IMD Process and Materials Explanation

  • Learn about the IMD process and material performance comparison

IMD process flow

An sophisticated manufacturing technique called IMD (In-Mold Decoration) incorporates functional components, decorative patterns, and textures straight into the injection molding process. The specific steps of the IMD procedure are listed below:

Process Overview

IMD/IML production process flow chart

  • Silk printing
    1. Silk printing
  • Die cutting
    2. Die cutting
  • Forming
    3. Forming
  • Plastic injection
    4. Plastic injection

Manufacturing steps

1. Printing

Design the graphics and text according to the product requirements
Screen printing/offset printing/digital printing are adopted
The technology prints the patterns on films such as PET

printing 2
printing 3

2. Printing inspection

Semi-finished product inspection during the printing process

Printing inspection

3. Drying

Drying and curing treatment is required to ensure the stability of the ink and the flatness of the film

drying

4. Diaphragm punching

The shape of the punching diaphragm

Diaphragm punching

5. Hot pressing forming

Place the printed film into the mold and make it adhere to the mold cavity through high-pressure gas or mechanical pressure to form a 3D shape.

Hot pressing forming

6. Injection molding

Place the formed film into the cavity of the injection mold and fix it by a mechanical hand or manually to ensure that the film is closely attached to the mold. Molten plastics (such as PC, ABS) are injected into the mold and combined with the diaphragm to form an integrated product.

Injection molding

7. Final Product

After being decorated, the product is released from the mold and prepared for is ready for quality control.

Final Product

Optional materials & performance characteristics

A range of materials are used in the IMD process to accomplish particular performance goals. A thorough comparison of materials frequently utilized in IMD manufacture may be found below:

Material

Picture

Key Properties

Typical Applications

PC (Polycarbonate)
PC1100

High impact resistance, excellent transparency, and heat resistance.

Automotive dashboards, electronic device panels.

PMMA (Acrylic)
PMMA

High optical clarity, scratch resistance, and UV stability.

Transparent panels, display covers.

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
PET

Excellent chemical resistance, dimensional stability, and recyclability.

Food packaging, labels, and touch panels.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)
ABS

Good toughness, impact resistance, and easy processing.

Consumer electronics, automotive interior parts.