In-mold process

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The in-mold process (also in-mold process or back injection ) is used primarily in injection molding , but also in thermoforming as in-mold labeling . In this process, substrates such as fabric, paper , wood veneer or any printed or structured foils inserted into the thermoforming or injection molding tool are back-injected. This succeeds relatively reliably, if necessary with the help of adhesion promoters . In this way, composite materials with sophisticated surfaces are created in one work step .

The in-mold process is used in the construction of sports helmets (especially bicycle , ski and snowboard helmets ). In this process, the shell and the rigid foam are welded together. The result is a complete connection and a very stable helmet structure - the safety in the event of mechanical impact (e.g. when falling on a pointed object) is significantly higher than with helmets that are only (mostly pointwise) glued. InMold helmets are usually lighter and more durable.

In the packaging process is often in-mold labeling called (IML) as it here for attaching labeling labels ( Engl. Labels ) is used. There is also a so-called in-mold decoration process, in which the film is not inserted into the tool, but instead rolls vertically through the mold as a film strip with the help of a motor. The individual images are positioned by sensors. This process has a significantly better quality than the in-mold labeling process. Therefore, this method is particularly useful for high-precision molded parts such. B. mobile phones are used.

Individual evidence

  1. Joseph A. Grande: Thermoforming: Ready for In-Mold Labeling? In: Plastics Technology . Gardner Business Media, April 2007 ( ptonline.com [accessed June 17, 2014]).