KURZ's futuristic surface finishing solutions to shine at CES 2023

As an absolute highlight, KURZ will be presenting its rear-end cover concept using a demonstration device and elaborately developed 3D animations of a vehicle rear, including light visualizations. The project was created in cooperation with Lightworks GmbH.

Due to the bundled expertise of both partners, particularly detailed lighting designs with impressive color gradients and a multitude of effects for day and night designs can be implemented in component production.

This innovative lighting concept enables communication with other road users, and at the same time makes unmistakable brand statements.

The production of the rear-end cover is characterized above all by particular efficiency, as all processes can be implemented in a single work step thanks to advanced one-shot production.

This is made possible by the combination of injection molding, In-Mold Decoration (IMD), and high-end insert technology from KURZ’s subsidiary Schöfer. For manufacturers, this means time- and cost-efficient production while simultaneously reducing CO2 emissions.

The multi-edge cutter technology also enables the In-Mold Decoration technique (IMD) to be used in conjunction with a 2K material mix of ABS/PC and transparent PMMA.

Deformation as well as contouring and decoration take place in a single work step, which can also include the integration of touch sensors in the In-Mold Electronics process if required.

In a second step, various finishing, such as hot stamping or digital printing, can also be implemented. The underlying machine and process technology is ideal for the production of installation-ready, large, and geometrically complex components.

The issue of sustainability was also factored in, as the components are recyclable as a whole and can then be reused as a post-industrial compound.

In the consumer electronics segment, the company will demonstrate the new freedom of design using various pioneering computer prototypes manufactured using IMD and IME (In-Mold Electronics).

The GAMING design vision offers a housing with backlighting, 3D PLASTX-effect, and transparent water glow design. 5G technology is also supported.

The FUTURE design vision is characterized by its smart crystal design with colored backlighting effects and impressive spaceship metallization. In addition, 5G support is on board here, along with futuristic Shy Tech design and PolyTC touch sensors.

All three design concepts have been created with sustainability in mind. Recycled materials can be used to manufacture the housings, which can be given a high-quality, appealing finish. All KURZ decorations used are easily recyclable and therefore don’t affect the recyclability of the components.

In addition, KURZ will show what it can look like if sustainability is taken into account from the outset with the inspiring Visionary Design collection 'Spacewood Experiment'.

This development required unconventional and creative approaches, and only recycled and/or organic raw materials were used for its implementation. The pilot project is a collaboration of selected visionary designers working for KURZ worldwide.

As the name suggests, this concept is about a completely new, visionary interpretation of wood - inspired by the question of what look and feel this particular material would have on other planets. As a result, the project produced spectacular surfaces with experimental designs, colors, and surface structures.

A little more down-to-earth, but no less spectacular, is the company's 'Wellbeing' project, whose exhibits are primarily intended to radiate calm and security in times of crisis and uncertainty.

Exhibits have been created from various post-industrial and post-consumer materials as well as biopolymers, which appear different due to the many different recycled materials, but all share a flowing, organic, and calm design language. Natural, sustainable dyes, for example extracted from turmeric and beetroot, have been used in the production.