ENGEL foilmelt

Surface design for plastic components

Individually styled, high-quality products are a part of our environment. Surface design is an important aspect in this regard. With the aid of decorative films and foils, surface finishes and effects can be readily combined with the base material to meet individual needs. This process takes place in the injection moulding machine.

In-mould surface decoration with composite films or foils can be used for a great many different applications

• High-quality three-dimensional surfaces
• Special surface effects (metallic lacquer, aluminium finish, chameleon effect, holograms)
• Change of surface design possible from one part to the next
• No downstream finishing of moulded part necessary

The process

01
Process stage 1: 3D – foil shaping in thermoform- or high pressure formpress (necessary only with complex 3D contures – not required for flat parts or for low deep draw ratios. In that cases the foil shaping is effected by the injection process)

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Process stage 2: Cutting of the foils by stamping, milling or cutting with high pressure water or laser beam

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Process stage 3: Inserting of foils into injection mould. For securing the exact position in the mould a handling device is utilized. In the peripheral handling station, the foils are provided in stacks and after treatment with ionized air for dust removal centered for take over

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Process stage 4: Plastic injection moulding process with special to purpose process control