OEM: Advanced Decorative Systems McGavigan, England, Glasgow Year: 2008

Part design:

Film specialist John McGavigan Limited, a subsidiary of Advanced Decorative Systems (ADS), has produced an innovative application using Bayfol®. It has developed a process that also enables functional elements to be integrated into a decorated surface, without them being permanently visible. This gives the designer the option of “concealing” elements such as switches, controls and displays, which then only appear when they are activated at the touch of a finger. The patented design is based on a film which is screen printed and contains graphics marked “decorative secret until lit graphics DSTLTM”. This is combined with backlit technology and integrates conductive tracks. The design principle is highly flexible, with the designer able to produce a wide variety of surface finishes without needing new tools. It also significantly reduces the number of individual components. This not only improves the reliability of functional components but also minimizes their weight and production costs. The design of automobile interiors provided the inspiration for the development of this new technology. The trend in this sector is toward minimalism, though an increasing number of electronic driver information systems are being installed. The new technology is suitable for both developments.