IMD stands for In-Mold Decoration. It is a process that involves printing the desired graphics on a film, placing the film into a product injection mold, and then injecting plastic to mold the product. This process integrates printing, forming, mold making, and injection molding. As IMD can be achieved through various methods, it has branched out into several sub-processes, such as IML, IMR, IMT, etc. IMD is the general term for all these processes.
The principle of the IMD process is as follows:
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IML (In-Molding Label)
In-mold labeling. As the name suggests, the "insert" is a separate component that provides the surface decorative effect before it is placed into the mold. It is a hardened, transparent film. The film material can be PET, PC, PMMA, or other sheet materials. Graphics are printed on the film with ink, resulting in a printed film. The IML process creates a three-layer structure on the product: the outermost layer is the film, the middle layer is the ink, and the innermost layer is the plastic. Since the ink is sandwiched in the middle, the product surface becomes wear-resistant, and the colors stay vibrant and are less prone to fading over time.
IMR (In-Mold Decoration by Roller)
In-mold roller decoration. This process involves transferring ink from a pre-printed film to the product surface during injection molding. The film, with printed graphics, is positioned in the mold. During injection, the high pressure and temperature in the mold cavity cause the ink to transfer to the plastic surface. When the mold opens after injection, the film is peeled away, leaving the decorative graphics directly on the product surface. The key difference between IMR and IML is that IMR has no film layer on the final product surface, while IML does.
IMT (In-Mold Transfer)
IMT is a new process that combines and extends the technologies of IML and IMR. It can achieve decorative effects like 3D optical textures combined with PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition), such as those seen on mobile phone back covers and automotive interiors.
Examples of IMD effects are as follows:
The IMD process can also imitate wood grain, various textures, and more. When looking at photos alone, the effect may sometimes resemble water transfer printing. However, IMD is a one-shot molding process. Not only is the surface wear-resistant, but the dimensional accuracy is also higher. Currently, it is widely used across various industries, such as consumer electronics (e.g., laptop casings), home appliance decorative panels, automotive dashboards, automotive interior parts, medical instrument panels, cosmetic boxes, and children's toys.
