Honoring the Best in In-Mold Technology Applications
CHANHASSEN, MINNESOTA USA , SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 – The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA), Topeka, Kansa, once again recognized industry leaders in in-mold labeling (IML), in-mold decorating (IMD) and in-mold electronics (IME) by announcing the
winners of the 2024 IMDA Awards Competition. Honorees were revealed at the Plastic Product Decorating Summit on September 19 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with entries judged based on overall design and complexity; integration of the in-mold element into the part or package; functionality; and innovation in the use of materials and processes. Manufacturing difficulty and complexity of the part, label, design or mold also were considered.
Profile Plastics was recognized for Best Use of In-Mold Electronics
Winner: Place Smart Smoke / CO Detector
Submitted by: Profile Plastics
Brand Owner: Gentex Corporation
Product Molder: Profile Plastics LLC
Label Printer: Duratech Industries
Automation Partner: Totalmation
Judges recognized the shear difficulty of this project when awarding it as top of the category. This smoke detector decorative faceplate took over two years to get from concept to production. It requires a complex two shot mold along with two appliques. The first applique is for decoration, and the second is for the circuits providing lighting as well as a capacitive touch sensor. A flex tail was also molded into the part and is used to interface with the smoke detector circuit board. RGB LEDs are utilized that allow for infinite colors to be displayed from the smoke detector. The final molded part allows for a sleek design without physical buttons while maintaining a very thin part profile. Given that this unit is for the consumer market for residential use, the aesthetics are extremely important, especially given the significant competition already on the shelves.
The In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA) is an organization that includes molders, printers, material suppliers and equipment manufacturers that are committed to the development and growth of in-mold decorated products, technologies and markets. IMDA raises the level of awareness and acceptance of in-mold decorated durable products and in-mold labeled packaging by OEMs, brand owners and marketers, integrating the interests of the entire IML and IMD supply chain through its promotional and educational programs. For more information, visit www.imdassociation.com.
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