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Written by Jinnfeng Plastic on . Posted in News.

IMD Control Panels: Revolutionizing Manufacturing with Decoration and Functionality‌

An introduction to IMD control panels, detailing their manufacturing process, product features, application fields, and development prospects, highlighting their combination of decoration and functionality.

IMD Control Panels

Introduction to IMD Control Panels

IMD (In-Mold Decoration) is an advanced injection molding process that has transformed the manufacturing of mechanical and electrical panels. Evolving from double-layer film interlayer bonding to three-dimensional injection molding, IMD control panels now combine silkscreen ink, graphics, and injection resin into a single, durable component.

Manufacturing Process of IMD Control Panels

IMD control panels are produced by hot-pressing silk-printed film sheets with graphic and textual styles. These sheets are placed in an injection mold cavity and combined with injection molding. The injection-molded resin bonds to the ink layer on the back of the film, sandwiching the graphics and text between the film and the resin. This process ensures that the graphics and text remain intact and unaffected by friction or chemical corrosion.

Product Features of IMD Control Panels

  • Durable and Long-lasting: The injection-molded resin protects the graphics and text from wear and tear.
  • Customizable: Graphics, text, logo backlighting, and high transparency window effects can be tailored to customer specifications.
  • Tactile Feedback: Functional buttons are evenly raised, providing a pleasant touch and a lifespan of over 1 million presses.
  • Seamless Integration: The 3D characteristics of IMD control panels adapt to product design, achieving a seamless fit.

Application Fields of IMD/IML Panels

IMD/IML panels are versatile and find applications across various industries:

  • Home Appliance Industry: Control panels and decorative elements for rice cookers, washing machines, microwaves, air conditioners, etc.
  • Electronics Industry: Decorative covers and signs for calculators, digital cameras, etc.
  • Automotive Industry: Instrument panels, car lamp housings, logos, and handles.
  • Computer Industry: Keyboards, mice, and other surface shells.
  • Communication Industry: Phone buttons, cases, and window lenses.
  • Other Industries: Medical devices, cosmetic boxes, decorative boxes, toys, etc.

Development Prospects of IMD Process

The IMD injection molding process offers immense potential for innovation and personalization. It can accommodate various designs, meeting the diverse needs of designers and products. By combining functionality and decoration, IMD panels can achieve special effects such as button bulges, metal mirror or matte surfaces, metal wire drawing, and window transparency. As IMD control panels continue to replace traditional thin film panels, their adoption in the home appliance and machinery accessory industry promises energy conservation and environmental protection. This transition holds significant economic and environmental benefits for both society and enterprises.