In-mould labelling is an injection moulding technique in which labels are placed directly into the tool before the plastic is injected. During the injection moulding process, the label fuses with the plastic, creating a durable, integrated label that becomes part of the final part.
The method removes the need for post-production labelling with adhesives or printing, resulting in a clean, consistent finish on every part.
The process begins with positioning the label in the tool, often using automated systems and robots to ensure precision. Then, the plastic is injected into the tool and over the label. The heat and pressure of the injection moulding makes the label fuse with the plastic surface.
Once the plastic has cooled, the label is permanently attached and becomes part of the plastic part. The technique ensures that the label follows the shape and contours of the component, even on more complex geometries.
When you are looking for injection-moulded plastic parts with labels, in-mould labelling is an excellent technique that both improves product quality and reduces production costs.
This technology is primarily used when labels need to withstand mechanical stress or chemicals and when durable and visually appealing labels are required. It is an excellent solution for:
Idé-Pro offers in-house production for in-mould labelling, with high precision. We can handle both prototypes and low-volume production with short lead times and ensure consistent labelling on plastic parts. Our experience with plastic production guarantees high quality for both simple and complex geometries.
If you also need plastic parts with other properties, we offer injection moulding using various techniques. For example, we can assist you with multi-material plastic parts through 2K injection moulding of PA6/TPU, which combines hard and soft materials in the same part.
Are you looking for labels that are permanently attached and look identical on every part? We can help you choose the right material, label and injection moulding method to achieve durable labelling directly on the plastic part. Contact us for advice and to discuss the next steps.