- In-Mold Film features special stretch properties
- Film first patterned, then formed, then back-molded
- Applications: automotive (e.g. dashboards, paneling)
Canatu, a leading manufacturer of transparent conductive films, Schuster Group and Display Solution AG have jointly developed the world’s first multitouch, button-free 3D shaped panel for the automotive industry. The panel provides an example of multi-functional display with 5 finger touch realized in IML technology using Canatu’s CNB (Carbon NanoBud) In-Mold Film that features special stretch properties. The touch application was realized using an existing mass manufacturing tool and industry standard processes.
Multi-functional display with 5 finger touch realized in IML technology (source: Canatu)
Film first patterned, then formed, then back-molded
Specifically designed for automobile center consoles and dashboards, household machines, wearable devices, industrial user interfaces, commercial applications and consumer devices, CNB In-Mold Films can be easily formed into shape. The film is first patterned to the required touch functionality, then formed, then back-molded by injection molding, resulting in a unique 3D shape with multitouch functionality.
Special Properties: film can be stretched 120%
With a bending radius of 1 mm, CNB In-Mold Films can bring touch to almost any surface. The special properties of CNB In-Mold Films are unmatched as no other film on the market can be stretched 120% and molded without losing their conductivity, according to the company.
New type of carbon nanomaterial as basis
Canatu is a leading manufacturer of transparent conductive films and touch sensors for an entirely new class of touch applications. The company’s transparent conductive films and touch sensors are based on a new type of carbon nanomaterial (Carbon NanoBud), and a new, single-step manufacturing process combining aerosol synthesis of CNB material and Roll-to-Roll deposition by Direct Dry Printing.
