DuPont Electronics and Communications and TactoTek are collaborating to meet the growing demand for in-mold electronics (IME) solutions. DuPont plans to offer advanced materials and TactoTek plans to offer innovative designs that will work together focusing on touch controls, illumination, and connected intelligence for automotive and home appliance markets.
“The anticipated DuPont and TactoTek IME solutions will allow user interface designers and engineers to create touch control surfaces that are beautiful, functional, and durable. The resulting parts can significantly reduce the weight, assembly effort, and overall cost of the product,†said Michael Burrows, global venture leader, DuPont. “DuPont is very excited to extend and enhance our collaborations with TactoTek to bring these compelling solutions to customers.â€
IME integrates flexible circuitry and electronic components into three-dimensional molded plastics. By printing circuits directly onto plastic substrates, product designers can integrate touch controls, lighting, and antennas in applications such as washing machines, dryers, refrigerators, as well as automotive consoles, dashboards, steering wheels and armrests. An IME control panel eliminates complex, thick, and heavy multi-layer assemblies typical of traditional electronics designs and can be as thin as 2mm. DuPont and TactoTek’s collaboration is resulting in the advancement of materials, design, prototyping, and fabrication processes for IME.
“By encapsulating the complexity of numerous discrete sub-parts into a single solution, IMSE technology greatly simplifies electronics integration and offers new degrees of design freedom,†noted Dave Rice, senior vice president, marketing at TactoTek. “Together with DuPont, we can educate designers and engineers about IME design rules so they can access the full benefits of the technology. Several customer projects are already underway, and we are excited to expand our customer base in conjunction with DuPont.â€
TactoTek is a leading provider of solutions for Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE) that integrate printed circuitry and electronic components into 3D injection molded plastics. Leading use cases include in-vehicle applications, home/industrial appliances, and wearable technology. TactoTek adapts customer designs to IMSE technology, develops mass production ready prototypes, and mass produces or licenses the technology for 3rd party mass production.
