Novem Integrates TactoTek® Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE™) and Luxury Automotive Interior Finishes
OULU, FINLAND/VORBACH, GERMANY (28 June 2018) – Today TactoTek®, the leading developer of injection moulded structural electronics (IMSE™) solutions, and Novem, the worldwide market leader in high-quality automotive interior trim and decorative functional elements, announced that they have executed a multi-year agreement to develop solutions integrating IMSE electronics into premium interior trim products. The resulting solutions are single piece, electronically active trim elements for luxury vehicles.
“Novem provides innovative interior trim for premium brands, including Audi, BMW, Daimler, GM and Toyota. With TactoTek IMSE, we can integrate electronic controls into our high-quality surfaces so they blend into the overall design and result in elegant and functional solutions,” said Vice President Operations of Novem Group, Markus Wittmann. “We are actively promoting our IMSE-integrated trim solutions to OEMs and have current projects with TactoTek developing a range of use cases.”
In automotive trim applications the ability of IMSE solutions to conform with complex shapes in a thin, single piece, structural part, are significant benefits and enable adding electronics for function, convenience and styling in new locations. IMSE solutions also reduce assembly requirements and simplify installation when compared with traditional electronics.
“As designers become more familiar with IMSE capabilities we are seeing exciting innovation,” observed Jussi Harvela, CEO of TactoTek. “Use cases in which electronic functions such as seat or mirror controls and NFC antennas blend into cosmetic surfaces—easily used when you need them, and blending into the background when you don’t—represent a growing share of our projects in the automotive segment. These designs appeal in other markets as well, such as home automation.”
Novem is a preferred TactoTek partner for luxury automotive interior trim elements. To facilitate Novem’s multiple projects, TactoTek will provide local support for Novem with dedicated team members in Germany.
About TactoTek
TactoTek is a leading provider of solutions for Injection Molded Structural Electronics (IMSE) that integrate printed circuitry and electronic components into 3D injection molded plastics. Leading use cases include in-vehicle applications, home/industrial appliances, and wearable technology. TactoTek adapts customer designs to IMSE technology, develops mass production ready prototypes, and mass produces or licenses the technology for 3rd party mass production. TactoTek is funded by Conor Venture Partners, Ascend Capital Partners, Faurecia Ventures, Plastic Omnium, Nanogate, VTT Ventures, Leaguer VC and European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme. For more information, please visit www.tactotek.com.
About Novem
Novem, based in the German town of Vorbach, is a world leader in high quality trim elements and decorative function elements for car interiors. Their customers include the most prestigious automobile manufacturers in the premium segment, such as Audi, BMW, Daimler, GM and Toyota. They appreciate the innovative technology, exclusive quality and elegant design of our products. Novem has over 70 years’ experience in the automotive industry. For more information, please visit www.novem.com.
