Thermoformer Offers Help With IMD

Hy-tech Forming Systems (USA) Inc., Phoenix, Ariz., is a specialist in close-tolerance forming of printed film using hydroforming, a technology utilizing fluid pressure behind a diaphragm to force heated film into a mold. The firm recently opened a 6500-sq-ft Project Development Center for development of tooling and equipment for forming film inserts for in-mold decorating (IMD) of appliqués via injection molding. Customers will be trained there and can verify tooling and production processes before the systems are shipped to customer plants. For IMD, Hy-tech developed a special AccuForm process, which combines elements of hydroforming and standard thermoforming. Its key feature is to eliminate sag, thereby ensuring optimum print registration, the company says.