Our In-Mold Labeling (IML) Services
Yigu Technology delivers industry-leading In-Mold Labeling (IML) solutions that blend precision, creativity, and efficiency. From custom label designs to high-volume production, our expertise in IML Technology, molding integration, and quality control ensures your products stand out with durable, visually stunning labels—while reducing costs and boosting sustainability. Whether you serve packaging, automotive, or consumer goods, Yigu turns your IML vision into reality.
What Is In-Mold Labeling (IML)?
In-Mold Labeling (IML) is an advanced labeling process that fuses labels directly into plastic products during manufacturing—eliminating the need for post-production labeling steps like gluing or shrinking. Unlike traditional methods, IML Technology integrates the label with the product’s surface, creating a seamless, long-lasting finish.
Often referred to as In-Mold Decoration (IMD), this technique works by placing a pre-printed label into a mold before plastic is injected, blown, or thermoformed. The label bonds with the plastic as it cools, resulting in a product that resists scratches, fading, and moisture.
| Traditional Labeling vs. IML | Traditional Labeling | In-Mold Labeling (IML) |
| Application Timing | Post-production | During manufacturing |
| Bond Strength | Low (prone to peeling) | High (permanent bond) |
| Aesthetics | Visible edges/seams | Seamless, 3D finish |
| Production Time | Longer (2+ steps) | Shorter (1-step process) |
| Cost (per unit, 100k+ runs) | 0.15–0.30 | 0.08–0.20 |
Yigu Technology’s IML Capabilities
At Yigu Technology, we tailor our In-Mold Labeling Capabilities to meet your unique needs, combining technical expertise with flexible solutions. Our core strengths include:
- Custom IML Solutions: We design labels for any product shape, size, or industry—from small electronic components to large automotive parts. Our team collaborates with you to match colors, textures, and finishes to your brand identity.
- Label Design & Printing Expertise: Using state-of-the-art digital and flexographic printing, we produce high-resolution labels with vibrant inks and consistent color accuracy. We support CMYK, Pantone, and specialty inks (e.g., metallic, matte).
- Quality Control: Our 6-step QC process includes material inspection, print verification, mold alignment checks, and post-production testing—ensuring 99.8% defect-free output.
- Production Capacity: We handle volumes from 10k to 5M+ units monthly, with lead times as short as 7–10 days for standard orders.
- Project Management: A dedicated manager oversees every project, from design approval to delivery, keeping you updated and ensuring on-time, on-budget results.
Yigu’s IML Service Range
| Service | Details | Turnaround Time |
| Custom Label Design | 3D mockups, material sampling | 2–3 business days |
| Small-Batch Production | 10k–50k units | 7–10 days |
| High-Volume Production | 500k+ units | 15–20 days |
| Quality Audits | On-site or remote (video) inspections | 24-hour response |
The IML Process: Step-by-Step
The IML Process is a streamlined sequence that combines printing, mold preparation, and plastic forming—all in one continuous workflow. Here’s how it works at Yigu:
- Printing Process: First, we print the label on a durable substrate (e.g., PET, PP) using UV-curable inks. We add a protective coating for scratch resistance or UV protection at this stage.
- Label Insertion: Automated robots or precision tools place the printed label into the mold cavity, ensuring correct label placement (tolerances as tight as ±0.1mm).
- Molding Integration: Plastic resin (e.g., PP, PE, ABS) is injected, blown, or thermoformed into the mold. The heat and pressure bond the label to the plastic substrate.
- Cooling & Demolding: The product cools for 10–30 seconds (depending on size), then is removed from the mold.
- Quality Assurance: Each unit is checked for dimensional accuracy, color consistency, and label adhesion. Failed units are rejected immediately.
- Post-Processing (if needed): For specialized products, we add secondary treatments like texture application or edge trimming—though 90% of IML products require no post-work.
Key IML Process Metrics at Yigu
| Metric | Yigu’s Performance | Industry Average |
| Label Placement Accuracy | ±0.1mm | ±0.3mm |
| Production Cycle Time | 15–45 seconds/unit | 25–60 seconds/unit |
| QA Pass Rate | 99.8% | 97.5% |
IML Materials: Choosing the Right Components
The success of an IML project depends on high-quality IML Materials. Yigu uses only industry-grade components to ensure durability and aesthetics:
- Label Materials: Primary substrates include PET (for clarity), PP (for flexibility), and PE (for low-cost applications). We also offer recyclable options (e.g., rPET) to support sustainability goals.
- Plastic Substrates: Compatible with most thermoplastics, including PP, PE, ABS, PS, and PC. We match the substrate to your product’s use case (e.g., PC for high-temperature automotive parts).
- Adhesives: No additional adhesives are needed—our labels use ink and coating systems that bond directly to plastic during molding. For extreme conditions, we offer specialty bonding agents.
- Inks: UV-curable inks that resist fading, chemicals, and UV light. We comply with global standards (e.g., FDA for food packaging, REACH for EU markets).
- Coatings: Options include gloss (for shine), matte (for a soft finish), and anti-scratch coatings (for high-wear products like toys or tools).
Material Compatibility Guide
| Label Material | Compatible Plastic Substrates | Best For |
| PET | PP, PS, ABS | Clear packaging, electronics |
| PP | PP, PE | Flexible products, containers |
| PE | PE, LDPE | Low-cost, disposable items |
| Recyclable rPET | rPP, rPE | Sustainable packaging, consumer goods |
Surface Treatment for Enhanced IML Performance
Surface Treatment is critical to optimizing label adhesion, durability, and aesthetics in IML. Yigu offers a range of techniques to meet your product’s needs:
- Coating Techniques: We apply thin, even coatings using spray or roller systems. Gloss coatings boost visual appeal, while matte coatings reduce glare—ideal for automotive interiors.
- Adhesion Promotion: For hard-to-bond plastics (e.g., HDPE), we use plasma or corona treatment to enhance surface tension, ensuring the label bonds permanently.
- UV Protection: A UV-resistant coating prevents label fading in outdoor or high-sunlight applications (e.g., garden tools, automotive exterior parts).
- Scratch Resistance: A 2H–4H hardness coating protects labels from daily wear—critical for toys, electronics, and medical devices.
- Gloss Control: We adjust gloss levels (20–80 GU) to match your brand’s look, from high-shine cosmetic packaging to low-gloss industrial parts.
- Texture Application: Embossed or debossed textures add tactile appeal—popular for luxury goods and consumer electronics.
Surface Treatment Benefits
| Treatment | Key Benefit | Application Example |
| UV Protection | 5+ years of fade resistance | Outdoor furniture labels |
| Scratch Resistance | Withstands 1000+ abrasion cycles | Phone case labels |
| Plasma Treatment | 30% stronger bond on HDPE | Chemical container labels |
Tolerances in IML: Precision You Can Trust
Tolerances in IML measure how closely the final product matches design specifications—Yigu prioritizes precision to avoid defects like misaligned labels or uneven edges. Our key tolerance standards include:
- Dimensional Accuracy: Product dimensions meet ±0.2mm of design specs—critical for parts that fit into assemblies (e.g., automotive components).
- Label Placement: Labels are positioned within ±0.1mm—ensuring brand logos or text are consistently aligned (e.g., on beverage bottles).
- Color Consistency: We maintain ΔE < 1.0 (a measure of color difference), meaning labels look identical across production runs.
- Material Thickness: Label thickness is controlled to ±0.05mm, preventing mold issues and ensuring uniform bonding.
- Molding Precision: Mold temperature and pressure are monitored in real time, keeping part thickness consistent to ±0.1mm.
Yigu’s Tolerance Standards vs. Industry Norms
| Tolerance Metric | Yigu Standard | Industry Average |
| Label Placement | ±0.1mm | ±0.3mm |
| Color Consistency (ΔE) | <1.0 | <2.0 |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.2mm | ±0.5mm |
| Material Thickness | ±0.05mm | ±0.1mm |
Advantages of IML: Why It’s Better Than Traditional Labeling
Advantages of IML make it the preferred choice for brands looking to improve product quality, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability:
- Cost-Effectiveness: IML eliminates post-production labeling steps (e.g., gluing, drying), cutting labor and material costs by 20–30% for high-volume runs.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Seamless labels with no edges or seams create a premium look—ideal for luxury goods, cosmetics, and electronics.
- Durability: Labels are resistant to water, chemicals, and scratches (last 3–5x longer than traditional labels), reducing product returns.
- Customization: IML supports complex designs, including 3D shapes, textures, and variable data (e.g., serial numbers for traceability).
- Environmental Benefits: Using recyclable IML Materials (e.g., rPET) and reducing waste (no label scrap) helps brands meet sustainability goals. Yigu’s IML products are 100% recyclable in most plastic streams.
- Time Efficiency: The 1-step process cuts production time by 30–40%, allowing faster time-to-market for new products.
Cost Savings with IML (100k Unit Run)
| Cost Category | Traditional Labeling | IML (Yigu) | Savings |
| Labor | $8,000 | $3,000 | $5,000 |
| Materials (labels) | $15,000 | $10,000 | $5,000 |
| Post-Processing | $7,000 | $0 | $7,000 |
| Total | $30,000 | $13,000 | $17,000 |
IML Applications by Industry
IML Applications span nearly every sector, as the technology adapts to diverse product needs. Yigu serves the following key industries:
- Packaging Industry: The largest IML market—used for food containers (e.g., yogurt cups), beverage bottles, and cosmetic jars. IML labels resist moisture and oil, keeping packaging looking new.
- Automotive Industry: Interior parts (e.g., dashboard panels, door handles) and exterior components (e.g., wheel covers) use IML for scratch-resistant, UV-stable labels.
- Consumer Goods: Toys, household appliances (e.g., blender controls), and personal care products (e.g., shampoo bottles) benefit from IML’s durability and customization.
- Electronics: Phone cases, laptop bezels, and smart device housings use IML for sleek, fingerprint-resistant labels.
- Healthcare: Medical device packaging (e.g., pill bottles) and equipment labels require FDA-compliant IML materials that resist sterilization processes.
- Toys and Games: IML labels on toys withstand rough play and cleaning, meeting safety standards (e.g., ASTM F963).
Top IML Applications at Yigu (2025)
| Industry | % of Yigu’s IML Projects | Popular Products |
| Packaging | 45% | Food containers, cosmetic jars |
| Automotive | 20% | Dashboard panels, control knobs |
| Consumer Goods | 18% | Appliance labels, toy parts |
| Electronics | 12% | Phone cases, smartwatch bands |
| Healthcare | 5% | Medical device packaging |
IML Manufacturing Techniques
Yigu uses advanced manufacturing techniques to adapt IML to different plastic forming processes. Our expertise includes:
- Injection Molding: The most common IML method—used for rigid products like caps, containers, and automotive parts. We use 50–200 ton injection molding machines for precise control.
- Blow Molding: Ideal for hollow products (e.g., detergent bottles, water jugs). Labels are inserted into the blow mold before plastic is inflated.
- Thermoforming: Used for thin-gauge products (e.g., food trays, blister packs). IML labels bond to the plastic sheet during heating and shaping.
- Printing Techniques: We use flexographic printing (for high-volume runs) and digital printing (for small batches or variable data) to produce labels.
- Die Cutting: Labels are die-cut to exact shapes before insertion—ensuring they fit perfectly into the mold. Yigu’s die-cutting accuracy is ±0.05mm.
- Automation: 90% of our IML process is automated (robotic label insertion, real-time QC) to reduce human error and boost efficiency.
Manufacturing Technique Comparison
| Technique | Best For | Production Speed |
| Injection Molding | Rigid, complex parts | 20–60 units/min |
| Blow Molding | Hollow products (bottles, jugs) | 10–30 units/min |
| Thermoforming | Thin-gauge, flat products | 30–80 units/min |
Yigu Technology’s IML Case Studies
Our IML Case Studies showcase how we solve unique challenges for clients across industries:
Case Study 1: Sustainable Packaging for a Global Food Brand
- Challenge: A major food company needed recyclable yogurt cup labels that resisted dairy acids and maintained color consistency.
- Solution: Yigu used rPET label materials and UV-curable inks. We optimized the IML process to work with the client’s existing injection molding line.
- Results: 100% recyclable cups, 25% cost savings vs. traditional labels, and zero label peeling (even after 6 months of refrigeration). The client ordered 2M+ units monthly.
Case Study 2: Automotive Interior Labels for a Luxury Car Maker
- Challenge: A luxury automaker required scratch-resistant, matte-finish labels for dashboard controls—with strict color matching (ΔE < 0.8).
- Solution: We applied a 4H anti-scratch coating and used Pantone-matched inks. Our plasma treatment ensured the label bonded to the ABS plastic substrate.
- Results: Labels passed 5,000+ abrasion tests, color consistency met ΔE = 0.6, and production was scaled to 50k units/month.
Case Study 3: Toy Parts for a Children’s Brand
- Challenge: A toy company needed non-toxic, durable labels for plastic toy blocks that could withstand washing and rough play.
- Solution: Yigu used FDA-compliant PP labels and a flexible coating. We tested labels to meet ASTM F963 safety standards.
Results: Labels survived 100+ wash cycles, no ink transfer to skin, and the client expanded the project to 8 toy lines.
Why Choose Yigu Technology for IML?
When you partner with Yigu, you get more than just In-Mold Labeling—you get a dedicated team focused on your success. Here’s why clients choose us:
- Expertise: 10+ years of IML experience, with certifications in ISO 9001 (quality) and ISO 14001 (sustainability). Our engineers average 8+ years in plastic manufacturing.
- Experience: We’ve completed 500+ IML projects for 150+ clients, including Fortune 500 brands in packaging, automotive, and electronics.
- Customer Service: 24/7 support, dedicated project managers, and free design consultations.
- Innovation: We invest 8% of annual revenue in R&D to develop new IML technologies—such as water-based inks for eco-friendly projects and 3D IML for complex curved surfaces.
- Quality: Every step of our process is ISO 9001-certified, from material sourcing to final inspection. We use real-time data monitoring to catch issues before they affect production.
- Reliability: We maintain a 99.5% on-time delivery rate, even for high-volume or custom orders. Our backup production lines ensure no delays due to equipment issues.