Singapore-based injection molder Fischer-Tech Ltd. is partnering with California touch screen maker Interlink Electronics to develop new technologies for control screens and other “human-machine interface” applications.
Camarillo, Calif.-based Interlink announced the partnership Dec. 2. It did not provide details, other than to say that the companies would work on developing and commercializing “multi-functional integrated substrate and components” for machine interfaces.
The company also said it was seeking Fischer-Tech's help with cost and weight reduction of components, as well as adding design flexibility.
“I am very pleased to have Fischer-Tech Ltd. as a strategic industry partner in high-precision plastic molding and component engineering to accelerate the commercialization of advanced hybrid technology solutions for intelligent and interactive surfaces, which provide key advantages in both cost and weight reduction as well as enabling game changing product form factor,” said Interlink Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Steven Bronson, in a statement.
Fischer-Tech, which employs 1,900 people and has factories in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and China, specializes in high-volume precision engineered plastic molding, mold making and decorating, with machine sizes from 40 tons to 450 tons clamping force.
In 2010, the Japanese company that developed the rapid heat cycle molding process, Ono Sangyo Co. Ltd., took a 15 percent stake in Fischer-Tech.
Fischer-Tech Chief Executive Officer Peter Tan said that the partnership will help his company improve its products for interactive control surfaces in a range of industries, including automotive, electronics and healthcare.
Interlink manufactures touch screens, pointing devices and mouse pads from a factory in China, along with force sensing devices, for electronics manufacturers. The company said the partnership would complement its global research and development center in Singapore and its expansion in the Asia Pacific region.
