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Formech IMD508

Film Insert Moulding (FIM) is a versatile and cost effective method of decoration and manufacturing durable plastic parts. (It is also referred to as ‘In Mould Decoration (IMD)’ or ‘In Mould Labelling (IML)’.

The flat film is firstly reverse decorated (normally screen printed or digitally printed), then vacuum formed, cut and finally back injection moulded. It is used for cost effective manufacture of fascias, panels and casings for the automotive, telecommunication, advanced sign making, material testing and electronic sectors.

The Formech FIM/IMD range combine extremely accurate repeat sheet registration with incredibly precise and advanced heat control during the forming process of the pre-printed material.

Full temperature feedback with every element provides complete control during the heating of the sheet, minimizing the distortion of the printed sheets during the critical heating stage.

The machine also features a heating pyrometer to achieve consistent heating cycles. Formech produces IMD machines for both test and production using either ceramics or quartz, single or twin heaters and servo electric table for precise movements and registration. Ideal for forming the latest technically demanding materials that require precise control over every aspect.

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10" Colour HMI/PLC featuring Formech Cycle View (FCV)

Wago control system with 10" colour touch screen, real time adjustments, 1% heater increment control, Formech Cycle View and 40 preset memories.

Ceramic Heaters with Full Temperature Feedback

Ceramic heaters are well suited for high volume production when heaters are engaged for long periods and constant temperature must be maintained.

49 Independently Controllable Heating Zones

Forty-nine heating zones and quartz heaters provide rapid heat response with a greater range of control to form challenging shapes and materials.

Pneumatic Heater Drive

Heavy duty pneumatically powered heater travel provides precise and rapid heater deployment, whilst braking prevents element damage.

Pneumatically Powered Clamping Frame

Pneumatically powered clamping system that provides powerful and effortless control.

Servo Powered Table with Height Adjust

Pneumatic Plug Assist

Pneumatically powered plug assist forces the heated material into the tool cavities to increase the thickness of material at the bottom of the cavities

Pre-Stretch

Pre-stretch enables the user to pump air into the heated sheet, creating a bubble to avoid thinning of material with deeper tools.

Auto-Level

Avoids material sag during the heating cycle and maintains an even distance between heater and sheet whilst providing the user with an audible indication the material is ready to form.

Vacuum Receiver Tank

A vacuum tank that provides instant stored vacuum, for high demanding materials and shortening cycle times.

Vacuum Flow Regulator

Precisely regulates vacuum flow rate when a greater level of control is required with demanding applications.

Vacuum & Pressure Gauges

A visual indication of consistent vacuum and pressure being applied (pressure in Hg / bar).

Safety Light Curtain

Protects users from accidental injury by halting all mechanical actions when light curtain is broken.

Heating Pyrometer

Sensor to provide accurate sheet temperature feedback and send heaters back upon reaching target temperature (except on the 686 and 1372 where it gives a digital readout). Emergency air storage tank supplies cooling continuity on shut-down to protect pyrometer.

Oil filled rotary vane pump 21m3 / hr

Forming area (mm/inches)

470mm x 470mm / 18.5 x 18.5” 

Sheet Size (mm/inches)

508 x 508mm / 20.0 x 20.0” 

Max depth of draw

300mm / 11.8” 

Max Material Thickness

6mm / 0.25” 

Heating Zones

49 

Heater type

Ceramic 

Width

1200mm / 47.3” 

Height

3080mm / 121.3” 

Depth

2050mm / 80.7” 

Weight

900kg / 1983lbs 

Single Phase Power Requirements

na

Europe - 3 Phase Power Requirements

380-415V / 32A 

USA - 3 Phase Power Requirements

208-220V / 40A 

Power Consumption

11.3kW 

Air Requirements

80psi / 5 bar 

Servo Plug Assist

This feature can be used for more demanding applications, where multiple position and speed control descent to the millimetre can be achieved consistently.

Cooling Fan System

To cool formed material and shorten cycles times.

Cooling Pyrometer

Sensor to provide accurate sheet temperature feedback and initiate mould release upon reaching target temperature.

Cooling Bolster

A water cooled plate to directly cool and regulate aluminium tool temperature for consistent and faster cycle times.

Twin Heater Upgrade

Top and bottom heaters to form demanding materials and decrease cycle times (16 zones top heater, 10 zones bottom heater).

Reducing Windows

Reduces forming area to utilise smaller sheets of material and minimise wastage. Standard or custom size.

Spare parts kit

A consumable parts kit typically including seals, elements, filter, fuses, toggle clamps.