LEONHARD KURZ will be exhibiting innovative technology solutions for the automotive, home appliances, and air conditioning and heat pump technology sectors at FAKUMA 2024

Fürth/Germany, September 19, 2024: From October 15 to 19, 2024, the plastics processing industry will come together in Friedrichshafen to discuss new developments, innovative processes, and pioneering solutions. This year’s event focuses on efficiency, sustainability, and resource conservation.

As a pioneer in the field of sustainability, LEONHARD KURZ consistently pursues the goal of contributing to the circular economy in the plastics industry. The international expert for decorative and functional surfaces is constantly developing its concepts and processes with this in mind, increasingly relying on recycled and natural materials. At FAKUMA, KURZ will be presenting numerous highlights that contribute to greater efficiency and sustainability.

The next step towards a circular economy

In Friedrichshafen, KURZ is presenting the further development of its RECOSYS^® system - the world’s first take-back and recycling system for transfer media from the graphics industry. Thanks to process optimization, KURZ now also produces pure recycled PET (rPET). “With the launch of RECOSYS^® 2.0, we have significantly increased the range of possible applications for our recycled material and once again prove that sustainability is a top priority for us. In the long term, we want to enable a genuine circular economy in the plastics industry,” explains Martin Hahn, Head of Application, Technology & Innovation at KURZ.

At FAKUMA, KURZ will demonstrate the application possibilities of the new solution together with its partner DECKERFORM, an international specialist in tool making and injection molding technology. On site at DECKERFORM Stand A5-5205, a coaster - the ‘Frozen Coaster’ - will be made live from rPET on a fully electric TOYO Si-50-6s injection molding machine and finished using hot stamping. “The cliché that sustainability and attractive design supposedly exclude each other is, unfortunately, still widespread. It is all the more important for us to show that recycled materials can be decorated in the same high quality as virgin materials,” says Martin Hahn. “In addition, our thin-film finishes don’t impair the recyclability of the decorated components.” At FAKUMA, the decoration is applied live on site on two KURZ machines.

Showcase natural fibers in style

A natural fiber-plastic compound with polypropylene (PP) will be exhibited as another new addition to KURZ’s portfolio, which combines successful design and sustainable added value. Such a non-woven material consists of 50 percent natural fibers and plastic fibers and has previously been used primarily in the automotive sector, laminated by leather or textile in the vehicle interior. Together with its partner FRIMO Innovative Technologies GmbH, KURZ has now developed a technology that preserves the structure of the natural fiber and optimally enhances it using a decorative film from KURZ. Johannes Romming, Innovation & Sustainability at KURZ, sums up the advantages of the process: “This is the first time that we are showcasing material compositions with kenaf and flax in their new form, making an impressive impact. They impress with their exceptional look and pleasant feel. Last but not least, natural fiber compounds are an interesting alternative to conventional materials, as they combine the advantages of plastics with the ecological properties of natural fibers.”

Automotive highlights

KURZ will be presenting pioneering solutions for the automotive industry at FAKUMA. The design concept for aerodynamic rim inserts, which are produced via injection molding and finished using the PERFORMANCE+ hot-stamping process developed and patented by KURZ, is a real eye-catcher. “In this collaborative project with the wheel manufacturer RONAL GROUP, design and functionality merge into one unit. Due to the reduced air resistance, the rim inserts help to increase the range of the vehicle and minimize noise development. At the same time, they are real eye-catchers and strengthen the brand identity,” explains Luitpold Haarländer, Head of Business Area Plastic Decoration Sales & Marketing Management Automotive at KURZ. PERFORMANCE+ hot stamping enables a wide range of different design options - from elegant real chrome looks to metallizations in different color shades to color gradients and holographic effects. The latter will be presented for the first time at this year’s FAKUMA. In addition, live demonstrations will take place at the stand, where rim inserts are adorned with effective metallizations.

KURZ is also exhibiting the futuristic Crystal Steering Wheel design concept, which was created in cooperation with Swarovski Mobility and is an absolute eye-catcher thanks to the integrated Swarovski crystals. The crystals not only add visual highlights but are also equipped with wafer-thin transparent touch sensors from KURZ subsidiary PolyIC. It can be used to control various vehicle functions. “Everything fits together here: With their elegant look and visual depth, the crystals create a luxurious ambience in the interior. At the same time, they create a real wow effect, as the integrated functions only become apparent at second glance,” explains Luitpold Haarländer.

In cooperation with ams OSRAM, KURZ is presenting a pioneering innovation in the field of lighting and surface design - both for interior and exterior design. The two companies have developed a process that enables the CO₂-efficient implementation of ambient light effects and the integration of mini LEDs for organic molds as well. Panels finished by means of In-Mold Decoration (IMD) are provided with mini LEDs via Functional Foil Bonding (FFB). Sophisticated and functional effects can be achieved, from lighting functions such as brake and indicator lights, to individual control elements with hidden-until-lit technology.

KURZ’s trade fair highlights are rounded off by a front panel concept that was only recently recognized with the prestigious SPE Automotive Award 2024. The front panel is finished with DECOPUR^®. This innovative process technology by KURZ makes it possible to shape components with complex geometries made of polypropylene (PP), in the same machine closing unit decorate them simultaneously, and in the next step flood them seamlessly with a 0.3 mm thin durable and self-healing polyurethane (PUR) layer. By using this customized solution, costs can be saved and weight reduced. In combination with highly efficient IMD decoration, KURZ thus provides an approach to CO₂ balance improvement.

The high-gloss, crystalline, and durable finish is ideally suitable for exterior use. The project was implemented in cooperation with the raw material manufacturer SABIC, the machine manufacturer ENGEL AUSTRIA, and KURZ subsidiary Schöfer, a specialist in the manufacture of high-quality tools.

Functionality meets design

Homogeneous surfaces, stylish design, and intelligent, intuitive touch operation not only shape the design of vehicle concepts but, above all, the home of tomorrow. The harmonious combination of design and functionality is becoming increasingly important in smart homes. At FAKUMA, KURZ will be presenting solutions that support this trend. Highlights include the well-thought-out concepts for Human-Machine Interface (HMI) panels for household appliances and smart home applications. In cooperation with the mechatronics specialist Marquardt and the KURZ subsidiary PolyIC as a manufacturer of touch sensors and printed electronics, control panels with a homogeneous surface and attractive Shy Tech design have been created. Additionally, back-lit icons, logos, or artworks can be easily integrated into surfaces in just one work step via IMD.

Finishing is playing an increasingly important role not only in interiors - in the future, design will also become a decisive purchasing factor in the field of air conditioning and heat pump technology. KURZ is already developing appropriate solutions to enhance product design that can help system manufacturers stand out from the competition. The thin film specialist will presents some of these highlights at FAKUMA. The demonstrating devices include smart control elements and display applications that can be implemented using IMD and hot stamping and also show the diverse possibilities of the sensor technologies of KURZ subsidiary PolyIC. This includes PolyTC^® VarioSym - a technology based on a multi-layer construction consisting of a touch sensor, diffusion layer, and a black, opaque, and non-conductive top layer. The latter enables digital lasering for customized icons and letterings.

Displays with PolyTC^® Colorful Pictures will also be exhibited at FAKUMA. This is an innovative sensor technology that makes it possible to integrate colorful static images on touch sensors and thus design the appearance of the user interface in an appealing way.

Cooperation with ARBURG: A success story continues

In recent years, KURZ and machine manufacturer ARBURG have already presented numerous innovations for the plastics industry. At this year’s FAKUMA, both specialists will continue their successful cooperation and demonstrate how robust and attractively designed products can be realized using modern technologies. In doing so, KURZ and ARBURG are reinterpreting a true classic. The aim was to develop a durable mug based on a traditional conical beer glass, which is particularly suitable for use outdoors and at festivals. At ARBURG Stand 3101 in Hall A3, an electric all-rounder 630 A machine uses state-of-the-art injection molding technology to produce a mug made from EASTMAN’s BPA-free polymer Tritan^TM copolyester. This is finished on a fully automated hot-stamping machine from KURZ subsidiary BAIER.

Interested parties can find more information about KURZ’s trade fair presentation and solutions on the FAKUMA 2024 website.

At a glance

FAKUMA 2024 from October 15 to 19 in Friedrichshafen, Germany
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall A4, Stand 4111
Our trade fair presentation focuses on Automotive, HVAC & Home Appliances, Sustainability

Partner stands:

ARBURG GmbH + Co KG: Hall A3, Stand 3101
DECKERFORM Technologies GmbH TOYO: Hall A5, Stand 5205
ENGEL AUSTRIA GmbH: Hall A5, Stand 5203
FRIMO Innovative Technologies GmbH: Hall A1, Stand 1432
SABIC Deutschland GmbH: Hall A4, Stand 4116