Härkingen/Switzerland, 2024/10/02 – Last year, the RONAL GROUP and KURZ, a leading specialist in the field of thin-film technology, presented the PERFORMANCE+ hot stamping process, which can be used to refine wheel inserts. At FAKUMA, the leading international trade fair for the plastics processing industry, the two companies will be presenting the further development of their cooperation project this year.
While the RONAL GROUP has designed special aerodynamic wheel inserts that reduce air resistance and noise, KURZ has further improved its PERFORMANCE+ hot stamping technology and made it more sustainable. “On the one hand, this allows us to dispense with the preheating previously required for hot stamping, which saves a significant amount of energy and increases efficiency,” explains Luitpold Haarländer, Head of Business Area Plastic Decoration at KURZ. “On the other hand, no environmentally harmful chromium (VI) is used, as is the case with conventional electroplating, for example – and CO2 emissions are also reduced in comparison. Last but not least, the technology is ideal for the use of recyclates and ensures a lower reject rate.”
In addition to technological optimization, KURZ has also further developed the process at the design level. The series-capable, patented PERFORMANCE+ hot stamping process is even better suited for finishing components with 3D geometries and enables innovative design variations. New holographic effects that create the impression of optical depth and movement will be presented for the first time at FAKUMA 2024. “Numerous variations are possible – from elegant real chrome looks to metallizations in different shades and color gradients,” explains Haarländer.
Several exhibits at the KURZ stand demonstrate the wide range of design options. “We are delighted that we were able to make progress with KURZ as part of this innovative project and demonstrate possible applications in exterior design using our RONAL aluminum wheels,” adds Raphaël Ballu, Project Manager at the RONAL GROUP. “KURZ’s hot stamping technology allows us to transform conventional wheel inserts into visual highlights, but it offers even more than that. Together with KURZ, we are also working on adapting the technology for a revolutionary process for decorating the aluminum wheel itself, which opens the door to an enormous variety of designs and visual effects. As the trend towards individualization in the automotive industry continues, this is of interest to both our OE customers and the aftermarket sector.”
The different wheels with various inlays and effects can be seen in hall A4 at stand A4-4111 from October 15 to 19, 2024 at FAKUMA in Friedrichshafen. Visitors will be able to gain their own impression of the process and the wide range of design variations: Wheel inserts will be decorated live on site at the KURZ stand.
For more information:
www.ronalgroup.com
www.fakuma.plastic-decoration.com
Copyright images: LEONHARD KURZ