Come See Us at the Automotive Interiors Expo, October 2022

July 18, 2022 • Posted in Events

The Sanwa team is looking forward to once again joining hundreds of exhibitors and attendees at this year’s Automotive Interiors Expo in Detroit, Michigan on October 25-27th. It’s a place for manufacturing and interior design teams to come together and see the latest in auto design solutions and technologies first-hand. We’re looking forward to taking part for the second year in a row!


black plastic part auto expo

This year, we’re excited to showcase our better-known capabilities such as injection molding and in-mold labeling (IML), as well as new and original designs. And we look forward to sharing what some of our clients are doing with Fine Expression Screen Printing (FESP) — we're bringing more samples of wood grain looks, fabric looks, dead front looks, and unique geometric patterns

Here are some of the products and services you can expect to see examples of at our booth (#A118) this October:

Decorative Trim Parts

Decorative trims can include chrome-look plastics, handles, caps, covers, and other parts popular for the auto industry. These long-lasting elements provide functional and decorative value in a wide range of applications.

Come see our newest wood grain samples (in light, medium, and dark patterns for both the grain itself and the background), as well as leather look-and-feel textures, silver and gold accent colors, fabric-like samples that replicate cloth, and printed patterns and designs in both glossy and matte.


medium wood grain auto panel plastic
light wood grain auto panel plastic
natural wood grain auto panel plastic
very light wood grain
black wood grain auto panel plastic
leather fesp part

FESP can also used in tandem with dead front technology— hiding icons and displays from view unless a part is backlit. While usable most markets (appliance, medical, commercial, etc.) in the automotive industry this technology is often used for safety reasons or to create a smooth and streamlined aesthetic. Creative options include half mirror, surface texture, glossy, matte, wood grain, leather, fabric, and other designs.

dead front backlit

Emblems, Badges and Decals

Many car emblems for major domestic and foreign automakers are produced by Sanwa. Elegant, functional design is accompanied by state-of-the art decoration technology with each project. One of our major strengths is the ability to meet design challenges by employing a combination of in-house technologies to get the curb appeal you’re looking for.

emblems auto

PVD/Sputtering Parts

Sputtering and physical vapor deposition (PVD) are used on decorative parts for their high hardiness, wear resistance, and cosmetic edge. These parts are designed to achieve a chrome-like look and stand out for their aesthetic appeal and longevity. If you’re in need of recommendations for environmental exposure (like UV rays), we can do that, too.

Weldless Parts

Jump on the same bandwagon as Subaru, Ford, and Toyota with weldless IML technology. With this printing method, we are able to provide parts that are void of printing seams, enhancing the aesthetic and exclusive edge of your complete design package. Show us your design ideas and we can discuss how to produce the parts you want!



weldless part auto interior
weldless plastic part auto interior

Paint & Laser Samples

Constant improvements in the paint and laser processes means the options grow year after year. Come see the ways our manufacturing teams are using cutting-edge methods for producing top-quality auto parts.

black part print and laser
black part laser

In Mold Labeling

And lastly, you can expect plenty of in-mold-labeling (IML) samples that you can touch and feel at the Expo. We have lots of ideas for bringing your product to life — try us! We're able to use the tools at our fingertips to deliver parts in glossy or matte (or both on the same part), dead front displays, first-surface texture and more.

IML display at expo
faceplate iml
faceplate iml

Who is the Automotive Interiors Expo for?

This three-day event is the perfect opportunity for interior designers, manufacturers, and Tier 1 and 2 suppliers to get together in the same space and discover new innovations and opportunities. It will be a great opportunity to look, see, feel, and connect in the rapidly changing world of auto design. At our booth, we’ll have both English and Japanese-speaking staff on hand to talk about the technologies we use at Sanwa.

If you’re wavering between parts, manufacturers, or suppliers, you’ll also have a one-of-a-kind opportunity to study your options side by side. We’re looking forward to answering any questions you might have as you make your OEM decisions, and being a resource when it comes to bringing your big interior design dreams to reality.

Pre-Expo Reading

Based on questions we had at the booth last year, here are some resources that might be helpful for gathering information ahead of the expo:

What It Takes to Get Your IML Product Created [Timeline]

Certifications to Look for in an In-Mold Labeling Company

IML Product Testing: How It Works


Want to Touch Base Beforehand?

If you’re planning to attend, we’d love to hear about it! We’ll be at Booth #A118. And if you’re currently on the search for your next OEM supplier, we’re happy to bring along product samples that can help you to make the right decisions. Just reach out and let us know what you’d like to see and touch in-person from Sanwa, and we’ll do our best to bring along an example part that meets your needs.

Give us a call at (847) 519-2223 to talk shop, or send an email via our Contact page. Otherwise, we look forward to seeing you at the Detroit Automotive Interiors Expo in October.


auto expo sanwa
Alex sanwa booth