Automotive touch controls & smart surfaces

Driving innovation in automotive interfaces and electronics

At Quad Industries, we design and manufacture versatile capacitive touch sensors, in-mold electronics (IME), PTC heating elements, printed sensors, and film antennas specifically for automotive applications. Our tailor-made solutions enhance innovation across car interiors, exteriors, and technical systems.

Emhancing automotive performance with reliable, intuitive, and cost-effective interface and sensor solutions that boost efficiency, comfort, and safety across the vehicle ecosystem.

capacitive touch automotive

Touch controls for automotive applications

Touch control technology and smart surfaces are rapidly becoming the new standard in car interfaces. They bring significant benefits to automotive design and usability:

  • Innovative design: Replace mechanical knobs and buttons with sleek, smooth, tablet-like touch interfaces.

  • Reduced complexity: Streamlined production compared to traditional mechanical parts.

  • Increased robustness: One-piece designs minimize risk of impact damage or loose components.

  • Smart surfaces: Transform interior modules into multi-functional, intelligent surfaces.

We develop capacitive touch sensors for a wide range of automotive HMI applications — from HVAC controls and steering wheel commands to overhead panels and smart dashboards. Each solution is engineered to your specific requirements.

Next-generation touch sensors

Our flexible approach ensures a tailor-made touch sensor solution that integrates seamlessly into any vehicle design.

High-sensitivity conductive inks

for fine-line printing and high resolution.

Excellent cost-to-performance ratio

without compromising on reliability, durability, or automotive-grade performance.

Black panel effects

Hidden icons and symbols revealed only when activated.

Smooth backlighting

Clear, effective visual feedback with both transparent and non-transparent conductive inks.

Exquisite design

Compatible with glass, plastic, leather, and wood for premium surfaces.

In-Mold Electronics (IME)

We develop in-mold electronics for large-volume automotive applications. IME parts are thin, lightweight, and 3D-shaped functional components that replace traditional multipart assemblies. They offer:

  • Design freedom for innovative HMI and non-HMI applications.

  • Seamless one-piece structures that reduce weight and complexity.

  • Integration of printed circuits, sensors, and lighting in a single part.

Our process covers the entire manufacturing chain: printing, SMT assembly, thermoforming, and injection molding. The result is a cost-efficient, scalable solution for next-generation automotive systems.

PTC heating elements

Our PTC heating elements power a wide variety of automotive heating applications:

  • Interior comfort systems: steering wheels, armrests, and seating surfaces.

  • Fast, even heating with no risk of overheating.

  • Integration in tight or curved spaces thanks to their thin and flexible design.

  • Functional heating for technical systems, including battery packs, motor compartments, and fluid tanks (oil, coolant, AdBlue, and more).

These elements ensure optimized performance, passenger comfort, and vehicle efficiency.

Printed sensors

Modern vehicles rely on advanced sensors to measure performance and ensure safety. Our printed sensors integrate seamlessly with automotive components:

  • Heat and humidity sensors for hybrid and electric vehicle battery packs.

  • Flexible designs for integration into diverse surfaces and modules.

  • Compatibility with the latest automotive manufacturing technologies.

Film antennas

Our printed film antennas are ultra-thin and flexible, designed for easy integration in various vehicle structures:

  • Placement in the roof, spoiler, or interior surfaces.

  • Adaptable to any form factor without bulky cable harnesses.

  • Support for multiple signal technologies including GNSS, FM, and DAB.

Case Study

Since 2020, Quad has been one of three industry partners for SASS, a groundbreaking research initiative funded by imec and Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen (VLAIO), focused on developing innovative ways to integrate printed electronics technology into soft and stretchable materials for automotive applications.

The car of the future will have technology that’s so subtly designed, it’s almost shy. Hidden within the center console, armrests, soft furnishings, and other interior surfaces, this ‘shy tech’ will stay invisible until you need it. Not only for reasons of aesthetics, but mainly to improve safety by ensuring minimal driver distraction. The SASS project has yielded significant breakthroughs, including a novel method to apply printed electronics between layers of flexible synthetic leather and the development of new combinations of substrates and conductive inks – innovations in which our involvement and expertise was vital. This expertise will now be put into action and will surely benefit our clients.

Why Quad Industries?

Standards & quality for automotive applications

We operate under IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and ISO 14001, guaranteeing automotive-grade quality, safety, and sustainability. Our teams combine engineering and materials expertise to design, prototype, and scale production of robust electronic solutions. From R&D to manufacturing, we focus on system integration, interoperability, and cost-efficiency, ensuring that your projects run smoothly from concept to the assembly line. With our European production base and supply routes outside China, we provide resilient lead times and consistent automotive-grade quality.

Why partner with Quad Industries?

  • Concept-to-production expertise: From R&D and prototyping to co-creation and large-scale manufacturing at very competitive prices.

  • Automotive-grade reliability: Solutions certified to meet stringent industry standards.

  • Customizable & scalable: Tailored designs for HMI, heating, sensing, and connectivity applications.

  • Trusted partner: 20+ years of experience delivering advanced printed electronics for automotive innovation.

Are you ready to move forward together?

This is why we are
complementary

Co-creation & advice

Co-creation is how we work. We challenge assumptions, ask the right questions and share insights gained from previous projects to help customers avoid pitfalls.

R&D

R&D at Quad is about exploring what’s possible before committing to what’s buildable. Through applied research, material testing and participation in innovation programs, we deepen our understanding of new technologies and emerging applications.

This knowledge feeds future projects and helps customers make informed choices early on.

Engineering

Engineering is where ideas are translated into concrete designs. Our engineers define architectures, layouts and technical details that balance functionality, performance and feasibility.

Every decision is made with downstream production and real-world use in mind.

Prototyping

Prototyping is about learning fast. We create functional samples and proof-of-concepts to test assumptions, compare options and validate critical parameters.

This hands-on phase reduces uncertainty before committing to final designs or production.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is where reliability is proven. In our European production facilities, we produce both low-volume and series runs with full control over critical processes such as printing, assembly and precision cutting.

This allows us to deliver consistent quality while managing cost, yield and lead times.

  • ISO-certified

Synergistically repurpose functional ROI after B2C strategic theme areas. Dynamically formulate performance based functionalities for real-time ROI. Credibly communicate.

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