In-mold Decorating and Labeling
We have extensive experience with all types and sizes of custom plastic in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold labeling (IML) and continue to develop specialized solutions with this technology for a wide range of industries and applications.
In-mold decorating (IMD) or in-mold labeling (IML) is a process for decorating or labeling injection molded plastic parts or components during the plastic injection molding cycle. A preprinted label or decorated appliqué film is inserted in the open plastic injection mold and held in place via vacuum ports, electrostatic charge or other method. The plastic injection mold is then closed and the plastic resin is injected to mold the part, encapsulating the decoration or label permanently within the finished injection molded part.
Contact UsAdvantages
The IMD and IML technology enables design flexibility and productivity advantages over traditional post-molding labeling and decorating technologies, including use of multiple colors, effects and textures in a single operation, long-lasting and durable graphics, and overall labeling and decorating cost reductions.
IMD and IML advantages include:
- High quality and visually impressive graphics
- Ability to use flat, curved or 3D-formed labels and graphics
- Elimination of secondary labeling and decorating operations and costs, since injection molding and labeling/decorating are accomplished in one step
- Elimination of adhesives with ability to apply labels and graphics on plastic in one step, unlike pressure sensitive labels
- Ability to apply labels and graphics on plastic parts and containers’ sides and bottoms all in one step, unlike pressure-sensitive labeling
- Label inventory reduction
- Ability to achieve high abrasion and chemical resistance using special hard coatings
- Easy design variations by changing labeling film or graphic inserts, even in the same part run
- Continuous image transfers with high positioning tolerances
- Wide range of colors, effects, textures and graphic options
Applications
IMD and IML has become the process of choice for high quality, durable labeling and graphics, employed by many industries in a wide range of applications, a few of which include:
- Medical devices
- Large parts and components
- Consumer products
- Automotive components
- Appliances
- Plastic housings
- Personal telecommunication devices
- Computer components
- Food packaging cups, trays, containers, tubs
- Instrument panels
- Consumer handheld devices
- Lawn and garden equipment
- Storage containers
The EVCO Advantage
Our experience, along with the latest innovations in custom plastic injection molding technologies, has provided us with a competitive advantage on each and every project.
| IMD Compared to Pad Printing |
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| IMD Compared to Pressure Sensitive Labels |
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| IMD Compared to Direct Printing |
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