The Holst Centre has demonstrated an in-mold technology that can be used in automotive electronics and consumer appliances for human-machine interfaces. One of the technologies included in the demonstration model is flexible OLED lighting, used for illuminated touch controls. The technology integrates this functionality directly into a 3D plastic surface just 1.5 mm thick.
Traditional methods to achieve this have included, an array of LEDs, light guides, complex wiring and bulky PCBs. Flexible OLED lighting has been shown to provide an easier solution than traditional methods.
The in-mold technology was developed by a group of industry players led by the Holst Centre. The demonstration shows a car centre console features a mobile phone storage space with integrated NFC connectivity and touch controls illuminated by flexible OLEDs. The demonstrator also shows how IME technology could be applied in anything from shavers to car cockpits.
The demonstration showing a car centre console featuring a mobile phone storage space
