooperation with Lightworks GmbH, one of the leading system houses for light development in Germany. Due to the bundled expertise of both partners, particularly detailed lighting designs with impressive color gradients and a multitude of effects for day and night designs can be implemented in component production. This innovative lighting concept enables communication with other road users, for example, and at the same time makes unmistakable brand statements. At the trade fair, digital demonstrations will be used to showcase various application options that can already be implemented directly today.
Complex technical component in one production step
The production of the rear-end cover is characterized above all by particular efficiency, as all processes can be implemented in a single work step thanks to advanced one-shot production. This is made possible by the combination of injection molding, In-Mold Decoration (IMD), and high-end insert technology from KURZ subsidiary Schöfer, which is also used here. For manufacturers, this means time- and cost-efficient production while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions.
The multi-edge cutter technology also enables the In-Mold Decoration technique (IMD) to be used in conjunction with a 2K material mix of ABS/PC and transparent PMMA. Deformation as well as contouring and decoration take place in a single work step, which can also include the integration of touch sensors in the In-Mold Electronics process if required. In a second step, various finishings, such as hot stamping or digital printing, can also be implemented. The underlying machine and process technology is ideal for the production of installation-ready, large, and geometrically complex components. The issue of sustainability was also factored in, as the components are recyclable as a whole and can then be reused as a post-industrial compound.
New for the automotive interior segment: BIOFENSE® 2.0 - Antiviral and heavy metal-free surface protection
With BIOFENSE®, the surface finishing expert from Fürth has been offering effective and long-term hygiene protection for plastic surfaces for a long time. KURZ will be presenting a new, heavy metal-free solution for surface hygiene at CES, which - in addition to antibacterial and antifungal properties - now also boasts a consistent antiviral effect. Surfaces finished with BIOFENSE® ANTIVIRAL therefore also effectively repels viruses such as SARS-Cov-2, which is why the technology is particularly recommended for HMI surfaces (Human-Machine Interface) and touch displays, but also for contact surfaces in door areas. In order for the effect to develop, only a small amount of light in the form of daylight is required. BIOFENSE® ANTIVIRAL can be used in IMD or insert molding processes and is equally effective in both, as confirmed by testing through renowned institutions. Independent laboratories have already confirmed its long-term effect according to ISO 21702.
The transparent coating is suitable for high-gloss surfaces and can be combined with creative designs, backlighting, and even Shy Tech elements. KURZ also kept sustainability in mind during development, as the components coated with BIOFENSE® ANTIVIRAL remain recyclable.
Online presence for CES 2023
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. Visit www.ces.kurz-automotive.com for detailed information and extras such as videos or 3D animations on CES products and topics.
At a glance
CES 2023 - from January 5 to 8, 2023
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Stand 4367
Our trade fair presentation focuses on automotive, consumer electronics, sustainability
