In today’s competitive market, it’s not enough for your product just to work – it also needs some “wow” factor. But thinking outside the box and coming up with a practical solution can be easier said than done.
However, there’s a process that you may not be using (or not utilizing to its full potential) that can improve the look, function, and durability of your product – all at once. No, it’s not magic. It’s in-mold decorating.
In-mold decorating is used to create plastic components with graphics elements incorporated into the structure. In other words, the graphics are “baked” into the product, opposed to relying on secondary decorating methods such as adhesive labels and painting.
Here’s a quick rundown of how in-mold decorating works:
The in-mold decorating process is versatile, requires less labor, and reduces waste. So how can it help your product stand out? We’re glad you asked.
In-mold decorating removes many of the limitations and frustrating aspects of post-mold decorating – especially when it comes to curved parts or 3D areas. Thanks to advancements in printing technology, designers have various printing options at their disposal, including colors, textures, and effects. The end result? Elegant, vibrant, and photo-realistic graphics integrated into your product.
In-mold decorating opens the door to creative design options that would be too difficult or expensive with other methods. Virtually any shape you can create with injection molding can feature branding, graphic elements, instructional text, and more.
When creating a high-quality, durable product, the notion that “less is more” often holds true. Combining the plastic form and decoration eliminates a layer that can affect performance or wear out prematurely. You don’t have to worry about whether a label will fit or if the paint will wear off. What’s more, you can add coatings to the in-mold process to enhance the graphic overlay’s resistance to abrasion, chemicals, and other factors.
With in-mold decorating, you’re not restricted to adding just printed graphic elements. Other surface features that can be added include windows, lenses, embossing, and more. You can also add in-mold electronics to create backlighting, indicators, dead fronting, and capacitive touch, just to name a few.
As you can tell, in-mold decorating can offer a host of advantages – but it’s not perfect for all applications. Here are a few considerations that will help you determine if in-mold decorating is suitable for your product.
Once you decide that in-mold decorating is the right solution for your product – or you need help weighing your options – it’s time to talk with an outsourced manufacturer with experience in this area. In-mold decorating can be a complex, specialized process that requires knowledge and precision to produce a high-quality part.
At Tapecon, we have over 20 years of experience using in-mold decorating to produce beautiful, durable products for our customers. Our team is ready to assist from start to finish, including design consulting, material selection, all the way to packaging and fulfillment.
With over 100 years of manufacturing experience, Tapecon works with product teams to solve challenges, create products, and enhance lives. Learn more about our in-mold decorating applications.