TactoTek develops and licenses in-mold structural electronics (IMSE) technology, which integrates electronic components directly into molded plastic parts. This technology enables the production of interactive and smart products, enhancing functionality while reducing assembly complexity and material waste.
Funding
Funding not disclosed
Founders
Product
Problem
Traditional electronics manufacturing often results in complex assemblies, increased material usage, and design limitations, hindering innovation in creating seamless and interactive user experiences. Integrating electronics into curved or unconventional surfaces poses significant challenges, restricting design freedom and increasing production costs.
Solution
TactoTek develops and licenses in-mold structural electronics (IMSE) technology that integrates printed circuitry and discrete electronic components within 3D injection-molded plastics. This technology enables the creation of thin, lightweight, and durable smart surfaces with integrated electronic functions such as illumination, touch controls, and connectivity. TactoTek's IMSE process combines cosmetics, structure, and function into a single injection-molded part, reducing assembly complexity and material waste while allowing for innovative designs and seamless integration of electronics into various materials like plastic, wood, glass, veneer, or leather. The company also provides a suite of online tools, training, reference designs, and a knowledge base to support customers in designing and manufacturing IMSE parts.
Target Audience
TactoTek's primary customers include designers, engineering service providers, tiers, manufacturing service providers, and OEMs in the automotive, aviation, and smart home industries seeking to create innovative and sustainable smart surfaces.
Features
- Integrates printed circuitry and electronic components within 3D injection molded plastics
- Enables capacitive touch sensors, proximity sensors, and printed antennas within the IMSE part
- Supports multiple illumination styles, including single color or RGB LEDs, for icon backlighting, light lines, and ambient illumination
- Offers design freedom with the ability to implement electrical functions in various shapes and styles
- Creates thinner, lighter, and more durable surfaces while maintaining aesthetic and tactile qualities
- Provides TactoTek Online, a central hub for IMSE tools and resources, including the IMSE Trainer, Digital Tools, Reference Designs, and Knowledge Base
- Offers application-specific IMSE Reference Designs for real-world examples and accelerated innovation
- Supports wireless connectivity using printed antennas for Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi technologies