Film processing
Injection molding
Insert molding is used to decorate plastic parts with complex 3D shapes. The film is shaped by thermoforming using heat and vacuum (additional pressure is an option). After forming, the unnecessary area is trimmed off. The formed and trimmed film (preform) is inserted in the injection mold. Resin is injected to achieve the decorated finished part.
Features and benefits
- Can be used with many plastic resins and complex part shapes
- Low investment compared to a painting, plating or hydrographics line
- Many finishes can come from one injection mold
Thick Sheet Forming
Thick sheet thermoforming is used for larger size parts for applications that cannot absorb high tooling cost. Intura films are laminated to a plastic sheet which can consist of various resins. The decorated sheet is shaped by thermoforming using heat and vacuum and often pressure. After forming, the unnecessary area is trimmed off. The finished part is then ready to be installed.
Features and benefits
- Mainly used for larger plastic parts
- Low investment compared to injection molding
- Many substrate plastics can be used including ABS, PC, PMMA, TPO and PETG
Extrusion Lamination
Intura films are used in extrusion lamination to decorate profiles with a color or metal look finish. Profiles can be made using metals or plastics and sometimes going as high as 6 components in 1 profile. The Intura film is laminated directly after or through the extrusion die. The choice of plastic resin can vary from PP, PVC, ABS, etc.
Features and benefits
- Many components can be utilized in one extrusion process
- Low investment
- Design flexibility from colors to metal looks
