Kurz buys printing firm to boost surface decoration options

Fürth, Germany-based surface specialist Leonhard Kurz Stiftung & Co. KG is beefing up and showing off its capabilities to meet increasing demand for high-quality, appealing finishes as well as sustainable materials and customization requests.

The automotive, household appliances, consumer electronics and medical markets are facing more complex surface design requirements. For example, automotive customers are looking to transform vehicle exteriors into unmistakable brands with Kurz decorations while turning the interiors into a functional, networked living space with design highlights.

Kurz's response: the acquisition of a printing firm and an exhibit to highlight the future of mobility at Fakuma.

A week before the trade show, Kurz announced it acquired Canyon Graphics Inc., a San Diego-based company that offers printing, thermoforming, 3D trimming, 2D precision cutting, lamination and injection molding.

The merger is strategically aligned and completes Kurz's regional presence in North America — in addition to North Carolina and Detroit.

"We can thus offer even more comprehensive design solutions and component concepts to our customers and the new players in the North American EV market," a company spokeswoman said in an email.

The acquisition will give customers of Kurz, a thin-film specialist focused on decorative and functional surfaces, more design freedom and a competitive edge, according to Thomas Hertlein, CEO of Kurz Transfer Products LP in Charlotte, N.C.

"Our customers are increasingly seeking holistic, environmentally sustainable solutions, whether it be comprehensive design and engineering or the delivery of fully adorned or functional plastic components," Hertlein said in a news release. "Canyon's proficiency in engineering and supplying in-mold labeling parts in the United States perfectly complements our strengths in crafting decorative plastics components and flexible sensors."

Kurz's decorative and functional layers are applied to carrier foil for surface finishing, decoration, labeling and counterfeit protection of products in a variety of markets, including packaging, printing, electronics, cards, textiles and automotive, the latter of which is the company's focus at Fakuma.

In Friedrichshafen, Germany, Kurz will present innovations for the future of mobility and demonstrate processes suitable for series production today.

"Our expertise covers decoration, functionality, technology and in-depth know-how in process and tool technology. As a result, every surface can now be functionally equipped," said Luitpold Haarländer, head of sales management automotive in the plastic decoration business unit.

In one demonstration, Kurz is collaborating with German rim manufacturer Ronal to produce plastic inserts for a conventional light metal rim that becomes both a striking visual detail and contributes to the vehicle's performance. The company said the rim inserts reduce air resistance, making for a quieter drive and increasing the range of electric vehicles.

The inserts are injection molded and provided with a wafer-thin decorative layer using hot stamping for a chrome look in a new patent-pending process called Performance+. The hot-stamping foil is drawn into a two-part stamping tool using a vacuum, which eliminates the need to separately preheat the material. Instead, the foil is integrated into the process in a cycle-neutral manner. The decorative layer is then transferred to the component by means of heat and pressure, and the substrate is removed again.

In contrast to conventional electroplating, no environmentally harmful chromium VI is used, Kurz officials said.

The technology is not only more efficient and saves on energy usage but also is even better suited for the finishing of 3D-formed components, according to Kurz officials.

The new process will be demonstrated on the Geba 8/1S, a machine from Kurz subsidiary Baier equipped with hot stamping tools from Hinderer + Mühlich, which is also part of the Kurz Group.

A major advantage of the process is that auto suppliers that already own a Geba machine can convert it for the new process without major modifications and with little effort and can continue to operate it as usual. Hot stamping Performance+ will be demonstrated live at the Kurz stand.

Kurz also is spotlighting software for "machine insight services" developed in cooperation with the subsidiary Kurz Digital Solutions. The program collects and monitors production data in real time and uses artificial intelligence to provide a reliable basis for increasing efficiency and reducing downtime.

Another automotive highlight will be an advanced rear-end cover concept, which consists of an innovative material mix finished with in-mold decoration (IMD).

In-mold electronics also can be used to equip the component with sensors and technical features, such as smart touch functionality. This supports the technologies required for autonomous driving and communicates with other road users using backlighting and 3D light effects.

Kurz also is demonstrating IMD technology combined with laser engraving for a front cover. The IMD enables day-to-night designs, backlighting and animations for some functions, while custom designs and special editions can be implemented using laser technology. The front panel will have a closed, homogeneous surface with a self-healing, crystalline decoration from Kurz Decopur — a manufacturing step that covers the component with polyurethane to produce an extremely durable crystalline, high-gloss surfaces.

In the automotive interior segment, homogeneous multifunctional surfaces are becoming increasingly popular. Kurz's other demonstrations at Fakuma will focus on smooth, closed surfaces and smart functions without levers and switches.

Kurz also is showcasing a smart wall box at Fakuma that has a surface that can do more than simply indicate the charge level.

Using a laser machine from Acsys, the wall box can also display operating instructions, the remaining range with the current charge level, or the amount of electricity currently in use. Access authorization also can be regulated by the functional decoration and recycled material can be used both for the wall box and the decoration.

In addition, a new design for an overhead light console first presented at K 2022 is being shown.

Kurz staff is eager to collaborate with Canyon Graphics — a company that operates within "captivating market segments," according to Rainer Süssmann, Kurz's executive senior vice president of the plastic decoration business unit, who pointed to attractive and changing markets, such as automotive and appliances.

The Canyon Graphics website shows products like fashion eyewear, cellphone covers, medical device cases and more.

"Through the fusion of design and technology, we are poised to unveil novel products to our global clientele. The highly skilled and knowledgeable Canyon team will play an instrumental role in expanding business domains," Süssmann said in the release, which describes the companies as joining forces.

No terms were disclosed.

Founded in 1981 as a specialty printing company, Canyon Graphics expanded services and currently has 60 employees in San Diego. Everyone will be retained.

"We are very happy to welcome experienced employees to the Kurz Group," a company spokeswoman said in an email.

The partnership with Kurz will open new opportunities for the printing firm, according to Canyon Graphics CEO Mike Ward.

"Teaming up with Kurz allows us to provide global support to our customers and introduce them to innovative component alternatives that would have been challenging to achieve independently," Ward said in the release. "Kurz's global reach offers an exciting prospect for the entire Canyon and Kurz team."

The Kurz Group employs more than 5,500 people at 30-plus sites worldwide.