IML / FIM

IML / FIM

In-Mold Labeling / Film Insert Molding

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IML / FIM 
(In-Mold Labeling / Film Insert Molding)

Thieme's industrial digital printing system offers new possibilities for coloured and decorated injection-moulded parts. It meets the same requirements in terms of durability, adhesion or formability as apply in screen printing. The digital printing system's particular benefits comprise improved reproduction of colour gradients and the display of fine writing. Its high flexibility enables a more cost-effective small batch production.

Printed and formed IML-FIM part

Examples of use

  • Foil prints for switches
  • Automotive control panels
  • Control panels for household appliances
  • Control panels for medical devices
  • Credit card production (due to its high temperature resistance, the technology can also be used in credit card production, for example, which involves high-temperature laminating processes)
Synthetic foils are imprinted on the back, formed, pressed and then injected with an injection-moulding tool.
The specially developed technology combines high printing quality with inexpensive printing costs. In contrast to the traditional digital printing process, in which the ink is fixed by UV light, water-based inks are used here, which are fixed drop by drop with a special liquid that has previously been carefully applied in the inkjet process. Despite of the fine resolution, the process enables the same high printing speed as the traditional UV process. The ink is processable regardless of process conditions and adheres very well. If functional properties are required, barrier or guiding layers may also be applied using screen printing. Thieme's standardised machine technology enables ideal conditions for accurate alignment.
IML - digital printing
First, the foil is printed flat on the back and then formed into its desired three-dimensional shape using high-pressure forming. The print layer is temperature-resistant so that even higher temperatures do not pose any problems during this process step. Decorations imprinted via HPF are accurately maintained.
 IML - Deep drawing
Now, the desired shape is punched out of the printed, formed foil.
IML Cutting
For extra stability, the trimmed foil is injected with liquid plastic.
Sketch for IML back injection

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