Integration of screen-printed antennas in plastic body parts using in-mould technology

Antenna structures are produced via screen printing onto a film substrate and afterwards permanently integrated in plastic body parts of the automotives using the in-mould technology. Trials were carried out with thermoset materials like SMC (fibre-reinforced polyester) and PUR-LFI (polyurethane long-fibre injection) and with thermoplastic material like ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene). To achieve perfect integration (material combinations) different film substrates were used. Finally a comparison of the electrical performance of an integrated antenna to a state-of the-art solution is drawn.