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In-Mold Labeling (IML)

Pre-printed labels fused into the part during molding for a seamless, durable graphic that won't peel.

What is In-Mold Labeling (IML)?

A pre-printed label is placed into the mold cavity before injection, then fused permanently into the part's surface as it's molded, rather than applied after the fact.

How it works

A pre-printed film label is positioned in the mold using a robotic arm or vacuum, held against the cavity wall, then molten resin is injected behind it, the heat and pressure of molding fuses the label into the part's surface as one piece.

Benefits

  • The graphic becomes part of the part itself, so it can't peel, scratch off, or be applied crooked
  • Supports full-color, photo-quality graphics
  • Eliminates a separate post-mold labeling step

Applications

Consumer product housings and packaging where the graphic needs to survive the product's full service life without peeling.

In-Mold Labeling (IML) example

Applicable Materials

Most thermoplastics, matched to a compatible label film. Full applicable-materials list and options are confirmed per order — see the Injection Molding page →

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