IML (In Mold Label) technology introduction

IML's Chinese name: injection mold inserts its remarkable features is the process: the surface is a layer of hardened transparent film, the middle layer is printed patterns, the back is plastic layer, since the ink in the middle, the product can prevent surface scratches and abrasion, and can be difficult to maintain long-term bright colors fade.

                                                         

IML technology introduction

                                             

Keywords: IML IMD molding process

 

The concept of IML

 

IMD (In-Mold Decoration) Film is a film placed in the injection mold decorated plastic exterior surface of the new technology. Currently IMD has two manufacturing methods, one is to be made into a film Film printed circulation drum roll band, mounted in the injection molding machines and injection molds, as Label label affixed to the front surface of the mold fully automatic cycle with mobile production out; that is, people called IMD (injection transfer in the mold).

 

Another is to pass a good film printing Film Forming molding machine, then placed after the cut produced in the injection mold. That is called IML (in mold foil injection). This Film can generally be divided into three layers: a substrate (typically PET), an ink layer (INK), gluing material (mostly a special adhesive).

When the injection is completed, the adhesive effect makes plastic Film and closely integrated, because of their positive surface covered with wear-resistant protective film on the outermost layer of PET, there is abrasion and scratch effect, the surface hardness reach 3H, and will feel more brighter. Wherein the molding material is more PC, PMMA, PBT, and so on. As shown below:

 

IML process step

Conference materials --- --- flat printing ink drying protective film stickers fixed --- --- --- punching positioning holes cut peripheral shape thermoforming --- --- material injection molding process as follows: specific instructions as follows:

1) Conference materials: Film roll of the film has been cut into a square block sizes designed for printing, molding process used.

2) flat printing: according to the requirements of icons, text manufactured Philippine forest belt, cut a good film on the square block printing Film icon, text.

3) Fixed ink drying: The printed film Film square placed in a high temperature oven drying, aimed at fixing IML ink.

4) Protective Film: Avoid red when positioning hole step to get to spend a good film Film printed surface, and sometimes need to paste single or double layer of protective film.

5) positioning hole punch: positioning hole thermoformed certain quasi-hub. Positioning hole cutting operations sometimes also punched in advance.

6) Thermoforming (high or copper mold): After the printed film is heated with a high-pressure molding machine or mold in the warm-up state.

7) Cut the peripheral shape: the scrap molding good stereoscopic film cut off.

8) Injection material: the three-dimensional shape after molding die in front of exactly the same film placed on the front mold, injection molded IML products.

 

IML technology advantages and disadvantages

 

Advantages:

1) Film production cycle is short, the performance of multiple colors;

2) in the production of patterns and colors can be changed at any time;

3) IML outermost layer is FILM, silkscreen ink on the intermediate layer, smooth surface appearance, the more light touch, with excellent scratch resistance;

4) Number of IML production volume is very flexible and suitable for many varieties of small production

Disadvantages:

1) pre-long period;

2) easy to produce the film off, distortion, etc.;

3) poor product rate