High-resolution four-colour sets, created with a self-developed combination of colour formulas, screen parameters and screen meshes now enable photo-realistic representations that are familiar from digital printing but previously seemed unattainable in screen printing. Wood imitations, metal structures, skins, stone designs or three-dimensional depth effects through screen gradients are just some of the effects created by our BÖ-LA Smart Design team. Depending on the decor, the printing inks are on the back, the front or both sides of the component, creating effects with depth and haptic structures on the front with a modern "look & feel".
A photo-realistically printed trim with different day and night designs should actually be innovative enough - but the SMART DESIGN team came up with something very special for the trim. In addition, they integrated a personalised information board that -on demand- informs you about the latest tweet, current stock market prices or what the weather will be like today. We call it ActiveDash ®.
At BÖ-LA you can take this literally - because we have already received several awards for excellence in training indeed. In 2018, BÖ-LA's trainee was honored as the best media technologist in Germany in the field of screen printing.
You can find more information about our training at Jobs and career
Under the motto FOCUS ON THE UNSEEN, the BÖ-LA SMART DESIGN team is presenting its own dashboard, which was designed entirely by BÖ-LA. At the same time, the development of this demonstrator in XXL format sets the course for the production of such large-format components in series. As the motto suggests, the actual innovation of the component initially remains hidden and only becomes visible as a second decoration when the dashboard is backlit. This innovative concept combines a high-quality day design, a hidden second design that only becomes visible at night, a 10-inch display and control elements with touch effect in a smart surface - all seamless, of course.
We call this
Special machine construction, handling devices, testing systems and assembly systems are the core competences of Borowski Automatisationssysteme from Lüdenscheid. Since its founding in 1991, business owner Michael Borowski has developed the company into a recognised specialist for automation technology.
A particular strength of the fixture manufacturer is the development of customised individual solutions in the field of industrial automation, for which Borowski acts as a system integrator and overall supplier.
BÖ-LA has also been a customer for many years and on 1 October 2016 acquired all the shares in Borowski Automationssysteme GmbH & Co. KG. With this step, BÖ-LA has secured important know-how in the areas of fixture construction, assembly techniques and automation technology and thus has a strong and competent partner at its side for future challenges.
In the three-year publicly funded joint project FIM-O / Film-Insert-Molded-OLED, an OLED and a 3D-molded hardcoat film are simultaneously molded using the FIM process. In just one work step, a self-luminous plastic component with a closed surface in seamless design and integrated OLED lighting is created. The presentation at Fakuma 2015 is, to our knowledge, the first time in the world that an OLED has been successfully injection molded into a self-luminous FIM component. With this innovation, BÖ-LA, a pioneer in FIM technology, also becomes a pioneer in the further development of Film-Insert-Molded-Electronics.
With the purchase of the neighbouring hall, BÖ-LA has opened up important space for future growth. In the new hall with 2400 sqm, an assembly centre and the central final inspection were set up. In order to ensure an optimal movement of people and goods, the new plant is connected to plant 1 by a people bridge and a goods lift.
With highly automated assembly transfer lines including inline camera inspection, BÖ-LA has positioned itself as a specialist for demanding assemblies with a wide variety of decoration methods and joining processes.
For the second time, BÖ-LA received the "Supplier of the Year" award from Continental for outstanding performance as a supplier. Out of 900 suppliers, BÖ-LA was awarded Supplier of the Year 2014 together with only 11 other award winners.
An extract from the Continental press release:
Top suppliers honoured: Continental presents the "Supplier of the Year 2014" awards
Düsseldorf, 09 July 2015: Since 2008, the Continental Automotive Group has been honouring its outstanding suppliers with the "Supplier of the Year" awards in early summer. These awards are now regarded throughout the industry as a flagship for the quality and performance of a company, because the selection criteria are strict and the competition is fierce. The award winners are determined by a comprehensive systematic evaluation of all strategic suppliers of the Continental Automotive Group.
BÖ-LA's 3D-Sensitive-Touch continues the path of function integration in FIM components and takes the step into the third dimension. With the second generation of the so-called "BÖ-LA watch", an mp3 alarm clock, BÖ-LA shows how a touch-sensitive surface for three-dimensionally shaped components can be realised with the 3D-Sensitive-Touch technology. This does not only mean curved surfaces, but real 3D deformed surfaces - even complex geometries over several levels can be realized.
By fully integrating the 3D-Sensitive-Touch into the FIM process, BÖ-LA has succeeded in reducing the technical and decorative process to a single film. The fact that only one carrier medium is used gives our 3D-Sensitive-Touch a technological edge and offers cost advantages at the same time.
The individualised vehicle interior is the wish of many car buyers. It has become reality thanks to the joint project "Multidecor trims" by Gerhardi Kunststofftechnik. By means of an innovative multifunctional injection mold designed for various chrome, structural chrome, paint and film-insert-molded variants, individual design and colour wishes can be realised easily and cost-effectively from one and the same mold. BÖ-LA, as a partner for the molded and film-back-molded FIM trims, shows a variety of combinations of matt and high-gloss surfaces in attractive colour shades. Whether 3D trims in piano lacquer look with hardcoat coating, backlighting of the component or indirect ambient lighting - everything is possible. A unique tool concept that sets standards.
Instead of a conventional car cockpit with switches and buttons, Visteon's concept car e-bee features novel driver interfaces in a "seamless design" with closed surfaces, formed edges and a "disappearing effect". As a development partner for the driver interfaces, BÖ-LA has developed a high-quality foil-backed display cover, which is subsequently connected to a multi-touch display by means of an "optical bonding process" and joined to form an FIM touch screen. The newly designed control element is characterised by its scratch-resistant and chemically resistant coating as well as its touch-sensitive surface, which combines many functions and is controlled via touch.
