In-mold electronics (IME) or in-mold structural electronics (IMSE) is about to enter a period of rapid revenue growth with IDTechEx forecasting the overall market to exceed $1 billion within a decade.

IME is the idea of introducing your electronics on a 2D substrate before thermoforming this into your final 3D part. A previous article goes into more detail around the process and associated technology hurdles. However, many of these challenges overcome the market will overcome its previous false-start and come to the commercial forefront.

The key indicators for this come from the market leaders TactoTek. In September 2019, they secured another prestigious licensee in the Korean giant LS Automotive and along with fellow licensee Faurecia, it shows a clear direction into human-machine interfaces for automotive interiors. To date, the most notable product is in a wearable device and Nanogate, another licensee, reported to IDTechEx that 2020 will see their first commercial production (>100,000 units pa) again not in an automotive application.

Progress is not complete with advancements in material requirements, electrical connections, scale, software, control brightness and more all being developed. TactoTek is not alone in developing this industry, not only are there other competitive processes to 3D electronics, but there are other players and research institutes continually developing this. Also, many large players are aligning themselves with this technology for the upcoming take-off. More information on all the players, technology, competitive processes and market projections can be seen in the report.

For more information see the market report: In-Mold Electronics 2019-2029: Technology Market Forecasts, Players.