In-mold film

In-mold film

1 In-mold film process application
In-mold film, also known as in-mold labeling (IML), is a kind of in-mold decoration process. It is a plastic decoration technology that uses the temperature, pressure and a certain time of plastic molding (including injection molding and blow molding) to simultaneously attach functional layers, structural layers or decorative layers in the mold.

In-mold film is to use functional film to print exquisite patterns, and simultaneously complete the surface decoration of the substrate during the injection molding or blow molding process, and melt it with the substrate.

The application of in-mold film has a high degree of automation, excellent environmental protection performance in use and recycling, and is suitable for tableware, food packaging, containers (barrels, cans), etc.

2 In-mold film printing process

The printing process of in-mold film is divided into two types: surface printing and back printing. The surface printing in-mold film generally uses milky white functional film and is printed in flexographic mode; the back printing in-mold film generally uses transparent functional film and is printed in gravure mode. Then, according to the product shape, decoration requirements and graphic design requirements, after the printed product inspection is completed: the in-mold film is die-cut to form each independent label, or it is divided into strips and rolled into a roll. The in-mold film decoration result is integrated with the plastic product. The die-cut label generally forms a partial decoration of the product, and the roll label generally forms a comprehensive decoration of the product.

3ULIKE In-mold Film
The in-mold film produced by our company uses the printing process of inner printing, that is, gravure printing. After the artwork to be printed is made into a gravure plate, it enters the printing process of the in-mold film, and its printing process can be divided into the following 6 steps:

1. First, according to the blank base film of the in-mold film to be made;

2. Print the pattern of the in-mold film;

3. Apply the corresponding glue to the printed in-mold film;

4. Re-inspect the in-mold film coated with glue to ensure quality;

5. Divide the re-inspected in-mold film into strips; 6. Die-cut the in-mold film that has been stripped;

7. Charge the die-cut in-mold film with static electricity; and finally package.

The in-mold film process has many advantages. It can effectively reduce the reprocessing process and cycle of the product, solve the decoration problems of multi-faceted and special-shaped surfaces, improve the quality and grade of the product, have a high degree of automation and efficiency, and have outstanding environmentally friendly production and environmentally friendly use performance.