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Where FIM can be used
Film Insert Moulding is an extremely versatile technology that can be used in many different applications. Some of the main areas are listed below.
 Telecoms
Key benefits are unique pencil hardness, scratch and abrasion resistance. Hardcoated films can be used to produce flat lenses, housings, keypads or even to integrate the housing and lens, as undertaken in producing outer casings for clam-shell mobile phones.
Automotive
Key benefits are cost reduction scratch/abrasion resistance and image durability, as each part is reverse printed.
Many interior trim parts in cars require simulated wood or carbon fibre effect decoration which usually need high gloss surfaces. FIM is a good way to achieve this, and the deep "french polish" effect achievable using hardcoated films is extremely attractive. The durability of the surface finish produced makes for a long lasting quality component.
Very fine line printing is necessary to achieve convincing wood grain results, and these are best achieved by using UV inks, which will not dry into the screen mesh.
HVACs (Heater/Ventilation Air Conditioning control panels) were one of the earliest automotive parts to convert to FIM. The areas around the control knobs are generally vulnerable to scratching and uncoated films are not capably of fully meeting OEM specifications. Parts can be selectively printed with texturing varnish to achieve attractive results, or be fully textured using flood printing over the entire surface, allowing uncoated films to be used.
Some applications require button tops which can readily be made using special films which has better formability than competitive products to ensure that no micro-cracks are present which can cause dramatic failure in use.
Appliances
The key benefits include cost reduction (only one part so there are lower tooling, adhesive and assembly costs), scratch/chemical/abrasion resistance, as well as low yellowness.
Even more applications .....
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