Plastics Decorating The name “heat transfer” has become a generic term referring to a preprinted image applied to a product using heat and pressure to transfer the image off a carrier to a product. There are different ways to print a heat transfer, including gravure, flexo, screen or digitally printed transfers. Plastics Decorating recently sat down with CDigital’s director of … [Read more...] about Ask the Expert: Understanding Heat Transfers in the Plastics Industry
Articles
TopCon and IMDA Symposium Go In-Person with Great Success
by Jeff Peterson, editor-in-chief, Plastics Decorating The SPE Decorating & Coatings Division, in partnership with the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA), recently held its Topical Conference and IMDA Symposium, September 16-17 in Edina, Minnesota. The two-day, in-person event was very successful, with nearly 100 attendees and 18 exhibitors. “We were not sure of how … [Read more...] about TopCon and IMDA Symposium Go In-Person with Great Success
Automation, Sustainability and the Future of In-Mold Processes
by Liz Stevens, writer, Plastics Decorating Automation is a key to the future for all types of manufacturing processes. Decorating options for molded plastic parts are no exception. This is especially important for molders who are involved with or are considering in-mold decorating and labeling, where automation and robotics are essential as an element of the success of the … [Read more...] about Automation, Sustainability and the Future of In-Mold Processes
Adding Value Through Soft-Feel and Tactile Decoration
by Paul Uglum, president, Uglum Consulting, LLC When considering decorated plastic, the appearance of the part or product comes to mind first. Fortunately, plastic decoration can provide more than visual properties alone. It often is desirable that the finished part also have some level of tactile performance as well. Tactile surfaces are used to replicate the surface … [Read more...] about Adding Value Through Soft-Feel and Tactile Decoration
IMDA Awards Competition Recognizes the Best in IML/IMD/IME
Plastics Decorating The 2021 In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) Awards Competition recognized outstanding in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) submissions that were produced in 2020 or slated for release in 2021. Entries received from around the world showcased the best in in-mold design and technical achievement, and this year’s … [Read more...] about IMDA Awards Competition Recognizes the Best in IML/IMD/IME