Injection molding
Injection molding & film insert molding
Injection molding is one of the most important and widespread molding plastic processing methods. The injection molding process has been used for the series production of components in particular since 1869: During the process, a shapeless starting material is transformed into a defined and precisely matched, solid end product.
The process is usually based on a thermal process in which the materials to be processed are first melted. Then, with the aid of an injection unit, they are injected into a geometric, three-dimensional template with a shaping cavity. In this cavity, which is the heart of the process, the material solidifies into a solid through cooling or a crosslinking reaction.
The finished injection molded part can then be removed from the mold and is subsequently also suitable for further processing, for example in the area of surface finishing.
The injection molding machining processes at a glance:
- Thermoplast Injection Molding
- Duroplast Injection Molding
- Elastomer injection molding
- Flexchrom
- Film insert molding
FIM - Film insert molding
Film insert molding (FIM for short) is an in-mold decoration technique and is understood as a combination process of thermoplastic injection molding, extended by elements of the film forming process. With this process, the molding can be directly combined with a visual design of the end product by means of foil and produced in a single step. The focus of the FIM process is on design realization that harmonizes with the mold.
The distinguishing feature of this process is that the optical design of the injection molded part is already achieved within the molding process in the molding body.
In a first production step, a foil is produced with the desired motif to be applied later. The screen printing process, which is also offered by our company, is particularly suitable for printing the foil.
The next step is to adapt the film to a three-dimensional shape. Vacuum thermoforming and high-pressure forming are used to optimally adapt the film with the printed design to the shape of the subsequent end product. The formed film is then inserted into the forming cavity, which serves as the forming template for injection molding in the further process.
In the final process, film insert molding is similar to the classic injection molding process: The desired material is usually thermally converted to a liquid aggregate state and injected into the hollow body. As the material cools in the mold, the design or branding applied to the film bonds with the surface of the casting, creating a leveled image directly on the perfectly shaped end product.
There are no limits to the design of the decorated film for individual branding. Both single- and multicolor motifs are available, as well as various haptic surface textures, such as matte or glossy structures and translucent effects.
The distinguishing feature of this process is that the optical design of the injection molded part is already achieved within the molding process in the molding body.
In a first production step, a foil is produced with the desired motif to be applied later. The screen printing process, which is also offered by our company, is particularly suitable for printing the foil.
The next step is to adapt the film to a three-dimensional shape. Vacuum thermoforming and high-pressure forming are used to optimally adapt the film with the printed design to the shape of the subsequent end product. The formed film is then inserted into the forming cavity, which serves as the forming template for injection molding in the further process.
In the final process, film insert molding is similar to the classic injection molding process: The desired material is usually thermally converted to a liquid aggregate state and injected into the hollow body. As the material cools in the mold, the design or branding applied to the film bonds with the surface of the casting, creating a leveled image directly on the perfectly shaped end product.
There are no limits to the design of the decorated film for individual branding. Both single- and multicolor motifs are available, as well as various haptic surface textures, such as matte or glossy structures and translucent effects.
Advantages of Film Insert Molding
- Efficiency
All injection molding processes are characterized by their efficient cost-effectiveness. In addition to material costs, manufacturing costs and waste products are at an extremely low level. - Rapid reproducibility
Injection molding is particularly suitable for the production of series products, as the injection mold created is suitable for permanent use over many years due to its longevity and durability. You get series-identical plastic parts that are perfectly suited for further processing - In addition, the production of castings can be implemented in a closely timed, highly automated production machinery. - Diversity
The variety of machining processes offered enables the shaping of a wide range of materials and plastics There are also no limits to the range of possible product shapes due to the unique casting technology in mold. Also with regard to branding, the FIM process in particular opens up limitless possibilities. - Direct customization
The finished injection molded part is immediately provided with an individual motif or graphic, making it ideal for rapid series production.
Areas of application in which FIM castings show their potential:
- Interior and exterior components in building construction
- Cladding as well as interior decoration and design elements
- Mechanical engineering and construction industry
- Components for small electronic devices and household appliances
- Production of components for defense and defense technology
- Components for vehicle interiors and the chassis
FAQ – Injection Molding & Film-Insert-Molding (FIM)
What is injection molding?
Injection molding is a widely used manufacturing process for producing plastic parts by injecting molten material into a mold. The material solidifies into a final part. This process is particularly suitable for mass production of precise and dimensionally accurate components, used across various industries.
What types of injection molding processes are there?
There are various injection molding processes, including thermoplastic injection molding, thermoset injection molding, elastomer injection molding, and Film Insert Molding (FIM). Each method offers its own advantages and is suited to different materials and applications.
What is Film Insert Molding (FIM)?
Film Insert Molding (FIM) is a specialized injection molding technique where a decorative film with a design is placed into the mold. The design bonds to the product during the molding process, creating custom and visually appealing plastic parts. This technique is ideal for high-volume production with integrated branding or design.
What are the benefits of Film Insert Molding?
FIM offers an efficient way to combine functional plastic parts with decorative elements. It allows the direct integration of designs into molded parts, saving time and costs. Additionally, the produced parts are durable and can be consistently manufactured in large quantities.
In which industries are injection molding and FIM used?
Injection molding and FIM are used in various industries, including the automotive industry (e.g., panels and interior components), mechanical engineering, construction, and electronics production. FIM is commonly used for decorative elements in vehicle interiors, household appliances, and electronic housings.
Contact Us