In-mold Electronics (IME): Introduction
- The in-mold electronics technology is a combination of conventional in-mold decorating (IMD) technology with printed electronics
- In-mold electronics (IME) consists of functional parts such as touch sensors, light sources, heaters and antennas to plastic panels
- IME is primarily a film insert process that adds functional parts onto the curved plastic parts, which in turn eliminates the need for the conventional laminating process
- IME is capable of adding surface decoration and function using in-mold decorating (IMD) film, which saves the cost by simplifying the process
- In-mold electronics integrates the functional parts by injection molding process, which saves secondary process and makes the module parts thin and compact
- It removes additional weight and post-processing operations by enabling parts to be directly included in the electronic circuitry during the molding cycle
Rising Demand for In-mold Electronics in Automotive and Aerospace Industries
- In-mold electronics is widely used in the automobile industry for manufacturing instruments, door panels, window and door controls. It helps re-design new shapes of door panels, touch sensors for seat positioning, door heaters and control sensors by using less materials and parts, which in turn reduces production processing steps and saves cost
- In the aerospace industry, IME offers weight reduction by simplifying the design of button and wires and subsequently eliminating considerable amount of wiring and saving space and weight
- IME can offer touch controls in different appliances by eliminating the bulky tech boxes, leading to reduction of waste when printing electronics, less usage of lead, complying with RoHS, and greater cost efficiencies over traditional membrane switch boards
North America to Lead Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market
- In terms of region, the global in-mold electronics (IME) market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and South America
- North America is anticipated to lead the global in-mold electronics (IME) market due to increased demand for IME in automotive, white goods, and medical device sectors for the creation of smart surfaces within their products
- North America is likely to maintain its dominant position in the global market during the forecast period. The U.S. and Canada are the major contributors for significant expansion of different manufacturing industries due to the presence of large manufacturers, which in turn is estimated to boost the demand for in-mold electronics technology in North America.
- The market in Asia Pacific is also anticipated to expand at a considerable pace due to development of wireless networking technologies and advances in capacitive touch sensors in major countries in the region such as China, India, South Korea, and Japan
- The market in Asia Pacific is also projected to expand due to high preference for wearable, hearable, and other compact consumer electronic devices among consumers in the region
- The in-mold electronics (IME) market in Europe is expected to expand at a substantial rate during the forecast period. Furthermore, the in-mold electronics (IME) market in Middle East & Africa, and South America is estimated to expand at a moderate pace during the forecast period.
Key Players Operating in Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market
- BotFactory Inc.
- Pulse Electronics Corporation
- MesoScribe Technologies, Inc.
- Butler Technologies, Inc.
- Optomec, Inc.
- Teijin Limited
- nScrypt, Inc.
Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market: Research Scope
Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market, by Ink Type
- Silver Conductive Ink
- Carbon Conductive Ink
- Others
Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market, by Application
- Building Automation
- Consumer Products
- Wearable’s
- Home Appliances
- Actuators and Displays
- Others
Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market, by Industry Vertical
- Healthcare
- Consumer Electronics
- Automation Industry
- Aerospace & Defense
- Automotive
- Others
Global In-mold Electronics (IME) Market, by Region
- North America
- U.S.
- Canada
- Rest of North America
- Europe
- Germany
- France
- U.K.
- Italy
- Spain
- Russia
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific
- China
- Japan
- India
- South Korea
- ASEAN
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- South America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of South America
- Middle East & Africa
- GCC
- South Africa
- Rest of Middle East & Africa