Thermoplastic Injection In-Mold Decoration (IMD)

Plastic manufacturing processes continue to advance, and custom plastic injection molding companies like Aline Components continue to develop innovative ways for their clients to add more features to their plastic parts. IMD, known as injection mold design, or alternatively as in mold decoration, is a value-added process that incorporates decorative graphics and line art directly into a mold for textural effects and images that are integrated into the surface of the component. 2D graphics are prepared first and screen printed onto a film. The film is placed into the tool prior to injection. Locating pins ensure perfect registration of the graphics onto each component. When to injection cycle is completed, another film is placed into the tool for the next cycle.

The decoration can be embossed into the surface or stand off from the surface as desired. The benefits of value-added IMD processing are significant. Any graphics applied using injection mold design are permanent and cannot be worn off. A wide variety of graphics can be applied for both decorative and practical purposes. In-mold decoration is a widely used and popular option for plastic parts, and can also be used to enhance surface textures for ergonomic purposes. In areas where hands need to touch and grip plastic components, an injection mold design can introduce a textured surface to improve the function of plastic components.