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| In Mould Decoration (IMD) |
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 In-mould Decoration (IMD), also known as Film Insert Moulding (FIM), is a versatile and cost effective method of decorating and manufacturing durable plastic parts.
Integrate components such as lens, body and keypads into a single component with In Mould Decoration (IMD) formable hard-coated film.
Ideal for telecoms, appliance and interior automotive applications.
Autotype has a range of innovative Polycarbonate and Polyester film systems suitable for In Mould Decoration (IMD), allowing you to decorate moulded components. This hard coat technology provides enhanced scratch, solvent and chemical resistant surfaces, with systems for altering texture and gloss levels on a part surface. The product systems are suitable for a variety of different depths of form, from flat inserts to complex 3D shapes.
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The IMD Process
This In Mould Decoration (IMD) process can best be described as Film Insert Moulding.
Firstly, the flat film is decorated, the most common method being to reverse Screen print the film, thereby protecting the image. Secondly, the film is optionally formed and then cut to shape. The film is inserted into a mould cavity, where finally resin is injected onto the back of the film.
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Key Benefits
1. Cost Effective
Integrate components such as lens, body and keypads into a single component. Saves on tooling costs for individual parts.
2. Wide Spectrum of Formability
The range includes films that allow products to be molded to nearly any depth; AutoForm for shallow parts, HiForm for true 3D shapes and XtraForm for the ultimate deep forming.
3. Durable long life parts
The unique hardcoated films offer excellent hardness, abrasion and chemical resistance. The film is reverse printed thereby protecting the image without requiring an over laminate.
4. Create High Value Lifestyle Products
Decoration can be undertaken cost effectively for short runs.
5. Create Custom Textures
By applying Aquatex texturing varnishes custom textures can create the desired look and feel of the part
6. Ideal for Robot Handling
The hardcoated films are available with a matt slip surface suitable for automated stacking and feeding
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 Applications
1. Telecoms
Key benefits are unique pencil hardness, scratch and abrasion resistance. Autotype hardcoated film can be used to produce flat lenses, housings, keypads or even integrating the housing and lense as undertaken in producing outer casings for clam-shell mobile phones.
2. Automotive
Key benefits are cost reduction vs spray painting, image durability as it is reverse printed and the scratch/abrasion resistance.
Many interior trim parts in cars require simulated wood or carbon fibre effect decoration which usually need high gloss surfaces. In Mould Decoration (IMD) is a good way to achieve this, and the deep "french polish" effect achievable using the Autotype In Mould Decoration hardcoated films is extremely attractive. The durability of the surface produced makes for a long lasting quality component.
Very fine line printing is necessary to achieve convincing wood grain results, and these are best achieved by using UV inks, which will not dry into the mesh. Use of Aquatex SC is essential to achieve good adhesion with these inks.
HVACs (Heater/Ventilation Air Conditioning control panels) were one of the earliest automotive parts to convert to In Mould Decoration (IMD). The areas around the control knobs are very vulnerable to scratching and uncoated films are not capable of fully meeting the OEM specifications. AutoFlex HiForm and XtraForm are highly suited to these applications and can be selectively printed with Aquatex FPH texturing varnish to achieve attractive results. For parts requiring a complete texture the Aquatex FPH can be flood printed over the entire part surface, enabling the use of uncoated films.
Some applications require button tops which can readily be made using AutoFlex AutoForm which has better formability than competitive products to ensure that no micro-cracks are present which can cause dramatic failure in use.
3. Appliance
Key benefits are cost reduction (requires 1 part = lower tooling, adhesive and assembly costs), scratch/chemical/abrasion resistance as well as low yellowness.
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| Associated Products |
| AQUATEX FPH Supermatt AQUATEX FPH Gloss Modifier AQUATEX FPH Coarse AQUATEX FPH Fine AUTOFLEX XtraForm AUTOFLEX AutoForm AUTOFLEX HiForm M AUTOFLEX HiForm AUTOFLEX AutoForm M AUTOFLEX AutoForm PM AUTOFLEX AutoForm PE |
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