Exhibition Report of 1st Highly-functional PAINT & COATINGS EXPO

1. Introduction of Film Insert Molding (FIM/IMD) as a substitute for painting

1. What is Film Insert Molding ?

Film Insert Molding is also called In-Mold Decoration (IMD). It is a method that decorates a molded article by inserting a screen printed film into a mold and molding integrally.

Processes of Film Insert Molding to realize a substitute for painting
(1) Printing on decorative film (2) Forming (3) Trimming (4) Injection

Example where piano black (jet black) and mirror ink (substitution for metal plating) are printed with a roll coater

2. Excellent design reproducibility of Film Insert Molding

Film Insert Molding enables to design freely using multicolor, fine lines and gradation that are difficult in painting because decoration is done by print. Utilizing our High Definition Ink for molding, you can create ultra-high quality designs by fine lines and gradation dots of 100µm level that you had never before.

Example of a design including color separation and fine lines of 100µm level that are impossible in painting (use High Definition Ink for molding)

Example of gradations by 100µm level dots which are impossible in painting (use High Definition Ink for molding)

3. Comparison between Film Insert Molding and painting

As mentioned above, Film Insert Molding enables to design freely by multicolor, fine lines and gradations that are difficult in painting. It has excellent resistance and productivity (reduction of the number of parts and lots for small amount) as well as designability.

2. Introduction of ink for sensor that assists self-driving and AI

1. Support concealing sensor and accuracy improvement by printing on light receiving port of sensor

Ink for sensor (infrared ray transmittable ink (IR transmittable ink)) has a function that a sensor transmits wavelengths to be detected and blocks other wavelengths (visible light and UV light, etc.). It is printed on the light receiving port of the sensor of communication devices such as smartphone etc. and contributes to concealing sensors and preventing malfunctions due to entry of unintended light.

Example of application:

Sensor for smartphone, Sensor for self-driving, Sensor for automated factory and equipment, Sensor for security purposes (entrance management, personal authentication and others)

Mechanism of ink for sensor

2. Improvement of both designability and accuracy of sensing function

Free decoration of ink for sensor not only conceals a sensor receiving port, but also can be used to add designability. Also, by adding a function such as scratch resistance to ink for sensor, it further contributes to improvement of sensor accuracy.

Example where the hand is properly recognized even the color sample of ink for sensor covers the sensor.

Example where both transmission of infrared ray and rich pearl color are realized (by color sample used above)

3. Application to concealing print by transmission of visible light

Ink for sensor is possible to selectively transmit wavelengths in a visible light region as well as IR (infrared ray) region. By applying this function, it is possible to have car navigation display which is usually integrated with other parts and displayed only when necessary.

Realize beautiful black of gloss/matte when backlight is off.

Express concealed patterns when backlight is illuminated.

3. Introduction of both reduction of Substance of Concern and cost reduction by a substitute for metal plating

1. Mirror ink (mirror effect ink) which realizes high gloss

By substituting screen ink for metal plating, both reduction of Substance of Concern and cost reduction are realized at once. Mirror inks are used for home appliances, mobile phones and automobile interiors etc. Also, by utilizing light reflection power of mirror surface, it can be applied to components of illumination apparatus, optical devices and electronic devices etc.

Example of the mirror ink where the pink molded article reflects on the mirror surface like a mirror

Example of adding vivid colors to mirror inks in combination with transparent inks

xample of combinations of mirror inks and molding (adding pearl silver, red and yellow, and others)

2. Comparison with mirror inks and metal plating

We introduce excellent functions of mirror inks compared with metal plating.

4. Introduction of High Definition Ink (High Quality and High Definition Screen Printing Ink)

1. Fine lines and dots of 100 µm level can realize ultra-high quality design

High Definition Ink achieves fine lines with 100µm lines and spaces, gradation with 100µm dot diameter, solid with rich and even, and those are difficult with conventional screen printing.

Fine printing enables ultra-high quality design

Example of reproducing the design that is drawn circles with fine lines of 100 µm width without bleeding.

2. Alternative method by combination with 100 µm fine lines and functionality

Adding functionality to High Definition Ink that has high quality and fine printing function, screen printing by inexpensive facilities and few processes enables to have both fineness and functionality. For example, replacing the method requiring etching process with resist ink, it is possible to reduce costs drastically.

High quality printing of L/S 100µm that can be applied to functionality and decoration

Example of the high quality print of L/S 100µm (dot diameter 250µm) that can be applied to various applications (example of the printed material on the glass).

5. Introduction of clear inks that have excellent scratch resistance such as SELF-RESTORING CLEAR keeping freshness of products.

1. SELF-RESTORING CLEAR repairs itself from scratches due to rubbing

SELF-RESTORING CLEAR is a clear ink that keeps brand-newish state with self-restoring function of printed ink layer by obscuring scratches and abrasions of surface that occur during use.　 A printed ink layer with high flexibility can be applied as a clear for anti-slip.

Example of application:

Automobile interior, Home Appliance, Smartphone

Example of keeping a beautiful condition owing to self-restoring function even if it is rubbed many times with a wire brush.

2. Clear ink with scratch resistance achieves high scratch resistance by controlling structure of printed ink layer

A clear with scratch resistance is a clear ink that realizes high scratch resistance by balancing flexibility and hardness. Applying this high scratch resistance, it is possible to cut lamination process for scratch prevention during mass production. Because this clear provides 0.5 gross value of ultra-matte, it is ideal for automobile meters etc.

Example of application:

Automobile meter, Home Appliance, Smartphone

Excellent structure of printed ink layer with the balance of flexibility and hardness of printed ink layer.

Example of prevention clear with scratch resistance utilized for automobile meters.

6. Introduction of non-conductive function realizes both designability and quality of electronic devices

1. Realization of both non-conductive and metallic design

Metallic design was refrained from using and worried about failure of electronic devices due to conduction of printed ink layer since it is used conductive metallic powders. But, metallic designs for electronic devices are possible by using this non-conductive metallic ink (electrical resistance value of 10,000 times or more（（10⁹Ω or more) than ordinal metallic inks）.

Example of application:

Home appliance, Mobile phone, Automobile, Electronic device

Example of non-conductive metallic inks that realize various expression due to variety of particle sizes.

Example of adding colors to metallic inks (not exhibited this time).