Functionality is at the heart of in-mold electronics – a technology concerned with creating seamlessly integrated electronic functions into hardware, particularly within automotive interiors. IDTechEx’s report, “In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets“, explores the current landscape of in-mold electronics and where it can be expected to head over the next ten years.
Lightweighting, lighting, and longevity
Achieving practicality in a manner that can also serve as an aesthetic enhancement can be achieved when electrical components are embedded into the design of 3D structures and surfaces. In-mold electronics (IME) can reduce volume and create lighter weight electronic structures compared to conventional electronic user interfaces.
Lighting effects and capacitive switches are reported by IDTechEx to be some of the main commercial IME applications to date, and with the automotive industry increasingly utilizing these features, the demand for IME technology is increasing as a result. The consumer medical device industry, and/or wearables, is another big target market for IME, where size, seamlessness, and practicality of use are desired attributes for smartwatches, smart rings, and other trending tech. The requirements for durability and longevity within these largely high-end products which IME is concerned with, mean that the technology will need to meet certain requirements, particularly in the automotive sector where strict regulations are the standard.
Sustainability, lowered costs, and streamlined materials
From a production and practicality perspective, IME’s capacity for high-volume production creates the possibility for economies of scale, meaning less costs could be incurred in the long run as technologies mature and find a home within certain markets. IDTechEx also reports that manufacturing may not require completely new operations, as there is a possibility for IME to be integrated into existing production processes within particular industries. Automotive adoption of IME is likely to be a large determining factor for its success over the next ten years, along with the potential for low barriers to adoption from a manufacturing standpoint. IDTechEx’s report predicts the market to reach US$974 million by 2035.
As sustainability and decarbonization efforts are becoming ever-increasing trends spanning multiple technology sectors, the lessening need for excess components and materials within IME creates an opening for increased sustainability. The sector could begin to contribute to lowering harmful environmental impacts, particularly with a reduced need for plastic.
Conductive inks can be used in the replacement of etched printed circuit boards (PCBs). IDTechEx’s report, “Conductive Inks Market 2024-2034: Technologies, Applications, Players”, explores types of inks and the processes involved in both their production and applications. The screen-printing method involved in IME utilizes conductive inks on polycarbonate or other material substrates, which can then be manipulated by thermoforming and injection moulding into desired 3D shapes. The development of sustainable electronics manufacturing is also a prevalent trend within the wider electronics sector.
IDTechEx’s report, “Sustainable Electronics and Semiconductor Manufacturing 2025-2035: Players, Markets, Forecasts”, covers the advancement and reworking of production approaches that are being implemented with the mission to create more environmentally friendly products.
For more information on IME and its potential for growth and reshaping printed electronics, visit IDTechEx’s report, “In-Mold Electronics 2025-2035: Forecasts, Technologies, Markets” and the wider portfolio of Printed & Flexible Electronics Research Reports.
