In-Mold Electronics (IME) Market– By Type, (Silver Conductive Ink Material, Carbon Conductive Ink Material, and Other), By Component (Sensors, Antennas, Connectors and Others), By Technology (Thermoforming, Injection Molding, Film Insert Molding), By Application (Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Home Appliance, Industrial, and Other), By Geography - Global Opportunity Analysis & Industry Forecast, 2023-2030.

In Mold Electronics (IME) Market size is estimated to reach $2.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 18.5% during the forecast period 2023-2030. The process of incorporating electronic elements into molded plastic objects, such as semiconductors and sensors, is known as in-mold electronics (IME). Compared to conventional printed circuit boards (PCBs), IME has a number of benefits, including smaller size, lower weight, and superior shock and vibration protection. The growing demand for consumer electronics such as smaller, lighter electronic gadgets is the key factor fueling the expansion of the in-mold electronics business. 

Additionally, the market for in-mold electronics is expanding quickly as a result of the increasing use of in-mold electronics across multiple industries, including automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace, and many others. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation in February 2023, Nissan and Renault plan to invest US$ 600 million in India over the next 3-5 years to expand their market share in passenger cars and electric vehicles as this expansion is increasing demand for in-mold electronic components which are required for the automotive sector such as touch-sensitive control panels, lighted buttons, ambient lighting, smart surfaces, and sensors for safety and driver-assistance systems. In-mold electronics assist makers of various items in adding desired design elements, lowering costs, lightening the product, and speeding up the production process these are the factors anticipated driving the demand for in mold electronics market.

The “In Mold Electronics (IME) Market Report - Forecast (2023-2030)” by IndustryARC, covers an in-depth analysis of the following segments in the In Mold Electronics (IME) Market.

COVID-19 / Ukraine Crisis - Impact Analysis:  

● The COVID-19 epidemic has forced some small- and medium-sized business owners to function with a reduced staff, while many other companies quickly cut off employees hired in non-essential departments as a result of their limited ability to conduct business. Due to the worldwide sluggishness caused by the economy, many businesses have also reduced their budgets set aside for the production of electronics. Additionally, a decrease in output has been caused by a lack of demand from distributors, supply chain participants, and component makers. As a result, the market for in-mold electronics has been seeing a sharp decline in demand in 2020. 

● The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 caused global disruptions in the markets. Russia and Ukraine both have substantial contributions to make to the world's supply of electronics. Particularly in the fabrication of semiconductors, Ukraine is well-represented. The availability and cost of the components used in Molded Electronics could be impacted by any interruptions in the supply of electronic components from these nations as a result of geopolitical tensions, sanctions, or trade restrictions. 

Geographically, in the global In-Mold Electronics (IME) Market share, North America was recorded highest share with 31% market share in 2022. In North America, the automotive industry dominates the in-mold electronics market, automobile consoles are produced using in-mold electronics. According to the Alliance for Automotive Innovation 2022, the automotive industry continues to be the largest industrial sector in the country, with 20 manufacturers operating 55 light vehicle assembly plants in 15 states the fact that more individuals in North America now own cars is one of the main factors contributing to the region's supremacy which is anticipated increasing demand for in-mold electronics which are used for the automotive sector. Additionally, the region's rising use of high-end and cutting-edge electronic products has led to an increase in the use of in-mold electronics throughout North America. Increasing disposable income, growing healthcare expenditures, increasing desire for wearable products, and improvements in living standards have all contributed to the popularity of the numerous tools and gadgets that utilize touch sensor technologies. Mechanical switches and buttons are not necessary owing to the in-mold electronics employed to build touch sensor technology.

In the In-Mold Electronics (IME) Market Analysis, the silver conductive ink material segment is estimated to grow with the highest CAGR of 20.1% during the forecast period 2023-2030. Silver conductive ink is a substance with a silver base that is used to make components and it is made up of tiny particles that are covered with dispersion methods to keep them in place and stop them from settling or clumping. High electrical conductivity, low contact resistance, a simple application technique, and good adherence are all features of silver conductive ink. Direct printing of conductive traces onto the surface of the molded substrate is possible using silver conductive ink. These traces connect different electronic components together by acting as conductive conduits for electrical signals. This is especially helpful when the specific shape or specifications of the molded object preclude the use of typical rigid PCBs (printed circuit boards). Owing to these features the silver conductive ink materials segment is tremendously growing in the forecast period. 

According to the In Mold Electronics (IME) Market the Automotive segment is estimated to grow with the highest CAGR of 18.8% during the forecast period 2023-2030. The potential of IME to enhance automotive interiors, including the direct integration of touch controls, lighting, and sensors onto molded surfaces like dashboards, center consoles, and steering wheels, has attracted attention in the automobile industry, this connection can simplify production processes while improving user experiences. According to ACEA 2023, in the European Union, automobile manufacturers run about 164 vehicle assembly and production facilities thereby expanding the usage of in molds sector also these production facilities utilize in-mold electronic components, as IME which enables greater design freedom and customization choices. Manufacturers can quickly change the embedded electronics' appearance and functioning to suit certain customer needs and branding requirements. 

IME enables the development of electronic components that are smaller and lighter, which is essential in automobile design to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency. With the help of this technology, more portable and lightweight devices can take the place of older, larger models. Modern automobiles come with a variety of electrical parts and sensors for communication, infotainment, and safety. IME can speed up the integration of these parts by permanently integrating them into the dashboards, door panels, and steering wheels of the automobile. 

According to ACEA 2022, a 5.7% rise over 2021 saw the production of 85.4 million motor vehicles worldwide this will raise the application of in mold electronics in the automotive sector. Moreover, in-mold electronics technology's capabilities are in line with the usage of electronic components in automobiles. It offers a number of benefits, including enhanced aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness, making it an appealing option for automobile makers trying to maintain their competitiveness in a sector that is becoming more digital and connected.

Wearable technology is gaining popularity across a variety of industrial areas due to its ability to boost productivity, safety, and efficiency. Among the many industrial wearables, smart gloves, eyewear, helmets, and clothing are just a few examples.

The combination of IME technology and the rising demand for wearables in industrial applications is particularly significant because it enables the development of specifically tailored, lightweight, and durable electronic components that may be used in wearables. Wearables provide predictive maintenance by keeping an eye on the condition of the equipment and alerting staff to potential issues before they result in downtime.

Conductive inks, dielectric materials, and flexible substrates are among the specialty materials needed for IME. When compared to materials used in conventional electronics manufacture, these materials can be expensive. Specialized tools like conductive ink printers and precise molding machines are frequently needed to set up the manufacturing processes for IME. Both buying and maintaining these machines can be expensive.

The manufacturing process is made more difficult by the incorporation of electronics. The appropriate integration of the electronics into the molded pieces requires skilled specialists, which could raise labor expenses. IME is most economical when making large quantities of parts. A product's small market or low manufacturing volume may make the hefty setup expenses of IME unjustifiable.

                                             In Mold Electronics (IME) Market Share (%) By Region, 2022

                    

Product/Service launches, approvals, patents and events, acquisitions, partnerships and collaborations are key strategies adopted by players in the In-Mold Electronics (IME) Market. The top 10 companies in this industry are listed below:

1. Canatu (Canatu)

2. Dupont (Dupont)

3. Nissha Co., Ltd. (Nisha)

4. True North Printed Plastics (True North Printed Plastics)

5. Intertech (Intertech)

6. DuraTech Industries (DuraTech)

7. Eastprint Incorporated (Eastprint Incorporated)

8. Dycotec Materials Ltd. (Dycotec Materials)

9. InMold Solutions (InMold Solutions)

10. Niebling (Niebling)