TactoTek and LS Automotive Technologies (LSAT) announced that LSAT has licensed design and manufacturing rights for TactoTek injection moulded structural electronics (IMSE) technology. The agreement includes rights to use TactoTek proprietary intellectual property and technology transfer that enables LSAT to design and manufacture IMSE parts in Korea and globally.
LSAT is a leading vehicle electronics manufacturer in Korea and around the world with strategically located manufacturing operations to serve global customers. “TactoTek’s IMSE technology enables the solutions that our customers are asking for and also supports our core company values,” noted Hyo-Cheol Lee, VP, Advanced Development at LSAT. “IMSE is cutting-edge technology that supports the design innovation that our customers want while being environmentally-friendly because it uses clean, additive manufacturing processes and significantly reduces plastics use. LSAT already has customer projects for IMSE solutions.”
TactoTek develops, industrialises and licenses IMSE technology that combines printed electronics and electronic components within single piece, seamless 3D injection moulded structures. Surface finishes range from plastics to elegant natural materials, including wood. The company packages its technology for licensees in two products, IMSE Designer for IMSE part design, and IMSE Builder for IMSE part mass production, testing and quality assurance. For automotive markets, TactoTek licensees mass produce IMSE parts.
“We are honoured that LSAT has embraced our IMSE Technology,” said Jussi Harvela, TactoTek CEO, “LSAT is well-known for their technology leadership and process excellence, and those attributes support the quality and total cost efficiency that will propel their success with IMSE. Moreover, LSAT’s global manufacturing footprint will make IMSE solutions easily accessible to OEMs in many new markets.”
TactoTek said it supports IMSE licensees with a hands-on technology transfer process to ensure that licensees are successful with the technology. “We are very pleased with the rigor of TactoTek’s IMSE technology validation methodologies,” stated Kyoung-Choon Kim, LSAT Chief Strategy Officer. “Based on TactoTek’s technology, we believe LS Automotive can lead the HMI new product market and meet proactively the needs of global customers.”
LS Automotive, an automotive parts supplier established in 1973, produces electric and electronic control devices for vehicles such as switch modules, interior lamps, sensors and body control systems as its main items. As a result of establishing production subsidiaries in major overseas markets and strengthening sales and marketing capabilities, the company supplies major global top OEMs such as Hyundai-Kia, GM, VW, Nissan, Ford, FCA, PSA, and Renault as well as major Tier 1 customers such as ZF, Continental, Bosch, Advics, and Lear.