Trouble in Your Tank: Organic Addition Agents in Electrolytic Copper Plating
It’s Only Common Sense: Selling During an Economic Downturn
Marcy’s Musings: Can You Hear the Voices?
In-mold Electronics: The Convergence of Innovative Materials and Manufacturing Techniques
August 7, 2024 | Linda Stepanich, IPCEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Paavo Niskala, a noted expert in in-mold electronics (IME) at TactoTek, recognized the need for an industry-wide standard when one of his automotive OEM clients asked him how to test a prototype TactoTek had developed. That question led to the creation of the first-ever IPC standard of this type, IPC-8401, Guidelines for In-Mold Electronics, to be released later this year.
“When the customer asked me how to test the part, which is a combination of mechanics and electronics, I realized that a standard for IME does not exist, and that sparked the idea that we should do something,” Paavo says. “Later on, the French plastronics network had the same idea. Our proposal and the French proposal led to the formation of the IPC 3D Plastronics Steering Group. Our first face-to-face meeting was in Lyon, France, in April 2022.”
IME technology merges printed electronics, surface mount (SMT) components, and injection molding using mass-production processes, materials, and components. IME parts are structural electronics characterized by their lightweight, seamless integration. This technology appeals to industries such as automotive or aerospace because it reliably enhances the functionality of surfaces in illuminating spaces, such as door panels, center consoles, and front grill emblems. Combining printed electronics, SMT components, and injection molding is an ideal option for mass production due to the simplicity of both processes.
The automotive industry has driven the development of IME because it significantly reduces the cost, weight, waste, and energy required to produce vehicle interior parts. Rather than using a PCB in a plastic molding with features interacting with PCB sensors, IME components are integrated directly into the plastic molding, making the manufacturing process more streamlined, sustainable, and efficient.
“There's a big market pool for IME, especially in the automotive industry, which is looking for sustainable smart structures,” Paavo says of the new technology's appeal. “They want to build lighting on a 3D surface within the vehicle, whether it's an interior or exterior application. For example, automobiles are full of plastic parts. With IME technology, you can make those thin plastic parts smart and build a lighting application you cannot build with conventional electronics.”
To learn more about the standards being developed for in-mold electronics, read the rest of this article in the Summer 2024 issue of IPC Community.
Share on:
Suggested Items
SERMA Microelectronics Expand its Facilities in La Rochelle
04/22/2025 | SERMA MicroelectronicsSERMA Microelectronics, a major player in specialized microelectronics, continues its growth with the acquisition of a building adjacent to its current site in La Rochelle.
UHDI Fundamentals: UHDI Drives Unique IoT Innovation in Farming
04/22/2025 | Anaya Vardya, American Standard CircuitsThe combination of UHDI's high-bandwidth capabilities and IoT's real-time data processing can lead to more efficient, immersive, and smarter IoT systems. This convergence of two revolutionary technologies is enabling quantum advancements in some very “unconventional” applications.
Navigating Change, Mitigating Risk: We’ve Been Here Before
04/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineI visited with Tom Edman, president and CEO of TTM Technologies, and chair of the IPC Board of Directors. Tom candidly shares his insights into the implications of changes on the defense sector and the broader electronics manufacturing industry, especially concerning PCB manufacturing. With half of TTM’s business tied to defense, Tom discusses the potential opportunities and challenges arising from government initiatives, tariffs, and supply chain complexities.
Federal Electronics Continues Tradition of Giving Back Through McAuley Ministries’ Lunch on Us Program
04/21/2025 | Federal ElectronicsFederal Electronics, a leader in providing advanced electronic manufacturing services, is proud to give back to the local community through its ongoing support of McAuley Ministries.
Wiring the World Together: IPC and WHMA Unveil Global Wire Harness Competitions and Championship
04/21/2025 | IPCIPC, in collaboration with the Wiring Harness Manufacturer's Association (WHMA), has organized the first-ever World Wire Harness Competitions and Championship.