| | | FIM (Film Insert Molding) - IMD process in which a pre-decorated, pre-formed foil is placed in the cavity of a molding tool prior to resin injection. During the molding cycle, the resin and the foil fuse together. First Surface Decoration - Components in which the decorative image is on the outer surface. Generally such components will be liable to abrasion and may have additional lacquers applied to protect them from this. Flow line - Visible defects on molded components caused by the flow pattern of the resin during the injection process. In many cases this feature can be masked by the presence of an IMD foil. Foil - Name given to the printed film in the IMD (FIM) process once it has been decorated, formed and cut. Form Tool - Male or female tool used to shape the flat, decorated film into a 3D foil. Forming - The process of shaping a flat decorated film into a three-dimensional format. Often this process is referred to as 'thermo-forming' since heat is generally used. Gate/Gating - The location on a mold tool where the resin is injected into the cavity to create the component. Hardcoat - Lacquer applied to a film or foil to increase the abrasion resistance. This can be applied either as a sprayed coating on a 3D component or as a pre-coating of the film used in the decoration process. Generally, hard coating will be an essential requirement with first surface decorated parts. Height to Space Ratio - Ratio used to specify the required distance between adjacent raised areas on a formed foil. Particularly important in the design of IMD keypads where it governs the pitch | | between adjacent keys depending on the height of the key. HPF (High Pressure Forming) - Forming technology in which flat films are converted into 3D foils using a combination of heat and high pressure air in a sealed chamber. Hydro forming - Forming technology in which flat films are converted into 3D foils using a liquid in a sealed bladder. Injection Molding - The process of injection molten plastic resin into the cavity of a mold tool to create 3D plastic components. Insert Molding - The inclusion of additional components during the plastic injection molding process. Typically used to produce moldings with mechanical components such as threaded metal bosses. Film Insert Molding is a variant of this process. Image - Term used to describe the decoration, graphics or legend to be applied to a plastic component. See also artwork. IMD (InMold Decoration) - Catchall term used to describe any one of a number of processes used to decorate plastic products during the injection molding cycle. IML (InMold Labeling) - IMD process in which a flat (2D) decorated foil is placed in the cavity of a molding tool prior to resin injection. Generally this process is used where the finished component is flat or only slighted shaped. It can also be used to decorate flat localized areas on a product. Professional ink Blow/Ink Wash - Defect in IMD components in which a portion of the image is distorted or displaced during the injection molding process. Male Tool - Positive impression forming tool over which a decorated film is shaped to create an FIM foil. Parting Line - The point on a molding tool at which the core and cavity halves of the tool meet. | | |