Background Study 1

The demand for electric vehicles is expected to increase in the future due to a rise in concerns about climate change and air pollution. The government of several countries are making their way to introduce several initiatives and policies to fuel the manufacturing of electric vehicles to contribute to a greener future. Hence, the production of electric vehicles will generate the demand for in-mold electronics to increase electronic content, reduce complexity and reduce weight in vehicles. Some of the instances mentioned below are anticipated to fuel electric vehicle production in the near future.

• In September 2022, the US government announced its plan to boost the manufacturing of electric vehicles. By 2030, the country is expected to record 50% of the total electric vehicle sales share. Companies such as Honda, Toyota, General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Panasonic have announced investments in the manufacturing sectors in North Carolina, Missouri, Michigan, Kansas, and Ohio to meet the target.
• In May 2022, Stellantis had planned to spend US$ 2.8 billion to increase the production of electric vehicles at two of its Canadian plants. In support of this investment, the Canadian and Ontario governments planned to invest up to US$ 410.7 million and US$ 398 million to augment the domestic production of EVs and mitigate the supply chain constraints.
• The UAE government planned to launch 42,000 electric cars, which will be on the roads by 2030. Supportive government policies and incentives offer beneficial opportunities to key players to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in the country.

Background Study 2

The automotive industry has been one of the major adopters of in mold electronics technology. In mold electronics allows integrating electronic components such as sensors, antennae and illuminated logos directly into plastic vehicle parts during the injection molding process. This method has advantages compared to traditional methods. It removes the need for extra assembly steps after molding, simplifying the manufacturing process. It also allows for better integration of electronics with vehicle structures, enabling new and creative uses.

Regulations mandating safety features like backup cameras are also driving automotive manufacturers to explore in mold electronics. Integrating camera modules directly into tailgates or license plate housing addresses reliability issues associated with detachable camera units. As autonomous, connected and electric vehicles gain wider acceptance, the level of electronics and amount of sensors in vehicles is expected to multiply tremendously. This puts the spotlight on in mold electronics that enables simplified assembly of vehicles with high electronic content. The growing electrification of automobiles is another driver, as in mold technology supports novel approaches to integrating electronic controls and displays. With its ability to enable innovation and help comply with regulations, in mold electronics is sure to play a pivotal role in automotive industry's transformation in coming years.

The Rise of IME

Embryonic Stage IME is currently in an embryonic stage, poised for rapid growth between 2023 and 2025.

$1.548 Billion by 2032 Industry analysts estimate the IME output value to reach a staggering $1.548 billion by 2032.

Primary Markets The automotive industry is expected to be the primary market for IME, followed by white goods and aviation.

Key Technology Areas

Type of IN-MOLD Electronics

• IN-MOLD Lighting Systems
• IN-MOLD Antennas
• IN-MOLD Sensors
• IN-MOLD Heating Elements
• IN-MOLD Touch Controls
• IN-MOLD Camera Integration
• IN-MOLD Logo Illumination
• IN-MOLD Acoustic Components
• Others

Methods to Integrate Electrical Circuits In Molded Plastic Parts

• Compression Molding
• Thermoforming
• Overmolding
• 3d Printing
• Laser Direct Structuring
• Others

Materials For In-mold Electronics
Type Of Plastic Material (Thermoplastics & Thermosets)

• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
• PC (Polycarbonate)
• PA (Polyamide, Nylon)
• PP (Polypropylene)
• Other Plastic Substrates

Type of Conductive Materials (For Embedded Circuits)

• Conductive Inks (Silver, Copper, Graphene-based)
• Conductive Polymers
• Metal Films
• Other Conductive Materials

Flexible Substrates For Circuits
Encapsulants And Protective Materials
Additives And Fillers
Others

Advantages of Methods to Integrate Electrical Circuits

• Low-cost
• Scalability (Large Scale Production)
• Ready-to-use Solutions
• Regulatory Compliance (Rohs, Reach)
• Ease Of Use
• Manageability Without The Need Of Service Provider
• Reasonable Duration Of Implementation
• Improve Product Quality
• Others