KURZ Showcases Surface Decoration for Automotive and Home Appliances at PLASTIMAGEN México 2026

Huntersville/USA, October 13, 2026: From November 10 to 13, KURZ will present decoration solutions for plastic components at PLASTIMAGEN México 2026 in Mexico City. The exhibits include illuminated and backlit automotive components, an LED turn signal panel, as well as control surfaces and display solutions for home appliances. Using four decoration processes and an interactive sample wall, the company will demonstrate how different surfaces can be designed and integrated into component manufacturing.

The focus is on Hot Stamping, Heat Transfer, In-Mold Decoration (IMD), and In-Mold Labeling (IML). For converters, key considerations include the point in the production process at which decoration takes place and the requirements that component material, geometry, and the desired surface place on the process.

Surfaces for Vehicle Components and Home Appliances

In the automotive sector, KURZ will showcase decorated interior and exterior components, as well as chrome-look applications on key components and wheel rim inserts. Illuminated and backlit exhibits will also demonstrate the interplay between surface design and light. For home appliances, the focus is on control surfaces and display solutions, complemented by packaging applications for the cosmetics industry.

An interactive sample wall enables visitors to directly compare surface variants. Visitors can view and touch components with similar properties and different decorations. The samples serve as a starting point for discussions about which version is suitable for their own product and which material and process requirements need to be considered during implementation.

Insight Into the Development of Glass Decoration

In addition to plastic decoration, KURZ will provide insight into the development of a Heat Transfer solution for glass using a glass control panel for home appliances. The decoration is transferred to the back of the glass and remains visible through the front. This so-called second-surface decoration opens up design possibilities for colored motifs, metallic effects, and graphic control elements. The sample serves as a basis for discussing potential designs and application specific requirements with visitors.

Four Processes and Their Integration Into Manufacturing

Hot Stamping transfers a decorative layer onto an already formed component using heat and pressure. The process enables metallic or pigmented effects on defined areas of the plastic surface. Relevant considerations for implementation include the accessibility of the area to be decorated and the coordination of the component and stamping tool.

Heat Transfer applies prefabricated decorations, including multicolor designs, to a formed plastic component using heat and pressure. For industrial applications in particular, the application of individual images is relevant, such as logos and emblems on tool cases or power drills. The transfer system is selected based on the component surface and the desired design.

With In-Mold Decoration (IMD), the decorative layer is transferred from a carrier to the component during injection molding. Forming and decoration therefore take place in a single process step. Depending on the application, a separate decoration step after injection molding may not be required.

With In-Mold Labeling (IML), a prefabricated label is placed in the mold and bonded with the plastic during molding. The label remains part of the component. The selection of the label material and plastic, as well as positioning within the mold, is therefore part of the process design.

“The selection of a decoration technology begins with the component and how it is manufactured. Material, geometry, and the desired surface determine which process is suitable. With the exhibits and comparison samples, we want to make this decision tangible for converters,” says Mike Ward, Sales Director, Business Area Plastics, KURZ North America.

KURZ will be exhibiting at PLASTIMAGEN México 2026 at Booth 1430. Visitors can compare the samples there and discuss with the team the selection of a decoration technology for their applications.