IMD processing is a new technology that involves placing a Film film inside a plastic mold to decorate the surface layer of the plastic shape. It boasts unparalleled advantages over traditional plastic screen printing, such as a smooth and aesthetically pleasing surface, clear printing, and a three-dimensional, realistic pattern effect. Next, let's take a brief look at the process steps of IMD processing.
(1) Material Cutting: The rolled film is trimmed into square blocks of pre-designed specifications to prepare for the printing process.
(2) Pre-shrinkage: Before printing, the trimmed film is first heated in an oven to reduce the opportunity for shrinkage.
(3) Flat Printing: Produce film positives based on the required logo and text, then print the logo and text on the trimmed square film blocks.
(4) Drying and Fixing Printing Ink: Place the printed film square blocks into a high-temperature oven to dry, with the purpose of fully curing the IMD printing ink and evaporating the solvents within the ink.
(5) Apply protective film: To prevent the printed film surface from being scratched during the process of punching positioning holes, it is sometimes necessary to apply a single or double layer of protective film.
(6) Precision Hole Punching: The positioning holes in both the cutting process and the thermal forming process must be accurately punched.
(7) Hot Forming (High Pressure or Copper Mold): After the printed film is heated, it is molded using a high-pressure machine or a copper mold under preheating conditions. The design of the Forming Mold is crucial. [Note: For simple IMD products, it is recommended to choose cutting around the perimeter to save film.]
(8) Trim peripheral shapes: Remove excess material from the formed three-dimensional film. Requires a cutting mold.
(9) Injection Molding: Place the shaped film, which matches the three-dimensional shape of the front mold, onto the front mold and inject to produce the IMD finished product.
The above content explains the process procedures related to IMD processing. We hope it will be helpful to you. If you wish to learn more about IMD processing, please consult our online customer service; we are dedicated to providing you with excellent service.
