This week attended the international Innovation Expo on Automotive Interiors. As always at these expo’s there is an overload of technology information. But more important is the great surprise about low level implementation of great innovations across the current vehicle base. The gap between technology and application in NA Automotive still seems’ wide. Innovations shown at these expo’s, in principle, have been production ready for few years and should already be in current or 2018 vehicles. Very few are true innovations displayed are still needing few years research before application.
The eighth-generation Phantom features a dashboard panel fashioned from a single piece of glass, allowing three-dimensional artworks of various materials to be installed behind it. Rolls-Royce calls this feature The Gallery (refer https://www.dezeen.com/2017/07/28/latest-rolls-royce-phantom-car-design-incorporates-art-gallery-in-dashboard/).
Lexus LS offers a wood- and leather-trimmed rear-center console with a retractable wood-trimmed console table that swivels into place at your convenience. Climate and audio controls are located right at your fingertips. There is also rear seat heating / cooling with massage options.
Toyota Concept-I project developing vehicle that gets to know driver and their needs.
Cromatipic® sets the new standard in chrome finishing. It is an environmentally friendly technology consisting of only two layers: a UV cured lacquer basecoat with PVD coating on top. No lacquer top coat is needed. Cromatipic® provides a completely different approach from traditional paint and PVD technologies
Rear trunk Welcome Light added with directions on how use foot movement to open trunk is truly helpful for new vehicle owner / rental car driver.
ALBIS PLASTIC broad range of thermoplastic materials for homogeneous light diffusion, excellent reflection, thermal conductivity offering high degree of design freedom and mechanical strength.
ALBIS high transmission values are on par with conventional light guiding products such as those based on acrylic, ensuring targeted light efficiency.
- ALCOM® LB (Light Blocking) – light blocking combined with high reflection to increase light efficiency
- ALCOM® LD (Light Diffusion) – for homogeneous, nearly loss-free light diffusion and excellent luminous efficiency
- ALCOM® LG (Light Guide) – for optimum light guidance with high degree of functionality, robustness and good heat resistance
- ALCOM® T-Conductive – for improved heat management of LED lights and electronic components
Advanced printing technology from TAICA on 3D printing is 3D decoration technology can handle a wide range of materials and complex shapes which allows it to be used in a wide range of applications for automobiles, electric appliances, mobile phones, interior decorations and more. Click https://www.taica-na.com/Cubic%20Printing-E-Cubic/ for more information.
There were many innovations in decoration on plastic based on Injection Molding > Ink Transfer > MD (TR) > Pre-formed IML Applique (P) > Hybrid Simulforming (S) > Three-Dimensional Overlay Method (TOM) > Vacforming (decorative appliques) and other process innovations.
Electro Chemical Finishing through variety of process offerings, including PVD coating, electroplating, and trivalent chrome, for both plastic and metal substrates were on display.
Electroforming was another technology on display that is ideal for high end HMI Devices in luxury cars.
Film based Touch Sensors “Fine Touch”, used widely in tablet devices, smartphones, game consoles, industrial equipment and automotive. NISHA showcased Force Sensors that detect the force of pressure, Gas Sensors technology, Bio Sensors and Wireless Sensor Network products that look to the Internet of Things market of the next generation cars.
Tenowo Nonwovens use 8 different manufacturing processes for tailored solutions in automotive. They showcased chemically bonded
and thermo calandered nonwovens, needle-punched nonwovens, spunlaced and thermo fusioned High-Loft nonwovens, stitch-bonded nonwovens in the categories Malivlies, Maliwatt, Multiknit, Kunit and Carbon compound.
Ideally suited for next generation autonomous and other automotive seats.
Applications are nonwovens for decorative interior, acoustical applications, heat shields, injection-molding, secondary backing for floor mats and underbody components, foam substitution for seats and wire harnessing.
OSHINO task lighting for automotive interiors was looked and very impressive.
