Georg Kaufmann Formenbau AG of Switzerland has improved its Varysoft process for the production of soft-touch parts in automotive interiors. The company says that surfaces made using Varysoft are now “even more pleasant and softer and feature a much better grip”.
The Varysoft technology creates a three-layer part comprising a sub-structure, a layer of foam and a layer of decorative material.
To improve the process, Georg Kaufmann developed a multi-function mold that combines the three functions of injection molding, vacuum forming/embossing and foam molding. It is currently being used for the production of the right hand side of a dashboard for the Hyundai Kia Motor Co. Production was demonstrated at K 2013 on the Engel stand, using an Engel Duo 3550/650 pico combi M injection molding machine.
The multifunction mold imparts the grain effect to the decorative material during the vacuum forming operation. It also sets the thickness of polyurethane foam exactly as required in the various zones of the molded part.
“The dashboard thus produced is distinguished by its extremely tactile quality, appealing appearance, low weight and low production costs,” said the company.