Many innovations for the automotive industry: LEONHARD KURZ presents pioneering design concepts at IZB 2024

Fürth/Germany, October 8, 2024: The International Suppliers Fair (IZB) will take place in Wolfsburg from October 22 to 24, 2024. Europe’s leading trade fair for automotive industry suppliers is the sector’s leading communication and business platform with more than 900 international exhibitors and around 45,000 visitors.

This year, the trade fair primarily focuses on topics that are decisively shaping the transformation of the automotive industry: Digitalization, electromobility, and networked driving. LEONHARD KURZ is already developing pioneering solutions that support these trends and lay the foundation for the mobility of tomorrow. At Stand 1503 in Hall 1, the thin-film specialist from Fürth will be showcasing advanced series-production-capable technologies for the design of decorative and functional surfaces in the interior and exterior of vehicles.

Brilliant design and smart technology

A highlight at the KURZ stand is the Crystal Steering Wheel design concept, which was developed in cooperation with Swarovski Mobility. The futuristic steering wheel is equipped with genuine Swarovski crystals, which lend the interior a touch of luxury and exclusivity. The backlit crystals can be color-coordinated with the vehicle interior and impress with their unique visual depth. But the actual groundbreaking innovation is only revealed at second glance: Thanks to the transparent sensor technology by KURZ subsidiary PolyIC, the fully ground crystals enable the control of various vehicle functions. The sensors consisting of wafer-thin metal-mesh silver structures can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of component geometries and do not affect the recyclability of plastic components.

Innovative automotive front panel concepts combine design and function

Autonomous driving requires cutting-edge technologies that enable reliable Car2X communication. At IZB, KURZ will be exhibiting a front panel that is radar- and LiDAR-permeable and thus meets the requirements of the future. At the same time, the concept impresses with its smooth, homogeneous surface, which is manufactured and finished in a single highly efficient work step, despite the impressive dimensions of 1,130 x 290 x 160 mm (W x H x D). This is made possible by KURZ’s advanced In-Mold Decoration (IMD) process. In combination with hybrid technologies such as laser ablation, hot stamping, or digital printing, this opens up numerous possibilities for decorating and customizing the front panel. At IZB, KURZ will demonstrate how the surface can be made translucent by laser engraving and can be provided with customer-specific brand statements such as logos or lettering. The front panel, which is made from polycarbonate, is also recyclable as a complete component.

Visitors to the KURZ stand will be able to discover another front panel concept, which has received the renowned SPE Automotive Award. The panel is finished using the pioneering DECOPUR^® process technology, which makes it possible to shape, decorate, and coat components made of polypropylene (PP) with a wafer-thin layer of polyurethane (PUR) in just one step. This results in high-gloss crystalline designs with many different design options. What’s special about it is that DECOPUR^® can also be used on components with complex geometries and provides them with a durable self-healing surface. KURZ recently managed to reduce the thickness of the DECOPUR^® layer to just 0.3 mm. This not only saves resources and costs but also reduces the weight of the component.

Aerodynamic rim inserts for optimized e-mobility

The advancing e-mobility places new demands on automotive components. They should not only combine design and functionality but also contribute to reducing weight and increasing range. With this need in mind, KURZ teamed up with the wheel manufacturer Ronal Group and developed an innovative design concept for aerodynamic rim inserts, which ensures reduced air resistance and at the same time minimizes noise development when driving. The rim inserts are manufactured via injection molding and refined using the series-capable and patented Hot Stamping PERFORMANCE+ process by KURZ. The efficient, energy-saving technology completely eliminates environmentally harmful chrome (VI), significantly reduces CO₂ emissions compared to electroplating, and is also ideally suitable for the use of recycled materials. Hot Stamping PERFORMANCE+ also enables a wide range of delicate designs, such as gradients in different color shades, sophisticated real chrome looks, or holographic effects. IZB visitors can experience the many design possibilities for themselves.

At a Glance

International Suppliers Fair (IZB) 2024 from October 22 to 24, 2024 in Wolfsburg
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall 1, Stand 1503
Our trade fair presentation focuses on Automotive Exterior Design, Automotive Interior Design, Visionary Design, Sustainability