IMD/IML Technical Articles: Hot Press Forming, High-Pressure Forming and 3D Die Cutting

In-mold decoration (IMD/IML) process articles by SANSEN engineers: film heating, hot press forming, high-pressure gas forming, 3D die cutting and how they connect to injection molding.

2026-11-14 · Film forming for in-mold decoration (IMD / IML / film insert molding)
IMD & IML Thermoforming Machines: Process, Film Forming, Die Cutting and Applications
How an IMD/IML hot press forming machine heats and forms printed film before injection molding, how it differs from high-pressure forming and 3D die cutting, plus materials, defects and SANSEN machine specs.
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Printing & UV texture transfer partner: LICHAO

SANSEN builds hot press forming machines, high-pressure gas forming machines and 3D die-cutting machines – the heating, forming and trimming steps of IMD/IML film. Screen printing and UV texture transfer come before forming and use equipment that is not made by SANSEN. For these steps, see the screen printing and UV transfer machines of our partner LICHAO PrintTech (力超):

Screen printing

UV texture transfer

These machines are LICHAO products, not SANSEN products; see the LICHAO website for specifications and enquiries. LICHAO website: sp.catekvo.com

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IMD/IML Technical Articles: Hot Press Forming, High-Pressure Forming and 3D Die Cutting

IMD & IML Thermoforming Machines: Process, Film Forming, Die Cutting and Applications