In-Mold Coating: Smart coatings for premium automotive designs

The transformation of the mobility industry demands innovative concepts

In today's automotive world, manufacturers face escalating demands: low production costs, reduced environmental impact and premium appearance with innovative designs for transforming vehicle markets.

As a respond, Covestro offers the pioneering IMC technology that transforms surface finish possibilities through sustainable automotive coating while addressing critical industry pain points.

The Technology: In-Mold Coating for innovative automotive applications

Our Direct Coating process as IMC technology is a smart combination of injection molding with reaction injection molding in a single mold:

1. Makrolon®, Makroblend® or Bayblend® is injected
2. A reactive polyurethane coating system based on raw materials Desmophen® and Desmodur® overmolds the thermoplastic in a second cavity

The result is a finished, coated part with aesthetic surfaces in one efficient process - eliminating numerous production steps and near-zero emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with superior part quality for innovative mobility concepts.

How material and technology enable new automotive applications

Recent material developments now further extend the options for automotive industry to create innovative design options acting as differentiator. In combination with highly automated processing chains and optimized coating systems, individualized mobility solutions for premium and mass applications can be achieved through lean value chains by a one-step coating process.

Experience laser-individualized in-mold coated parts:

• Striking light and depth effects by 3D surface structures integrated into adhesion-optimized Makrolon® IMC available in numerous colors
• Seamless logo and design integration without disrupting surface defects by specialized IMC systems that change color and translucence with laser activation
• All achieved with minimal equipment and near-zero rejection rates by in-mold coating

Discover the possibilities of combining film insert molding with in-mold coating technology:

• Adhesion-optimized Makrolon® IMC enabling design features like depth effects through 3D structures with integrated frame and mounting system by 2K injection molding
• Pre-printed Makrofol® films delivering highly individualized design options with the potential to integrate heating options for autonomous driving sensors 
• Self-healing automotive coating surfaces through PUR as transparent protection layer

A partnership approach along the entire value chain

Covestro delivers more than materials - we provide comprehensive support from concept to mass production:

• Expert guidance in part design and simulation
• Global molding trial facilities and Mass production launch assistance
• Multiple patents and state-of-the-art development centers worldwide
• Partner network of machine manufacturers, mold makers, coating suppliers & Tiers

Visit us on K2025 to experience firsthand how our material innovations are transforming automotive surface technology - proving that the right material creates effects far beyond the surface.