Innovations suitable for series production in the automotive industry: KURZ presents intelligent surface solutions

Fürth/Germany, September 8, 2025: When the doors of K 2025 open in Düsseldorf from October 8 to 15, the international plastics and rubber industry will come together to discuss innovation, technology, and sustainability. LEONHARD KURZ will use the platform to present technological solutions for the surface finishing of the future. As part of live demonstrations, trade visitors to booth A19 in hall 5 will experience efficient production processes and solutions suitable for series production. In close cooperation with competent partners, the thin-film specialist will show how innovative product design can be realized economically and sustainably thanks to smart processes. KURZ will present selected highlights for the automotive industry under the motto ‘Engineering to drive difference.’

Compact light integration for complex geometries: Rear Light Concept with ams OSRAM

The Rear Light Concept, developed in collaboration with ams OSRAM, opens up new possibilities in the design of functional rear lights and shows how innovative lighting concepts can be implemented with individually configurable setups. The component is manufactured in a single, highly efficient step using In-Mold Decoration (IMD) and consists of a 2.5D molded part with integrated and dynamic lighting functions, touch control, and retro-reflective effect. A special feature is the combination of large-area IMD single-image design and the integration of ALIYOS^® LED foils, which are integrated using Functional Foil Bonding Adhesive and produce a homogeneous light image.

The ALIYOS^™ technology from ams OSRAM enables compact light with individually controllable mini-LED segments, even with complex geometries, and combines high brightness with low energy consumption. All components are recyclable and designed for later reuse. The concept therefore represents a forward-looking combination of aesthetic lighting design, modular efficiency, and sustainability in practice.

As a special highlight, the component with an impressive total width of 850 mm will be produced live at the ENGEL booth (Hall 15, Booth C58) on an ENGEL 700 DUO injection molding machine at K 2025. At the KURZ booth, the integration of mini-LEDs will be demonstrated live.

Efficient and suitable for series production: 3K IMD process combines decoration, PUR protective layer, and function with KraussMaffei

The FrontIQ Light Concept shows how light and design can be seamlessly integrated into a single component. With its new formal design language and futuristic look, the concept creates space for individual, brand-specific design. This is made possible by the innovative 3K injection molding process, which will be demonstrated live at the KURZ booth. Visitors will be able to experience firsthand how a complete component is molded from three different plastic components, decorated, and coated with a PUR protective layer in less than two minutes. The basis for this is the VARIOFORM sheet-to-sheet technology with an innovative clamping frame system, combined with the innovative ColorForm technology and a 2K two-platen injection molding machine from KraussMaffei.

First, a thermoplastic sheet is inserted into the mold and shaped using heat and vacuum pressure. Since this step takes place directly in the mold, there is no need for upstream thermoforming technology – in line with energy- and cost-efficient production. Subsequently, a transparent PC layer (K1) for optical functionality is created in plastic injection molding using injection compression molding technology, and a layer of ABS/PC in black (K2) is injected as a stabilizing frame. Finally, a PUR flood coating (K3) is applied, creating a protective, self-healing surface. The result is a highly integrated component that combines design, function, and protection. Thanks to this innovative technology, large exterior components with a length of up to two meters can be produced in an energy-efficient process that can be integrated into existing production lines. Recyclates can be used for the transparent front area on request, while the protective layer can be made from bio-based PUR. Manufacturers benefit from significantly simplified processes, optimized cycle times, and the possibility of customization, while at the same time optimizing their CO₂ balance thanks to energy-efficient technology.

The live demonstration at the KURZ booth will be carried out on a GXW 650 from KraussMaffei. The high-end tool technology, which enables the component to be processed in a single, highly efficient process step, is provided by KURZ subsidiary Schöfer. The materials were provided by project partners Covestro, Sabic, and Rühl Puromer.

High-contrast depth, functional surface: Deep Black Surfaces

KURZ demonstrates how surfaces can be designed in a particularly intense, non-reflective deep black and impress with a striking, high-contrast look using its newly developed Deep Black Surfaces coating technology. In-mold decoration can be used to create plastic components that can be seamlessly combined with anti-reflective glass elements. The result is an elegant, completely homogeneous surface that is characterized by high durability, scratch resistance, and chemical resistance. The innovative KURZ technology also makes it possible to reduce reflections and mirroring to a minimum, enabling high-quality optics to be implemented in automotive interiors. At the same time, thanks to thin-film technology and implementation in a single, highly efficient process step, the IMD process used improves the CO₂ footprint and enables the design of recyclable components. Last but not least, the technology can also be used with recycled materials. This makes Deep Black ideal for brand-specific premium designs with high s

Design with spatial effect: 3D Spatial Effects

The new 3D Spatial Effects open up an additional dimension in automotive interior design. The decorative technology creates impressive 3D depth effects on completely flat surfaces. The optical effect is created by the targeted interaction of the substrate, design structure, and light reflection. In combination with touch control, mechanical controls can also be replaced and weight and installation space saved, as no physical depth is required.

Finishing with 3D Spatial Effects can be fully integrated into existing IMD or IML processes without additional production steps. This results in components that offer a high degree of individuality and brand recognition despite industrial reproducibility. Holographic effects are ideal for applications where a distinctive design language, function, and sustainability are equally important.

At a glance

K 2025 from October 8 to 15, 2025, in Düsseldorf
LEONHARD KURZ Stiftung & Co. KG: Hall 5, Booth A19
Focus of the trade fair presentation: Exterior Design, Interior Design, Visionary Design, Sustainability