Ink

  Inks for IMD

When you want printed graphics as part of your in-mold decoration (IMD), you need to select inks that are compatible.GE has tested over 300 inks to find those most compatible with In-Mold Decoration. For first-surface printing, be sure to choose an ink that is compatible with Lexan* film. For more about ink compatibility, consult our Technical guides.
Lexan* Film Tech Guides, Xylex* Film Tech Guides.

Suggested Inks for First and Second Surface Printing

1st Surface Solvent Based Ink:
Coates DecoMold™ Classic, Series DMC

1st Surface UV Ink:
Coates Panel Display, PD Series
Coates DecoMold™ Ultrabond, Series DMU
Nazdar 3400
Polymeric Imaging Soft Shell 13796
Polymeric Imaging Soft Shell 14510

2nd Surface Inks
As the graphic below shows, second-surface IMD is more difficult because the resin is injected against the ink, increasing the potential for washout. The chosen ink needs to have good adhesion, printability, and formability. In addition, it must withstand high sheer forces and temperatures during injection molding. The GE Plastics Screen Print Lab can help you determine the best fit for your application. Click on an ink below to see the printing protocol for that ink.

Lens with 2nd Surface Washout

2nd Surface Solvent Based Inks:
Coates Flexiform, Series C37
Coates HG, Series HG
Coates DecoMold ™Classic, Series DMC
Marabuwerke IMD 3061
Proell NORIPHAN® HTR
Proell NORIPHAN® N2K
Nazdar 3400
Sericol Techmark IMD

2nd Surface UV Based Inks:
Coates DecoMold™ Ultrabond, Series DMU **
* Marabuwerke IMD 5001
* Norcote IMD Series
* Sericol Techmark MTS

* - Must be used with a Tie-Coat
** - Does not require a protective tie-coat or adhesion promoter

For processing Info on Coates Series:
Coates Screen,
2445 Production Drive,
St. Charles, Illinois - 60174,
Phone: 630-513-5348.

The following Tie Coats/Barrier coats can improve adhesion to some ink systems and reduce washout during 2nd surface IMD.

Tie Coats and Barriers
AquaPress® ME from Proell
Aquatex Sealcoat SC from Autotype

High Resolution Alternatives The following are some high resolution printing alternatives that have been used successfully in conjunction with IMD.

4 Color Offset printing (requires a Tie Coat/Barrier Coat or 1st surface printing).
Wikoff Color Corp

Sublimation printing with a white background produces a dramatic effect. With a clear background, the effect is a more subtle. Sublimation printing enables mass customization. It is possible to do one-off and short runs using digital printing technology and this process.

FRESCO Plastics

Digital
VUTEk*
Indigo (requires tie coat/barrier coat)
Aprion Digital DPS65

NORIPHAN,AquaPress are registered trademarks of Proell, Inc.
VUTEk is registered trademark of VUTEk.