All labels are not created (or printed) equal. From basic application to complete robotics, In-mold labels help companies with branding, safety & security and even tracking in the supply chain. See how to extend the value of your label. Download today.

1. In-Mold Labeling FAQs

2. QUESTION
What is In-Mold Labeling?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

3. ANSWER
In-Mold Labeling is a process for
labeling or decorating a plastic object
while the object is being formed in the
mold.
• In the In-Mold Labeling process, a label is
placed in the open mold and held in the desired
position by vacuum ports, electrostatic attraction
or other appropriate means.
• The mold closes and molten plastic resin is
extruded or injected into the mold where it
conforms to the shape of the object.
• The hot plastic permeates the label, making it an
integral part of the molded object.
BONUS
What is difference between
Pressure Sensitive (PS)
labels and In-Mold Labels?
•
PS label is affixed to the
“surface” of the plastic
object
•
In-Mold Label actually
becomes part of the
molded part.
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

4. QUESTION
How does an In-Mold Label
compare to a traditional
Pressure-Sensitive Label?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

5. ANSWER
How does an In-Mold Label compare to a
traditional Pressure-Sensitive Label?
In-Mold Labels
Pressure-Sensitive Labels
• Applied to a mold at time
of manufacture.
• Typically applied by the
manufacturer
• Then injected with a
variety of hot plastics
under pressure to form the
required part.
• An extra step, usually
manual, when applied.
• Label usually must be
made of the same
material that the mold is
being injected with.
• Label becomes part of
the finished product
GRAFILM®
Effectively moves with the
plastic when exposed to
thermal influences.
•
In-mold label used with
most injected materials,
including recycled
materials
•
Label material does not
have to match the injected
product
•
Reduces cost
•
More durable, permanent
solution.
•
• The down side to PS
labels is if they are
exposed to any harsh
environments, they can
peel, fall off and are not
as durable as In-mold
products.
•
Patented technology
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

6. QUESTION
What are the advantages of
In-Mold Labeling?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

7. ANSWER
Several advantages of In-Mold Label
include:
• Permanent
It will not peel off and cannot be removed
by the end user of the product.
• Accurate
Positioned by robotics improves placement
accuracy and prevents missing labels.
• Flexible
Conforms to the shape and texture of the
plastic part. This gives the product
designer greater flexibility in product
decoration and brand labeling.
Robotics
•
Various Payload
Applications
•
Human-Machine
Interface
•
Custom-Designed
Tooling
•
End-Effector
Technology
•
65,000+ hrs MTBF
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

8. QUESTION
Is In-Mold Labeling the same
as In-Mold Decorating?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

9. ANSWER
Is In-Mold Labeling the same
as In-Mold Decorating?
In-Mold Labeling
(IML)
In-Mold Decorating
(IMD)
•
• Decoration of higher
value durable plastic
products
• Children’s toys,
sporting goods,
appliances, etc.
IMD-durable goods
can be injection
molded, blow
molded, etc.
•
Blow molded,
injection molded or
thermoformed
packaging.
Margarine tubs,
shampoo bottles or
detergent bottles.
Did you
know?
Both IML and IMD use
In-Mold Labels, and
the terms may be used
interchangeably.
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

10. QUESTION
What are common applications
for In-Mold Labels?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

11. ANSWER
What are common applications
for In-Mold Labels?
Product Decoration Applications
Decals and decorative trim on products, such as
outboard boat motors, kayaks, basketball hoops and
children’s toys.
Brand Image Applications
Company logos or model-specific graphics on such
products as vacuum cleaners, automobile batteries or
home appliances.
TRACK IT
In-Mold Labels
can be used to
authenticate and
track products
through the
supply chain.
Safety and Security Applications
Warning labels on such products as lawnmowers and
child car seats, as well as anti-counterfeiting labels.
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

12. QUESTION
What types of companies
benefit from In-Mold Labels?
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

13. ANSWER
What types of companies benefit
from In-Mold Labels?
Three key segments in
Manufacturing market
• Decoration (Brand)
• Warning/Safety
• Functional
Bank It
Labor costs are
reduced by the
elimination of manual
processes.
Any manufacturer that is applying pressure-sensitive
labels to plastic parts can benefit from In-Mold Labels.
Parts are received fully
decorated from the
molder, eliminating
steps in the assembly
process.
In-Mold Labeling FAQs

14. IN THEIR OWN WORDS
Learn More
•
Call 800-442-5254
•
Click Standard Register
In-Mold Labels: Link >
•
Follow SR on Twitter
@SR_BizSolutions
•
Email
sales@standardregister.com
“We are very pleased with the impact
Grafilm has made in our molding
process and Grafilm has definitely
impacted our manufacturing efficiency.
Our scrap rates are down to ½% (Vs. 5
to 10% with our previous supplier) and
because of that we have also lowered
our overall cost of assemble.”
- KEN BOWERS
Operations tooling lead for Scotts Temecula
In-Mold Labeling FAQs