In Mould Technology from A. & J. Stöckli AG

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Plastic parts with innovative decoration and sensor technology

A. & J. Stöckli AG – your partner for innovative in-mould decoration & labelling technology and functional integration

 

Innovative design for bezels and touch displays

Designer panels and control panels made of plastic are widespread in automotive engineering and household appliances. The appearance of these components is changing rapidly. The trend goes towards elegant touch or gesture control surfaces that are integrated directly into the touch display as the first step in the off-screen area. We offer suitable manufacturing processes for the reliable implementation of these constructions.

Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz

The classic hot stamping process is traditionally suitable for applying continuous designs to flat or minimally curved surfaces. IMD technology begins where hot stamping reaches its limits. We manufacture components with 3D geometry and integrated intelligence, as typically found in household appliances, using IMD (In Mould Decoration) and IML (In Mould Labelling) processes.

Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz

The appearance of user interfaces is currently changing significantly. In particular, mechanical buttons and switches are disappearing.

Mit zunehmender Digitalisierung steigen ebenso die Anforderungen in Bezug auf Funktionsintegration vor allem im Bereich der Elektronik. Die Blende wird immer mehr zum Human Machine Interface. 

Innovative design of bezels and touch displays

Designer panels and control panels made of plastic are widespread in automotive engineering and household appliances. The appearance of these components is changing rapidly. The trend is towards elegant touch or gesture control surfaces that are integrated directly into the touch display as the first step in the off-screen area. We offer suitable manufacturing processes for the reliable implementation of these constructions.

The classic hot stamping process is traditionally suitable for applying continuous designs to flat or minimally curved surfaces. We manufacture components with 3D geometry and integrated intelligence, as typically found in household appliances, using IMD (In Mold Decoration) and IML (In Mold Labeling) processes.

Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Granulat als Basis für Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz

The appearance of user interfaces is currently changing significantly. In particular, mechanical buttons and switches are disappearing.

With increasing digitalization, the requirements with regard to functional integration, especially in the field of electronics, are also increasing. The bezel is increasingly becoming a human-machine interface.

Combination of IMD and IML process

With the combination of IMD and IML technology, we offer a fusion of control, design and functional surfaces. We produce control panels with a smooth, high-quality surface without interruptions, which are as inconspicuous as possible when switched off. At the same time, a functionalized component is created in just one process step.

More and more premium devices are being offered with innovative design and operating concepts, for example the dead-front effect. The implemented components have a generally high resistance to chemicals. If the device is switched off, the user sees a uniform front, for example in brushed metal. A control panel is only visible when the backlight is activated. An electrical appliance with a uniform front panel design makes a fine piece of furniture appear – an effect that is in great demand in view of the current trend towards open living. The IMD process can also be used to create tactile structures and soft-touch effects.  

Hochwertige Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz

Possible applications

Modern designs and efficient manufacturing

With the combination of these two processes it is possible to produce individually shaped panels. By using a 5-axis robot, the entire process is fully automated and is suitable for a variety of different applications:

  • Decorative elements by means of backlighting of the transfer finish
  • Manufacture of different product and price segments with the same tool
  • Uninterrupted design
  • Replacement for expensive touch displays
  • Replacement of knobs and switches
  • Large covers with touch controls
  • Optimization of the human machine interface
  • Contactless gesture control
  • Programming of touch functions on the entire sensor film

Cost-efficient production despite sophisticated design

The hot stamping, IMD and IML decoration technologies offer freedom in surface design and functional integration. Whether for surface designs in metallic, carbon, piano lacquer, marble or wood optics, for printed or backlit symbols, for permanently visible control panels, dead-front effect or innovative integration of sensors: as a plastic injection molding specialist, we are able to do this and other decoration technologies for a variety of designs optically and functionally and to manufacture in an efficient process.

There are hardly any limits to the geometry given the multitude of possible applications.

Hochwertige Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Hochwertige Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Hochwertige Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz
Hochwertige Kunststoffproduktion aus der Schweiz

Sustainable technology

Convince yourself of the economic advantages of the IMD and IML processes from A. & J. Stöckli AG. Control panels and touch displays are usually painted or made of real material, for example aluminum. Alternatively, the desired surface look is only created during subsequent processing. Production steps such as painting or electroplating are mostly carried out in low-wage countries. They are a cost factor and at the same time ensure a negative environmental balance. IMD and IML enable injection moulding, decoration and functional integration in one step and are also ideally suited for recycled plastic materials.

Convince yourself of the economic advantages of the IMD and IML processes from A. & J. Stöckli AG. Control panels and touch displays are usually painted or made of real material, for example aluminum. Alternatively, the desired surface look is only created during subsequent processing. Production steps such as painting or electroplating are mostly carried out in low-wage countries. They are a cost factor and at the same time ensure a negative environmental balance. IMD and IML enable injection moulding, decoration and functional integration in one step and are also ideally suited for recycled plastic materials.

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