INTRODUCTION FOR IMD
In mold injection molding (IMD): in mold insert injection molding decoration technology is IMD (in mold decoration). IMD is an internationally popular surface decoration technology. It is mainly used for decoration and function control panel of household appliances, automobile instrument panel, air conditioning panel, mobile phone shell / lens, washing machine, refrigerator and so on.
1、 IMD definitionIMD is the technology that the printed decorative sheet is put into the injection mold, and then the gum is injected into the back of the formed sheet, so that the resin and the sheet are connected to form an integrated curing molding.
IMD is a technology of inlay decoration at the same time of injection molding. The product is covered with decorative printing materials. All three-dimensional shaped products can be decorated and printed, so that the product can achieve the effect of decoration and functionality.
2、 Comparison of IMD with IML, IMR and traditional products
Traditional injection molding products:
Secondary processes such as painting or electroplating are required (increasing cost and causing pollution)
If the ink is on the surface of the product for a long time, it will be worn or scratched (reducing the overall quality and appearance effect of the product)
Follow up work after injection molding, resulting in a decline in yield, etc
IMD in mold decoration process products:
Reduce costs and time. IMD process only needs to open one set of molds, unlike other old alternative processes, which need to open multiple sets of molds to reduce system cost and inventory cost.
Process simplification. There is an injection molding method, which can achieve molding and decoration at the same time, reduce cost and working hours, and stabilize production.
Product stability and durability. Because the ink is between the sheet and the injection plastic, the three-dimensional molding increases the freedom of design. The graphics and colors are in the plastic interlayer, which is wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, and the color is bright. The printing pattern can be changed at any time without changing the mold.
3D complex shape design and diversified styles. The pattern, color, font and logo are formed into 3D shape on the sheet of the carrier surface of silk screen printing or screen printing, which can create special patterns of metal plating or natural materials according to customer needs. Some effects cannot be achieved by electroplating and painting.
High yield. High pressure forming has only lower mold, not upper mold. During the forming process, it will not contact the sheet and will not pollute the sheet.
Suitable for 3D products and high tensile products. High pressure forming can stretch to a height of 25 cm.
The change of film thickness does not need to change the forming die, etc. The film sheet can be leather, pile, etc., so as to improve the grade and quality of products.
IMR transfer:
There is no protective mold on the product surface, which can not prevent corrosion and scratch.
Long development cycle. Technology in Japan, to proofing is at least 1000 meters. The mold is expensive and the technology is not output. Sheets and molds must be imported.
Only do flat or slightly curved surface decoration.
Waste resources. The used sheet is difficult to recycle, etc
IML products:
Make cooperative 2D or low tensile products. Such as mobile phone lens or control panel.
The yield is difficult to control, greatly affected by human factors, and the temperature is difficult to control.
The male and female die will damage the sheet surface during the forming process.
The change of film thickness requires modification of the forming die, which is expensive, poor R-angle forming, easy to pull and break the sheet, etc
IMD advantages
Product stability: make the product produce consistent and standardized correct color registration
Product durability: through the protection of specially treated coating film, the product can provide better surface wear and chemical resistance
3D complex shape design: the application of the excellent extensibility of the film can successfully meet the required external design requirements of product complexity
Diversified styles: special styles of metal plating or natural materials can be created according to customer needs
Process simplification: molding and decoration can be achieved at the same time through one-time injection molding, which can effectively reduce costs and man hours and provide stable production
Reduce cost and man hour: only one set of mold is required in IMD process, unlike other old replacement processes, which need to open multiple sets of fixtures, which can remove the manpower and man hour of one operation procedure and reduce the system cost and inventory cost
IMD technical analysis
IMD is actually a product made by inserting the printed film into the injection mold cavity after molding, punching and cutting, and then clamping and injection molding. It integrates printing, molding, molding and injection molding technology, and can comprehensively use plastic sheet, ink and plastic resin.
The injection molding resin is combined with the ink layer on the back of the film, and the panel graphics and signs are placed between the film and the injection molding resin. The graphics and signs will not be worn due to friction or time relationship.
3、 IMD customer object and application field
Home appliance industry: control decorative panels for rice cookers, washing machines, microwave ovens, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc;
Automobile industry: instrument panel, air conditioning panel, interior trim, lamp shell, logo, etc;
Electronic industry: MP3, MP4, computer, VCD, DVD, electronic notepad, camera and other decorative shells and signs;
Computer industry: keyboard, mouse shell;
Communication industry: mobile phone keys, shell, window lens;
Other industries: cosmetic boxes, gift boxes, decorative boxes, toys, plastic products, sports and leisure appliances, etc.
4、 Development prospect of IMD process
At present, IMD in mold decoration inlay injection molding technology is widely used in communication, household appliances, electronics, automobiles, instruments, instruments, medical devices, toys, cosmetics and other industries. It is a new plastic decoration technology. It can be changed in three dimensions, increase the freedom of designers, and design various personalized products to meet the needs of the development of the times.
IMD technology can realize the integration of injection molding and decoration, and complete it at one time. It can also make various special effects, such as key convex bubbles, metal mirror or extinction surface, metal wire drawing pattern, back light transmittance, concave convex dot pattern, etc. it is highly decorative and functional.
IMD technology is the best new process to replace the painting and electroplating processing of plastic products, reduce the subsequent processing procedures of injection molding, promote and popularize in the plastic industry, truly realize the significance of energy conservation and environmental protection, and will bring huge economic and environmental benefits to society and enterprises.
Because IMD products are decorative and functional, the graphics and colors of injection molded parts are formed at one time during injection molding in the mold, reducing the links of post-processing; In addition, IMD three-dimensional molding increases the freedom of design. The graphics and colors are in the plastic interlayer, which is wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant, and the color is bright. The printing pattern can be changed at any time without changing the mold.
To sum up, IMD technology not only improves the quality of products, but also widens the space for continuous product innovation and improves the added value of products. Therefore, IMD is a development project with great global potential.
