Obtain natural finishes at the press with NEW 3-D in-mold technology. Corners, complex surfaces and image distortion are no longer a barrier. Achieve reduced manufacturing costs, increased speed to market and better durability. Learn more about 3-D in-mold labeling in this FAQ.

1. 2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

2. 3-D In-Mold Labeling
OVERVIEW
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

3. IML is a process
for labeling or
decorating a
plastic object
while the object
is being formed
in the mold.
3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
WHAT IS IML?
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

4. 1. Label is placed in the open mold and held in
position by vacuum, electrostatic attraction or
other means.
2. Mold closes and molten plastic resin is extruded
or injected where it conforms to the shape of
the mold.
3. Hot plastic envelopes the label, making it an
integral part of the molded object.
3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
HOW DOES IML WORK?
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

5. VALUE
3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
IML ADVANTAGES
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
DURABILITY
IML decorated plastics are more durable than many
traditional forms of labeling and decorating.
PROCESS
Parts come out of the mold fully decorated with no
additional post process decoration or finishing required.
DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
Thousands of design options.

6. 3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
TRADITIONALIMLLIMITATIONS
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
Traditional IML decoration typically offered as flat appliques with very low
depth of draw. Limitations on 3-D applications include:
• Labels fold and crease
• Gate wash
• Distortion of image/
windows
• Inks crack
• Very shallow depth
of draw
• Must match film
to resin
• Not compatible with
appliance resins
(poor adhesion)

7. 3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
CURRENT IML ALTERNATIVES
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
IML limitations force the use of traditional decoration.
Formed Metal Painting/Powder Coating Decals/Labels
Pad Printing Hydrographic Dipping Heat Transfers

8. 3-D IN-MOLD LABELING
IML ALTERNATIVES’ LIMITATIONS
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
Alternatives also have limitations. Although the “norm”, these can be
overall expensive decorating options.
QUALITY & DURABILITY
• Bond failures of
decoration to substrate
• Scratching, wear
resistance, peeling,
chemical resistance
• Consistency across
vendors and run lots
COST & TIME
• Labor intensive
• Multiple process required including
post process finishing (for durability)
• Parts may need to be handled by
multiple vendors
• WIP shipping adds cost & time
• Inventory management costs
• High scrap and waste

9. THE FUTURE IS HERE
3-D IML DECORATION
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

10. 3-D IML
DECORATION
• Enhanced
formability
of parts
• Increased
depth of draw
• No image
distortion
EXPANDED CAPABILITIES
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
Brushed Stainless

11. 3-D IML DECORATION
• Cleanly wraps
3-Dimensional edges
and all curvature
• Contoured edges
look identical to
flat surfaces
CURVATURE
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

12. Complex 3-Dimensional parts are now easily printed,
formed, and lasered for even the most complex surfaces.
SEAMLESS RESULTS
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs

13. From carbon fiber and stainless steel to wood grain and beyond, these
natural finishes are now affordable and come fully decorated from the mold.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITES
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
Deep draw
with no distortion

14. COST & DESIGN FLEXIBILITY
• Innovative coatings, laminates,
and inks
• Rapid prototyping of products
• Specialty developed inks,
coatings, and adhesives now
allow surface printing with a
variety of protective films
• Flexographic printing at high
production speeds
• Access to adjacent new
technologies in electronics
BENEFITS
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs
IMPROVED DURABILITY
• Scratch resistance and fade
resistance for the life of
the product
• No need for subsurface printing
UL approved
options available

15. START TODAY
CONTACT
Mark Keeton
Marketing Director
Email >
937.221.3160
standardregister.com
PRODUCT MARKING & DECORATION
• Traditional IML
• 3-Dimensional IML
• Naturals IML
• Pressure Sensitive
• Safety and Compliance
• Decorative
• Branded Labels
2014 3-D In-Mold Labeling
FAQs