The most versatile materials used in product manufacturing. Plastics are molded using a variety of processes, formulations, sizes, shapes or textures. Whether rotationally molded, blow molded, injection molded, compression molded or thermoformed, plastics can be the most difficult substrates to decorate due to:
- Uneven surfaces
- Varying surface tension
- Compound curves
- Outgassing
- Poor adhesion
- Mold releases
- In-mold spoilage
- Inaccessible mold surfaces
- Image smearing, shifting, cracking
- Reduced cycle times
- Ink bleeding
- Heat distortion
Post-Mold Graphic products decorate
- Polyolefins – polypropylenes, EVAs, polyethylenes (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, MDPE, cross-linked, etc.)
- Urethanes – polyurethanes, TPE, etc.
- PVCs
- Acrylics – Plexiglas
- Styrenics – styrene, polystyrene, etc.
- Engineered resins – ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, glass-filled resins, composites, etc.