Overview of In-Mold Injection (IMD): In-Mold Decoration (IMD) is an IMD (In-Mold Decoration) technology. IMD is currently the most popular surface decoration technology. It is mainly used in the decoration and function control panels of household appliances, car dashboards, air-conditioning panels, mobile phone cases/lenses, washing machines, refrigerators, and other applications.

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What is IMD?
Translated By Jasmine HL
Overview of In-Mold Injection (IMD): In-Mold Decoration (IMD) is an IMD (In-Mold Decoration)
technology. IMD is currently the most popular surface decoration technology. It is mainly used in
the decoration and function control panels of household appliances, car dashboards,
air-conditioning panels, mobile phone cases/lenses, washing machines, refrigerators, and other
applications.
I. Definition of IMD
IMD is a technology that puts the printed decorative sheet into an injection mold and then injects
gum on the back of the molded sheet so that the resin and the sheet are combined to form a
solidified molding.
IMD is a technology for insert decoration at the same time as injection molding. The product is
integrated with the decorative substrate. The three-dimensional shaped product can be
decorated and printed to make the product decorative and functional. effect.
Comparison of IMD and IML, IMR and traditional products
Traditional injection products:
Requires secondary processes such as painting or plating (increasing cost and causing pollution)
Ink, etc. on the surface of the product, it will be scratched or scratched over time (reducing the
overall quality and appearance of the product)
Follow-up work after injection molding, resulting in decreased yield, etc.
IMD In-mold Decoration Products:
Reduce costs and hours. In the IMD process, only one set of molds needs to be opened. Unlike

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other old alternative processes, multiple sets of molds need to be opened, which reduces system
costs and inventory costs.
The process is simplified. There is a one-time injection molding method that achieves both
molding and decoration at the same time, reducing costs and man-hours, and enabling stable
production.
Product stability and durability. Because the ink is between the sheet and the injection molding,
three-dimensional molding increases the freedom of design. The graphics, colors, and colors are
in the plastic interlayer, which is resistant to abrasion and corrosion. The colors are bright.
3D complex shape design and diverse styles. Patterns, colors, fonts, and logos are printed on a
sheet with a carrier surface of silkscreen or screen printing and are molded into a 3D shape.
Metal plating or natural materials can be created according to customer requirements. Some
effects cannot be achieved by electroplating.
Yield is high. High-pressure molding only has a lower mold and no upper mold. It does not touch
the sheet during the molding process and does not contaminate the sheet.
Suitable for 3D products and high stretch products. High-pressure molding can stretch up to 25
cm.
Changes in film thickness do not require changes to the mold or the like. The film sheet can be
leather, fleece, etc. to improve the grade and quality of the product.
IMR transfer:
The surface of the product does not have a protective mold, which cannot prevent corrosion and
scratches.
Long development cycle. The technology is in Japan. The proofing is at least 1000 meters. The
mold is expensive and the technology does not output ... Sheets and molds must be imported.
Only flat or slightly curved surfaces can be decorated.
a waste of resources. It is difficult to recycle the used sheet, etc.
IML products:
Make cooperative 2D or low-stretch products. Such as phone lenses or control panels.
Yield is difficult to control, is greatly affected by human factors, and the temperature is difficult to
control.
Male and female molds, hurt the surface of the sheet during the molding process.
Changes in film thickness require modification of the forming die, which is expensive, poor
R-angle forming, and easy to break sheet.
IMD advantage
Product stability: the correct color registration for product consistency and standardization
Product durability: Protected by specially treated COATING film, which can provide better surface
abrasion and chemical resistance.
3D complex shape design: The excellent stretchability of the film can be used to smoothly achieve
the required product design requirements
Diverse styles: special patterns of metal plating or natural materials can be created according to
customer needs

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Simplified manufacturing process: Through a one-shot injection molding method, molding and
decoration can be achieved at the same time, which can effectively reduce costs and man-hours
and provide stable production.
To reduce costs and man-hours: Only one set of molds is required in the IMD process. Unlike
other old alternative processes, multiple sets of jigs are required. It can eliminate the manpower
and man-hours of an operation procedure, and reduce system costs and inventory costs
IMD Technical Analysis
IMD is actually a product made after the printed film is die-cut, embedded in the injection mold
cavity, and then closed for injection molding. It is a combination of printing, molding, molding,
and injection molding technology. It can comprehensively use plastic sheets, inks, and plastic
resins.
The injection resin is combined with the ink layer on the back of the film, and the panel graphics
and logo are placed between the film and the injection-molded resin. The graphics, logo, and
abrasion will not be worn due to friction or time.
3. IMD customer objects and application fields
Home appliance industry: control decorative panels for rice cookers, washing machines,
microwave ovens, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc .;
Automotive industry: instrument panels, air-conditioning panels, interior parts, lamp housings,
signs, etc .;
Electronics industry: MP3, MP4 machine, computer, VCD, DVD, electronic notepad, camera, and
other decorative cases and signs;
Computer industry: keyboard, mouse case;
Communication industry: mobile phone keys, shell, window lens;
Other industries: cosmetics boxes, gift boxes, decorative boxes, toys, plastic products, sports and
leisure appliances, etc.
Development prospects of IMD technology
At present, IMD in-mold decoration inlay injection molding technology is widely used in
communications, home appliances, electronics, automobiles, meters, instruments, medical
devices, toys, cosmetics, and other industries. It is a new plastic decoration process technology. It
can be changed in three dimensions, increasing the freedom of the designer, and can design a
variety of personalized products to meet the needs of the development of the times.
IMD technology can realize injection molding, decoration integration, one-time completion, and
can produce a variety of different special effects, such as button blister, metal mirror surface or
matte surface, metal brushed pattern, backlight transmission, concave and convex dot pattern,
etc. Etc., very decorative and functional.
IMD technology is the best new process to replace plastic products spray painting and
electroplating. It reduces the subsequent processing steps of injection molding and is popularized
and popularized in the plastic industry. It can truly realize the significance of energy-saving and
environmental protection and will bring huge economic benefits to society and enterprises.
Benefits and environmental benefits.

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Because IMD products are decorative and functional in one, the graphics, colors, and colors of
injection molded parts are molded at one time during in-mold injection, which reduces the
post-processing step. In addition, IMD three-dimensional molding increases the freedom of
design In the plastic interlayer, it is resistant to abrasion and corrosion, and the color is bright.
The printing pattern can be changed at any time without changing the mold.
In summary, IMD technology not only improves the quality of products but also broadens the
space for continuous product innovation and enhances the added value of products. Therefore,
IMD is a development project with great global potential.