Compo-SiL Technology enters smart surface HMI automotive market
Hsinchu, Taiwan – General Silicones (GS) reports how automotive components makers have started using its Compo-SiL technology. In the automotive market, the trend progresses to simplify human-machine interaction (HMI) by giving surfaces in the cockpit smart functionalities. Intelligent cockpits provide ambient lighting, enhance interior design, display information and integrate control functions through virtual buttons and sliders with haptic feedback.
Integrating smart functions into automotive dashboards and surfaces is challenged by the fact that electronics have to be integrated into three-dimensional surfaces, provide haptic feedback, and need durable protection from water and chemicals. They have to endure prolonged exposure to various weathers and prevent aging from exposure to UV radiation from sunlight.
Compo-SiL is a silicone rubber material said to deliver the many benefits of silicone material compared to plastic-based products. Its light transmittance is far higher than plastic-based alternatives after dyeing. It is not sensitive to aggressive chemicals, and it can be modified to be electrically conductive.
For customers using Compo-SiL to integrate control functions, the silicone rubber is modified to provide electrical conductivity for interactive materials. In combination with intelligent haptic feedback technology, customers of GS use Compo-SiL silicone rubber to create 3D-shaped touch surfaces that integrate intelligent tactile sliders, smart buttons and dynamic surface illumination to enhance human-machine interaction.
Compo-SiL uses its patented technology to equip the cured silicone rubber sheet with an ultra-thin polyurethane (PU) based interface layer. This layer allows bonding of the cured Compo-SiL® silicone rubber sheet with standard glue processes to smart surfaces during mass production. This exclusive technology of GS is said to provide outstanding adhesion strength and makes silicone rubber a perfect material for smart products in the automotive market.
Compo-SiL sheets are made of silicone rubber, a material GS manufactures using environmentally-friendly water-based processes. Silicone rubber has been shown to have a low environmental footprint during manufacturing and for the entire product lifecycle.
GS can modify the surface and material properties of its automotive vegan leather to match colors, texture and the feel of natural leather.
The PU layer of the Compo-SiL sheets can be easily printed with any design using existing digital printing technology. This advance enables interior designers and product designers to combine printed design elements with electronic display functions to push the envelope in automotive interior design even further.