The integration of touch applications to dashboards and other paneling in cars has long been desired by automotive designers, but suitable technology was not available. Canatu’s Carbon NanoBud (CNB) In-Mold Film, with its unique stretch properties, provides a clear path to the eventual replacement of mechanical controls with 3D touch sensors. The touch application was made using an existing mass/manufacturing tool and industry standard processes.
Specifically designed for automobile centre consoles and dashboards, household machines, wearables, industrial UIs, 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-moulded by injection moulding, resulting in a 3D shape with multitouch functionality.
With a bending radius of 1mm, CNB In-Mold Films can bring touch to almost any surface imaginable. No other film on the market can be stretched 120% and moulded without losing its conductivity.
Schuster Group has a long history in manufacturing customised paneling for the automotive industry, and is keen to utilise Canatu’s proprietary CNB In-Mold Film in its next-gen product design.