From 11-13 March 2025, the international embedded community will once again meet in Nuremberg when the leading embedded world Exhibition & Conference opens its doors. At exhibitor forums, expert panels and networking events, visitors will be able to gain insights into state-of-the-art technologies in the fields of hardware, software and tools and find out about the latest trends.
At booth 1-270 in hall 1, PolyIC, a subsidiary of LEONHARD KURZ and a specialist in sensor technologies and touch applications, will be showcasing innovations in the fields of touch sensors, display integration and functional decoration. The company will be demonstrating advanced solutions for automotive interiors, home appliances and industrial applications.
New dimensions in display integration with hidden-til-lit technology
Among the outstanding exhibits is the Hidden Display, which was developed in cooperation with the specialist for high-quality display integration DATA MODUL. When deactivated, the surface appears as an elegant decor – for example in wood or stone optics – while it reveals a full-fledged LCD display after activation. This is made possible by advanced thin-film technology from KURZ, which is used to manufacture the hidden display. “The combination of highly developed sensor technology and appealing design opens up completely new application possibilities for operating and display concepts,” emphasises Dr Wolfgang Clemens, Director Product Management & Business Development and Member of the Managing Board at PolyIC.
Another highlight is the hidden-til-lit trackpad, which was developed in collaboration with the Danish development service provider for haptic user interfaces Hamsø and Infineon Technologies. The interactive input field combines backlit sensor technology with haptic feedback and is based on the PolyTC matrix sensor technology. It offers a highly precise, optically seamless and intuitive touch solution for automotive and industrial controls.
High-end plastic panels: Visual perfection through innovative coating processes
High-quality plastic panels are increasingly coming into focus, particularly in the automotive and home appliances sectors. With a newly developed coating technology, KURZ now enables the design of surfaces with extremely reduced reflection. Black surfaces appear in a particularly intense deep black look – and transparent panels, such as displays, also benefit from very high contrast. The advanced finishing technique is suitable for a range of plastic materials and opens up new possibilities for functional and design innovations with maximum efficiency for manufacturers.
High-performance display stacks for applications suitable for series production
The new display stacks, developed in collaboration with Elektrobit, present themselves as a promising alternative to conventional glass solutions. Plastic replaces the front screen and is combined with IMD-decorated surfaces and integrated touch sensors. The technology combines the design flexibility of plastic with the performance of capacitive touch systems. The front of the injection-molded polycarbonate display panels is finished using the IMD process from KURZ, while the back is equipped with highly conductive metal mesh sensors from PolyIC. The result is a cost-effective and sustainable display solution that is suitable for series production and for use in the automotive, home appliances, and consumer sectors.
Maximum efficiency with PolyTC VarioSym
The requirements for smart control systems in heating and air conditioning technology, as well as in the field of home appliances and the automotive industry, are constantly increasing. Manufacturers are looking for solutions that are both functional and efficient to produce. Using a heat pump tower demonstrator and a washing machine panel, KURZ and PolyIC present an advanced application of PolyTC VarioSym technology, which can also be used in automotive interior design. Instead of attaching the touch sensor, diffuser and opaque decoration separately, all functional layers are integrated in a single process. This advanced process reduces production costs, minimizes the potential for errors, and leads to resource-efficient manufacturing with maximum design freedom.
In addition, PolyTC Colorful Pictures expands the design options for smart user interfaces. Colored static images can be integrated directly into ultra-thin touch sensors, creating a variety of aesthetic and functional possibilities.
Intelligent lighting architectures through cooperation with ams OSRAM
The collaboration between KURZ and ams OSRAM is leading to groundbreaking advances in lighting and surface design. By combining the expertise of the two specialists, an efficient solution for integrating mini-LEDs into three-dimensionally shaped surfaces has been developed. The interaction of IMD and Functional Foil Bonding (FFB) enables the seamless implementation of intelligent lighting elements. From ambient light design in vehicle interiors to customizable signal lights – the technology opens up new design and functional perspectives. PolyIC will also be represented at the electronic displays conference this year to accompany the trade fair: In his lecture, Dr. Wolfgang Clemens will discuss the latest developments in anti-reflective coatings for plastic touchscreens and in the field of hidden-til-lit functionalities.