The automotive front panel from LEONHARD KURZ was awarded a "Special Mention for Front Design” at the German Design Award 2023.

The cutting-edge technology of self-driving cars is primarily hidden behind innovatively decorated front components,which are increasingly becoming the central brand element of a vehicle.

IMD for design and functionality

The front panel is manufactured and finished using the most advanced In-Mold Decoration (IMD) in just one work step.The smooth, connected surface is radar/LiDAR permeable, which is suitable for future vehicles.

It also illustrates the diverse design possibilities of IMD technology in combination with hybrid technologies such as laser ablation (laser removal of coating areas), hot stamping, or digital printing.

In this example, the component is made translucent by laser engraving, with lettering and logos create brand statements.

Backlighting effect provides both customization and communication purpose. In addition to many decoration options such as day-night designs, different colors and animations for actions such as flashing, braking, or loading can also be implemented.

The front end is made from a polycarbonate base and is recyclable as a complete component.

On request, the front cover can be equipped with an extremely resistant, self-healing DECOPUR surface. In combina-tion with a crystalline high-gloss finish, this creates an extremely resistant surface with fantastic depth effects that ac-centuate the decorations underneath.

Rainer Süßmann, Executive Senior Vice President of Business Area Plastic Decoration, expressed his excitement in the front panel receiving German Design Award, “as it underlines the fact that our decorative and functional surfaces are in tune with the times".