In Mold Decoration
CNC Machining Available Process
Professional Expertise and Guidance
Experienced team will help you on optimize molding part design, prototyping validation, recommendations whatever film or design improvement and production applications
Available Sample Checking
Production-level tool available with T1 samples delivered within 3weeks
Complicated Designs Acceptance
The narrow tolerance and 2D drawing acceptance to ensure closely match with your desired requirement with cost saving but quality guaranteed
IMD Sub Process
IML-In Mold Label
IML is a technique in which a pre-printed label is inserted into a mould immediately before moulding takes place. In this way ,fully printed parts can be produced at the end of the moulding process, without the need for a further difficult and expensive printing stage
IMF-In Mold Film
Roughly the same as IML but mainly used for 3D processing on top of IML. The process: Printing → forming → punching → inner plastic injection. It is widely used in molding for PC vacuum and high pressure , much suitable for high tensile products, 3D products
IMR-In Mold Roller
IMR is another IMD process to transfer the graphic on the part. Process steps: the film is sent into the mold and positioned, and then the drawing is transferred to the injection product after closing the mold. After opening the mold, the film is stripped and the product is pushed out.
Technical: fast production speed, stable yield, low cost, in line with the 3C industry demand change, short life cycle demand. Application products: mobile phones, digital cameras and 3C products.
In Mold Decoration Process Flow
Foil Printing
In-Mold Decoration film is printed by high speed gravure printing process. several layers(customized) of graphic color (max) also hard coat layer and adhesion layer are applied during this printing process
IMD molding
A foil feeder is installed on the injection machine. Foil film is then fed between the injection molding tool. Optical sensors in the feeder adjust registration of the film, and the ink printed on the film is transferred onto the plastic by the heat and pressure of injection molding
Product
After injection molding, the decorated products are available. No need 2nd process, unless UV cure HC is applied, there is a UV curing process
Technical Specification
| Printing method | Gravure printing, Silk screen printing |
| Applicable material for injection molding | ABS, PC, PC, PBT+Glass fiber, PET, PC/ABS, PMMA, TPU, etc |
| Surface finish | High gloss, Mid matte, Low matte, Silky touch, Soft touch |
| Surface function | Hard Coating(Scratch resistance), UV shielding, Anti finger print |
| Other function | IR transmittance ink, Low conductive ink |
| IMD Applications | Two sides IMD, Two shots IMD, Inserts IMD |
Material Selection
FCE will help you find best material according to the product requirement and application. There is a lot of choices in the market, we will also according the cost effective and supply chain stability to recommend the brand and grade of resins.
Key Benefits
Hard coat protection
Cosmetic surface protective to against scratch, chemical resistance but with Colorful surface
Decoration on Design Data
Surface decoration follow design data, since decoration is applied at the same time of injection molding process
Precise registration
The precision foil feeding system with optical sensor and +/-0.2mm precision control
High productivity roll feeder system
Foils and IMD molding is managed by roller system. Automotive and efficient production
Environmentally friendly
IMD ink is only applied onto the area where decoration is allowed. Friendly chemical components are used for environment protection
From Prototype to Production
Rapid Design Molds
Anticipated way for part design validation, low volume verification, steps for production
- No minimum quantities limited
- Lower cost design fitment checking
- Soft tool with hard steel
Production Tooling
Ideal for volume production parts, Tooling costs are higher than Rapid Design Molds, but allows for lower part pricing
- Up to 5M molding shots
- Multi-cavity tooling
- Automatic and monitoring
Typical Development Process
Quote with DFx
Check you requirement data and applications, provide scenarios quote with different suggestions. Simulation report with be provided in parallel
Review prototype (alternative)
Develop rapid tool (1~2wks) to mold prototype samples for design and molding process verification
Production mold development
You can kick off ramp up immediately with prototype tool. If the demand over millions, kick off production mold with multi-cavitation in parallel, which will take approx. 2~5weeks
Repeat Order
If you have focus for the demand, we can start delivery within 2days. No focus order, we can start partial shipment as few as 3days
In Mold Decoration FAQs
What are advantages of In Mold Decoration
- Extremely versatile uses
- Creates a completely sealed surface
- Works with a wide range of materials
- No need for secondary finishes
- Wide range of finishes can be included, including UV-stable
- Possibility to incorporate living switches
- No need for post-moulding labelling
- Work with spot color or full graphics
- Cost saving in the molding materials
What are applications of In Mold Decoration
- Decorative Trim and Accessories for OEM
- Decorative Trim and Accessories for Automotive
- Consumer Products (Cell Phone Cases, Electronics, Cosmetics)
- Variety of decorative plastic laminate combinations
- Custom manufacture to satisfy all of your requirements – price, durability and look
- Ability to quickly provide prototypes in small quantities for proof of concept and program approval for ultimate customer confidence
- Most chemical resistant cap in the industry is available for parts that must be extra durable