We are currently using IMD (in-mold decoration) for adhesion of decals on high-volume plastic parts.  This is an expensive option, and in our case creates a problem with part number proliferation.

As a cost savings, we're looking at pushing that product differentiation to the end of the line and installing decals manually.  We've typically avoided this because of the difficulties associated with applying them  without bubbles, straight, etc.

What are industry best-practices associated with decal application in a high-volume manufacturing environment?

Does it have to be a decal?  Would one of the printing processes serve just as well?  Pad printing, silk screening, thermal transfer, etc.

It is better to have enough ideas for some of them to be wrong, than to be always right by having no ideas at all.

I know exactly one guy who can apply a self-adhesive decal dry and straight and bubble-free on the first try.  He does a lot of post-sale work, e.g. applying company logos, stripes and numbers, stuff like that, so he gets a lot of practice.  He owns the body shop where he grew up, so you couldn't afford him.

The cheapest labor available to do the differentiation you want is the customer himself.  I suppose that could work, given support in the form of phones answered by native speakers, and even a few people set up to go out and fix whatever the customer screwed up, gratis.




 

Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA

I'd ask your local 3M rep if I were you.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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