Our response to COVID-19. Learn more. About Us Markets Technology Tools News/Events Careers Contact Us THE FUTURE IS COMING Transforming the automotive vehicle into a sophisticated electronic device on wheels Breadcrumb Markets Automotive AUTOMOTIVE Battery Management Engine & Powertrain Flat Flex Cable (FFC) Insulation Material Fuel Cell Materials Heaters Human Machine Interface LED Lighting Seat Sensors Electrification, sensors, infotainment, interior, and exterior lighting, and the potential for autonomous functionality are transforming the automotive vehicle into a sophisticated electronic device on wheels. This increased electronic content demands a circuit technology that can be folded, fit into small spaces, provide unique functionality, and 3D structures allowing for space and weight savings. Sheldahl has been providing Flexible Circuits to the automotive industry for almost 60 years. Sheldahl provided the first Flexible Circuit into the ‘65 Ford Thunderbird and from those early instrument clusters to today’s sensor, heaters, and lighting applications, demonstrating a history of circuits that have been driven billions of vehicle miles in the harshest of environments. REQUEST A CONSULT BATTERY MANAGEMENT With the electrification of the automobile industry, the monitoring of the battery's state and health is critical. This requires a flexible and intelligent harness to interconnect to the individual cells, capable of adapting to the expansion and contraction of the battery pack during charge/discharge cycles. Flexible Printed Circuits can effectively link the cells to the vehicle's electronics. The necessary electronic components can be surface mounted to the FPC, while the inherent flexibility allows for the battery pack's expansion/contraction. These flexible technologies can deliver a smaller and lower weight solution that will enable better MPC (Miles per Charge). Read more ENGINE & POWERTRAIN Due to the demand for higher efficiency in combustion engines and the evolution of electric vehicles, the vehicle engine and powertrain components benefit from flexibility, space savings, weight reduction, reliability in harsh environments, and automatable assembly. Sheldahl has a long history of making under hood automotive flexible circuit applications. Our experience in these applications and our ability to develop custom materials is unrivaled. For example, our Novacladâ material has proven to be extremely reliable in tens of millions of vehicles for harsh environment applications like engine control units (ECU) and transmission controls (TCU). FLAT FLEX CABLE (FFC) INSULATION MATERIAL As the automotive industry moves toward creating safer vehicles developing a better connection between the driver and the vehicle is paramount. The steering wheel becomes the key connection point for interfacing effectively, integrating humans and computers, working together for a safer and more comfortable driving experience. Flat Flex Cable (FFC) Insulation Materials provide the ideal connection technology for curved, tight spaces and flat surfaces, capable of repeatedly turning back on itself for years of use. Sheldahl produces various FFC products for clock springs, wiring for automotive headliners, jumpers/interconnections, and more. If you need a secure and durable connection, we work in prototype development and large-scale production. Sheldahl has the experience, knowledge, and technology to support the most difficult projects customizing our FFCs to meet your needs. FUEL CELL MATERIALS The world is changing to create an eco-friendly future where fossil fuel vehicles are no longer the standard but are replaced with cleaner modes of transportation. Using the chemical energy of hydrogen, Fuel Cells cleanly and efficiently produce electricity and as electric powered vehicles become the new standard for transportation, the need for the technology to support increases. Our adhesive coated PEN (Polyethylene Naphthalate) materials have been a critical enabler over the last 20 years. Our vertical integration provides the broadest range of material, fabrication, and assembly capabilities in the industry. We excel in the collaborative development of new technologies. Our technically experienced staff can help you optimize your Fuel Cell development and be a partner in creating customized solutions for an evolving, environmentally clean market. HEATERS As the automotive industry moves away from traditional combustion engines to electric vehicles, the delivery of comfort to the occupants and controlling battery temperature is proving to be a challenge. Flexible Circuits can provide localized heating to the battery, seats, floor mats, and steering wheels, improving the MPC (Miles Per Charge). Flexible printed heaters deliver directed heat more efficiently than traditional air circulation systems. Read more HUMAN MACHINE INTERFACE The Automotive interior has transitioned to essentially become a sophisticated computer on wheels. The desire to improve the customer experience has led Automotive OEMs to replace electromechanical switches with touch sensor technology. As OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers work to transition mechanical buttons and switches to touch sensors, flex circuits can play a key role. They can be integrated into tight, curved, or flat surfaces, converting plastic surfaces into smart surfaces. Flex circuits can meet these challenges while reducing assembly and bill of material costs. Read more LED LIGHTING Interior and exterior lighting is a key differentiator in automotive design. Flexible Printed Circuits provide unique solutions by delivering 3-D interconnect technology with enhanced thermal performance. The flexibility of the substrate offers fewer interconnects, lighter and smaller packaging, and system savings. Read more SEAT SENSORS The next generation of drivers requires passive seat sensors to provide proximity, approximated weight, and human presence. In addition, as the Automotive industry shifts to be autonomous, the vehicles evolve from passive to more active, determining the occupants' health and well-being. Flexible Printed Circuits provide the ideal sensor technology for occupancy and biometric sensing. Our biometric sensing experience in the Health industry is an enabler for future requirements in Automotive seating. As an industry leader commented, the vehicle seat is the ideal wearable device, and flexible circuit technology is the ideal solution for curved, tight spaces and flat surfaces. Read more MARKETS Footer Menu Block 1 Home About Us News/Media Contact Us Footer Menu Block2 Markets Automotive Health Solutions Industrial Abrasive Materials Additional Markets Footer Menu Block3 Technology Flexible Circuits Printed Electronics Electronic Materials Optical Materials Vacuum Deposited Materials Interested in our Service REQUEST A CONSULT Request a Product Bulletin PRODUCT BULLETINS © Copyright 2020 Sheldahl Corporation. All rights reserved.