INMOULD X-Treme Application – Type 5
When you need high quality, self-adhesive graphics for extreme applications that are designed for use with rotationally moulded plastic parts, PSI Brand has the perfect solution. We’ve combined state-of-the-art rotational moulding and in-mould graphics technology to develop our INMOULD X-Treme permanent branding system for plastic.
INMOULD X-Treme graphics become fully moulded and flush with the surface of your plastic part, during the moulding cycle itself. The system combines the many benefits of our classic ‘easy peel and stick’ adhesive featured in our original INMOULD range, with a fully transparent, flexible polyethylene based construction that gives your graphic a high level of resistance against UV, fire and abrasion. INMOULD X-Treme graphics allow you to maintain an ultra-fine level of detail, and exhibit a solid yet transparent background that blends into the plastic surface during the moulding process.
The INMOULD X-Treme graphic system is fully self-adhesive. Your graphic is simply applied to the inside surface of the mould – just peel and stick, then use a hard-plastic squeegee handy to smooth out the application and remove any air bubbles. It can be applied using both hot and cold moulds.
You’ll need a graphic adhesive remover to clean off any glue after moulding – we recommend PSI Brand Graphic Adhesive Remover, which will ensure the complete removal of any adhesive residue from your plastic surfaces or moulds, and can be purchased from PSI directly.
Type 5 INMOULD process: application of INMOULD X-Treme graphics
Step 1
Ensure that the mould surface is clean and free from dust, powder particles and release agents, as these can all affect the appearance of your graphic once moulded. A simple tape test can be used to make sure your mould surface is ready – if a piece of tape placed on the surface removes easily, this indicates that a release agent may be present.
Remove the release backing from your graphic, exposing the pre-coated self-adhesive side of the graphic.
Step 2
Carefully apply the graphic to your selected part of the mould, using your finger to create a central line of adhesion.
Step 3
Use a hard plastic squeegee to smooth the graphic from the centerline out towards each edge, to avoid trapping air and creating air bubbles in between the graphic and the surface. Apply even pressure over the entire graphic to ensure full contact of the adhesive with the mould surface. If correct adhesion is not achieved at this stage, small dimples or sunken areas may appear in the graphic once moulded.
At this point, check that graphic is correctly positioned – if not, it can simply be peeled from the mould, and then carefully reapplied.
Step 4
Proceed with your moulding cycle, but avoid overcooking the material as this can cause the graphic pigments to discolour.
When moulding large, open type products such as troughs and tanks that require large quantities of powder, you may need to reduce the rotation speed, or apply the graphic to a recess in the surface to optimise your results.
Step 5
Once the mould cycle is complete and you’ve removed your plastic part from the mould, it is critical to remove any glue residue from the mould surface and cooled plastic product, using PSI Brand Graphic Adhesive Remover or approved equivalent. The most effective method is to spray your adhesive remover over the residue and allow it to activate. Within ten seconds, you’ll notice the residue start to globule. Use a sharp plastic squeegee to scrape across the surface at a sharp angle, approx. 45 degrees, cleaning the squeegee with a cloth after each pass. Finally, polish away any remaining residue with a clean cloth.
For further tips on the application of our INMOULD and POSTMOULD graphic systems, we have a series of detailed how-to training videos available on our website.
If you have any questions about our INMOULD X-Treme product or wish to request a free quote, please contact us and one of our plastic branding experts will be happy to assist.
