IML Injection Mould

Three tools are needed for IML process, they are thermal forming mould, cutting mould and IML injection mould. Here we would like to share some tips when design for the tooling.

1 Thermal Forming Mould Design

Shrinkage

A=B+C

A: Thermal Forming Mould Shrinkage

B: Injection Mould Shrinkage / Cutting Mould Shrinkage

C: X ‰, X is calculated by formula which is related to material and product structure/ shape.

Allowance

It is for protecting the films.

α+2°= β

Mould Construction

A: Total Length-0.1+0mm or Total Length-0.1-0.05mm

2 Cutting Mould Design

A=B+2 mm(B=3~4mm) For Protecting Film

3 IML Injection Mould Design

3.1 Tooling Gate Design

Cashew gate is not used or it may damage the film;

Better not use the side gate direct to film;

When do the submarine gate, make the area which connects to the product as big as possible.

3.2 In-mold Labeling Injection Mould Structure

As the label should be put in before injection, the label surface should be molded at cavity side so any mechanism needed should be at cavity side, or the label cannot be located when molding.

If there is a hole at side, make shut-off for the core and cavity to realize. It should be at side wall.

It is known IML is one of the in-mold decoration processes, which is already widely used for automotive interior & exterior trims. To use such kind of process would bring new design possibilities, reduce tedious post-moulding labour use and streamline your production to reduce costs. There are also many advantages as followed:

Extremely versatile uses;

Creates a completely sealed surface;

Works with a wide range of materials;

No need for secondary finishes;

Wide range of finishes can be included, including UV-stable or anti-bac;

Possibility to incorporate living switches;

No need for post-moulding labelling;

Work with spot colour or full graphics;

Can reduce the cost of moulding materials;

In-mold decoration mould cost increase but just a little for mass production.

Since in-mold decoration is a specialist procedure, it can be difficult to find a suitable provider. When thinking about in-mould decoration, be clear about your purpose and goals. Be realistic about your workflow and your schedules. Acknowledge your product’s unique strengths and how they can be promoted using IMD.

Some things to consider when working with an in-mold decoration expert include finding out how much capacity they have for development and tooling. Is the vendor an expert in project management? Can they provide specialist design support? Will you be comfortable forming a working relationship with the company that could last many years?

Or you may find us you find a good In-mold decoration mould supplier and many IMD film suppliers. Also here locally we provide try-outs and pilot production easily.

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