Concept of IML

1-Concept of IML
IML is a kind of thermal transfer film. It places the prepared film on the specified position of the substrate and forms a layer of exquisite patterns on the surface of the product through the heat and pressure of the blow molding equipment.

IML plate effect diagram

2-Features of IML
1. IML can be used in daily necessities, daily chemical manufacturing products, food packaging and medicine bottle packaging industries, some decorative products with special shapes, such as some rounded corners and round plastic products, especially plates, dishes, toy darts, etc.

2. IML can be used in hollow blow molding products, because these blow molding products are relatively brittle and have poor heat resistance, and cannot withstand the high temperature and pressure of the heat transfer machine.

If IML is used, it can be directly printed on the surface without relying on the heat transfer machine, which is one of its highlights.

3-Simple operation steps of in-mold labeling
1. First, cut the blank base film according to the customer's requirements

2. Apply ink on the blank base film to form a beautiful pattern

3. Apply the corresponding glue and evaporate it

4. Re-inspect the quality to ensure product quality

5. Cut the re-inspected in-mold film into corresponding specifications

6. Die-cut and punch the in-mold film that has been slit

7. Electrostatic treatment and proper packaging

4-Matters to be noted during the production of in-mold labeling
A. Thickness

When designing the in-mold label on the surface of the container, the shape of the trademark needs to be determined according to the contour of the container to be filmed. The thickness of the label is approximately between 180 and 220μm.


B. Machine tension

The requirements of in-mold labeling for paper feeding and tension control are mainly centered on reducing the deformation of the flower film material. The printing machine should be equipped with a material tension automatic control device to make the material tension uniform during the paper feeding process to ensure accurate label overprinting.

c. Corona treatment

In order to ensure high-quality printing, the in-mold label is generally subjected to corona treatment. When the surface tension of the label material is greater than 40x10-5N, corona treatment can be omitted, because corona treatment has negative effects after all, and will generate a large amount of static electricity on the surface, making it difficult to peel off the label.