In-Mold Labeling
IML Solutions offers the largest selection of in-mold labels on the market; manufactured in the USA. Our diverse selection of labels includes brilliantly printed and functional thin film labels, special effect lenticular, metallic, color change, textured, and highly durable laminated labels that can be used for under the hood applications, industrial equipment safety labels, and Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) Toy labels. Because our labels are manufactured in the USA, we offer on time delivery. Our central location eliminates supply line concerns and label quality control headaches. If you are currently using in-mold labels or thinking about an in-mold label application, please contact us and our experienced engineers will help you each step of the way. Because of our attention to detail and rigorous quality system, you can be assured every in-mold label will match your color concerns and functionality through-out your production run and order to order for the life of your project.
In-Mold Labeling (IML) is a cost effective process of decorating injection-molded, blow-molded and thermo-formed plastic products. Injection (I-IML) and blow (B-IML) molding have been around for several years. Because of advances in automation and thermoforming equipment, thermoforming (T-IML) has only recently been added to the IML process.
Injection in-mold labeling (I-IML) can be broken down into two categories: injection in-mold labeling (I-IML) and injection in-mold decoration (I-IMD). I-IML and I-IMD is similar in that they can be generally defined as the process of inserting a pre-decorated label, made from a variety of substrates and printing processes, into a mold prior to injecting resin. I-IML is generally used for single usage, thin walled and light weighted packaging products. I-IMD is generally used for durable goods that are used multiple times and have a thicker or more durable wall section.
When using eye catching in-mold labels, your product will jump off the shelf and into the hands of consumers. When your product stands out from the competition, because of shelf presents, superior functionality, and safety labeling, value is added to your product and revenue is increased.
What is In-Mold Labeling?
- In-mold labeling is the process of inserting a label made from various substrates, die cut to size or preformed, into the mold prior to injecting resin. The label bonds to the surface of the molded part when a thin layer of the label re-melts and solidifies with the resin of the part. Some labels are made from a micro-porous material and the resin flows into the pores of the label bonding the label to the part.
Why Use In-Mold Labeling?
- Branding
- Durability
- Permanence
- Add value to product
- Safety Messaging
- Shelf Presence or Point of Purchase appeal
Benefits of In-Mold Labeling
- Works with some existing molds and tooling
- Automates the process
- Exceeds FDA and child safety requirements
- Competitively priced
- Compatible with virtually all molding materials
- Durability and fade resistance
- No adhesives
- Grease chemical and oil resistant
- Eliminates secondary operations
- Label is permanent
- Very low scrap rate (typically < 1%)
Advantages of IML
- Cost effective
- Can be printed with a variety of high resolution printing processes
- When the label is manufactured with the same polymer as the product, it is sustainable
- Secure and highly durable
- Graphics can utilize a variety of eye-catching point of purchase printing techniques, increasing sales.
- Easily automated when required
- IML is one of the fastest growing markets in the injection molding business, estimated to grow at 6-10% annually for the next several years.
- Eliminates secondary operations and reduces overall footprint
- Reduces WIP inventory
- Label style flexibility on the fly
- The labels can be provided die cut or on a roll and die cut at the molding machine (CIP)
- Very low scrap rate
