What is in-mold labeling

What is in-mold labeling
In-mold labeling process

In-mold labeling (IML) process is one of the in-mold decoration processes. In-mold labeling 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 labeling is to use functional films to print exquisite patterns, and to simultaneously complete the surface decoration of the substrate during the injection molding or blow molding process, and melt it into one with the substrate.

In-mold labeling 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 labeling printing process
The printing process of in-mold labeling is divided into two types: surface printing in-mold labeling and inner printing in-mold labeling

1. Surface printing in-mold labeling
Surface printing in-mold labeling generally uses milky white functional film and is printed in flexographic mode.

2. In-mold labeling
In-mold labeling generally uses transparent functional film and is printed in gravure mode.

After the printing of the heat transfer film for in-mold labeling is completed, according to the shape of the product, the decoration requirements and the design requirements of the graphics, after the inspection of the printed product is completed: the die-cutting of the in-mold labeling is carried out to form each independent label, or the strips are divided and rolled into a roll.

The decoration result of in-mold labeling 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.

3 Specific application of in-mold labeling
The in-mold labeling process is often used on irregular surface plates.

Below, we will have a more intuitive understanding of the in-mold labeling process by comparing the in-mold labeling process of plates with the heat transfer process of plates.

The common points of the in-mold labeling process of plates and the heat transfer process of plates are

The printing method of in-mold labeling and heat transfer film is the same, both of which use gravure printing; secondly, both use heating and pressure to achieve the integration of pattern and substrate.

This is why the industry considers the in-mold labeling process as a derivative process of the traditional heat transfer process.

Plate heat transfer process

The plate in-mold labeling process can solve the defect that the plate heat transfer process cannot transfer on the irregular surface of the plate.

The in-mold labeling process uses the temperature and pressure of the plate plastic molding (including injection molding and blow molding) to successfully melt the exquisite pattern on the in-mold label with the irregular surface of the plate under a certain time.

After cooling, the beautiful plate is decorated.

Plate in-mold labeling

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The in-mold labeling 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.