In-mold decorating

The basics observed in molded products are always the same only the extent of the features varies depending on the process variables, material properties, and cavity contour. That is the inherent hydrodynamic skin-core structure characteristic of all IM products. However, the ratio of skin thickness to core thickness will vary basically with process conditions and material characteristics, flow rate, and melt-mold temperature difference. These inherent features have given rise to an increase in novel commercial products and applications via coinjection, gas-assisted, low pressure, fusible-core, in-mold decorating, etc. 

Insert molding, or in-mold decoration, helps overcome the flow lines common to metallic colored intricate injection-molded parts. By this process a film with a uniform orientation is thermoformed and fused with the surface of the injection-molded part. 

In-mold decoration can be done with either injection molding of thermoplastics or compression molding of thermosets. Thermosetting plastics are decorated with a two-stage process. For melamine products, for example, the mold is loaded with the molding powder in the usual manner and closed. It is opened after a partial cure, and the decorative "foil or overlay is placed in position. 

ICMA International Card Manufacturers Asso- IMD in-mold decorating... 

Economics Aesthetics In Mold Decorating Product Design Chemistry Manufacturing Comments... 

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