Technology lecture for FIM/IMD 1st session: Explanation of the merit and 3 process.

1. Outline of Film Insert Molding (FIM/IMD)

Film Insert Molding (FIM/IMD) is a labeling method which utilizes a printed plastic film or sheet which is inserted into a designated mold or die into which molten resin packaging material is introduced under pressure, and is then cooled to solidify it. In the process the printed sheet and the molded resin material are fused into a single integrated and printed substrate.

The 3 process stages of FIM/IMD

The FIM/IMD product consists of a printable substrate and printing ink, the molded resin as well as an adhesive or binder to enable substrate to adhere to resin.

The process of creation of FIM/IMD consists of the 3 processes described immediately below.

1. The screen printing process: Image printing on plastic film or sheets with thermo plasticity.
2. The forming process: the previously extruded substrate is heated and made pliable in order to insert it into the mold before it can cool and solidify. After it has been subsequently formed into its final shape by vacuum pressure and compressed air, it is trimmed (finish-processing) and formed into its final product format.
3. The injection process: the screen-printed and formed plastic film or sheet is inserted into the designated mold or die and heated molten resin material is subsequently injected into the mold on top of the formed substrate under the application of pressure. The molten resin packaging material then cools and solidifies and becomes integrated with the printed substrate.

Example of 3 processes of FIM/IMD (Image)

2. Advantage of FIM/IMD

There are various unique benefits of FIM/IMD as described below, some of which apply to the print process itself.

1. Complete freedom of coloration is enabled for shapes for which direct coloring is problematic

FIM/IMD makes decoration possible even on molded objects whose shape renders it problematic to directly engineer or print an image on it.

2.Enhancement of Design Possibilities

In contrast to painting, multi-color, gradation tone and thin line decorative printing are enabled by FIM/IMD.

3.High Durability Characteristics.

FIM/IMD confers the benefits of unparalleled image durability where the printed layer becomes through adhesion an integral part of both the molded resin and the print substrate, but between each and under the protection of each against abrasion and deterioration over time.

4.Possible to provide screen ink with various functions

The screen print inks used in FIM/IMD are capable of a uniquely wide range of special functions.

An example is the IR transmittable function (To be explained in White Paper 2.)

In addition to benefits related to the printing as described above, there are also a number of benefits in manufacturing which derive from FIM/IMD such as weight saving through metal substitution, decrease in environmental footprint through metal plating substitution and cost reductions through efficiency in the overall process stages

In our next White Paper, we will go into more detail about ink functions within the FIM/IMD process.

So we hope you will enjoy our next White Paper, No. 2 in our FIM/IMD series.

Please also refer to detailed information about molding inks referred to in this White Paper as follows.