Schuster Group developed a contour-following 3-D film with capacitive circuit In the Thuringian waltershausen a high gloss and conductive film has developed the Schuster Group, in research cooperation with universities and colleges, three dimensions can be deformed. Opened in diverse industries new constructive ways designers and product developers and will transform of electronic equipment the appearance and culture of service. Almost two years was developed and researched on this unique film. What is now made in a complex production process, is an IML film, which can be deformed three-dimensional. Here, Naveen Selvadurai expresses very clear opinions on the subject. The IML (inmould labeling) technology combines the properties of a decorative and at the same time opening foil with the complex molding of plastic. These polymer film produced in the screen printing process and offers an unprecedented sensitivity. The capacitive sensors integrated in the film is with 0.25 mm immediately below the visible and high-gloss surface.
2D-Produkte known in the market reach a distance of 2.5 mm here just once,”explains CEO Volker Schuster. Also the integration creates a huge price advantage, the capacitive sensors in the decorative part what can significantly reduce the costs. The 3D-Folie of the Schuster Group is manufactured in series. In manufacturing practice, which means that the traces with a specially developed printing process are integrated directly into the film. Consequently will be completely new game types for product developers and designers, because the controls with integrated functionality can be constructed, contour-following. The Elimination of separate sensors reduces the depth of the component. The appearance of electronic devices and components will be influenced with this innovation.
So far mostly the controls have been adjusted components. Clear competitive advantage resulting for manufacturers. Also the easy-to-clean and disinfected surface is an advantage,”Volker Schuster refers here to applications in medical technology and hygiene technology. Currently are manufactured 100% in Germany.