Zanini Auto Group, a global leader in automotive exterior functional trim, has licensed TactoTek in-mould structural electronics (IMSE) technology to become a supplier of electromagnetic transparency and backlighting solutions to their automotive customers.
Zanini operates on three continents and is an established supplier to most major automotive OEMs. The company has long been a dominant player in wheel trim and has recently strengthened its position in radomes with functional exterior trim. “IMSE has great promise for enhancing functional trim with electronic features including lighting and sensors,” observed Dr. August Mayer – Innovation & Advance Engineering Director. “IMSE’s extremely thin packaging and durability are unprecedented, and enable the features our customers are requesting.”
Enabling multiple lighting techniques in seamless parts
IMSE integrates electronic components within injection moulded plastics and enables multiple lighting techniques in single-piece, seamless parts just a few millimetres thick. TactoTek develops and validates IMSE technology and has earned over 270 patents for the technology. The company licenses IMSE to engineering companies, OEMs, and suppliers who develop applied designs and mass produce solutions.
“Zanini’s customers rely on them for refined, innovative solutions for use cases that align well with IMSE technology,” noted Thomas Vetter, SVP Automotive Sales at TactoTek. “Vehicle Radomes, just one of Zanini’s strengths, is an example area in which light can be used to dynamically emphasise brand identity. OEMs around the globe are seeking IMSE suppliers for their regional production operations.”