Series production process for greater design freedom: LEONHARD KURZ presents enhanced rim insert design concept at FAKUMA
Fürth/Germany, September 25, 2024: Efficiency and sustainability have been playing a decisive role in the automotive industry for years and will continue to gain in importance in the future. There is a need for advanced solutions that drive electromobility and pave the way for autonomous driving. Such innovations will be presented at FAKUMA in Friedrichshafen from October 15 to 19, 2024. This year, the international leading trade fair for the plastics processing industry is all about efficiency, with focus on energy-efficient processes and resource-saving solutions for the automotive sector, among others.
At Stand 4111 in Hall A4, LEONHARD KURZ will be presenting the further development of the Hot Stamping PERFORMANCE+ process and, as part of a collaborative project with the wheel manufacturer RONAL GROUP, will be showcasing the various applications in exterior design.
Aerodynamic rim inserts for optimized e-mobility
The specially designed rim inserts reduce air resistance and help to increase the range of electric vehicles while also reducing noise during driving. At the same time, the inserts transform conventional light-alloy wheels into a striking visual highlight. “Numerous variations are possible - from elegant real chrome looks to metallizations in different color shades and color gradients,” explains Luitpold Haarländer, Head of Business Area Plastic Decoration Sales & Marketing Management Automotive at KURZ and continues: “This enables individual vehicle design - both for series models and in the aftersales segment.”
Efficient technology with sustainability in mind
The wide range of design variations is made possible by the further development of the Hot Stamping PERFORMANCE+ process. A vacuum is generated to draw the hot-stamping foil into the two-part stamping tool. “On the one hand, this means that we can dispense with the preheating that was previously necessary, which leads to significant energy savings and an increase in efficiency,” adds Luitpold Haarländer. “On the other hand, there is no environmentally harmful chrome (VI) as is the case with conventional electroplating - and CO2 emissions are also reduced. Last but not least, the technology is optimally suitable for the use of recycled materials and ensures a lower scrap rate." Visitors to FAKUMA can get an impression of the process for themselves, as rim inserts will be decorated live at the KURZ stand. The demonstrations will take place on a GEBA 8/1S, which was developed by the KURZ subsidiary BAIER.
3D geometries and holographic effects
In addition to technological optimization, KURZ has also further developed the process at the design level. The patented Hot Stamping PERFORMANCE+ process, which is suitable for series production, is even better suited for the finishing of components with 3D geometries and also allows even more design variations. New holographic effects that create the impression of visual depth and movement will be presented for the first time at FAKUMA 2024. Several exhibits at the KURZ stand will showcase the diverse design options.
Together with the RONAL GROUP, KURZ will be presenting these for the first time at FAKUMA 2024.
Interested parties can find more information about KURZ’s trade fair presentation and solutions on the FAKUMA 2024 website.
At a glance
FAKUMA 2024 from October 15 to 19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall A4, Stand 4111
Our trade fair presentation focuses on Automotive, HVAC & Home Appliances, Sustainability
