Technical Injection Molding Services
ISO 13485:2016 ISO 9001:2015 FDA Registered UL Listed

IMD Molding

In-Mold Decoration (IMD) of durable goods can be accomplished in two ways. The first is what we call "3-D IMD". This is a process that uses a formed sheet of printed plastic film which we call an appliqué. The appliqué is inserted into the mold and resin is shot behind it creating a finished decorated part. The other method of IMD we use is a process where real-to-real film is indexed through the mold and the graphic is transferred from the film to the molded part during injection of the resin. Each method has it's advantages and disadvantages. At DPI, we offer both methods.

 With IMD molding we can create a unique look never before achievable in plastics. We can manufacture your product with the look of machined metal, shiny chrome or even photo quality digital graphics. Now you are truly “only limited by your imagination” when it comes to the look of your product. Breathe new life into stale products or update their looks at model change without having to buy new molds.

 IMD is also useful in creating an outer skin on your product that has different qualities than the substrate material. IMD can add qualities such as scratch resistance, weather resistance, UV protection or anti-fog characteristics for lenses.

 Eliminate painting, pad printing, hot stamping and silk screening. Make your graphics an integral part of the substrate material that won’t easily scratch, chip, peel or wear off. This process is widely used in the automotive industry and is quickly spreading to many other industries such as electronics and consumer products.

Our Vision

It is the goal of this company to supply quality products and services to our customers in a timely manner and at a reasonable price; and to provide our employees with a safe and pleasant work environment. We are further committed to a company-wide program for continuous quality improvement.

About DPI

Established in 1981, Distinctive Plastics is a Unique Contract Manufacturer specializing in "Technical Injection Molding Services" such as Multi-shot Molding, IMD (In-Mold Decorating), IMA (In-Mold Assembly), Vertical-Insert Molding and Medical Device Molding. We also offer standard Horizontal molding, with capacities from 28-ton / 1-ounce to 500-ton / 68-ounce. DPI is dedicated to utilizing robotics and automation to deliver "Value Added" services and lower "Total Part Cost".

Our full service philosophy assures you that we can assist you from conception through production. We offer full engineering services including consultation, product design assistance, Design for Manufacturing (DFM) assistance, mold flow analysis, and mold design. Our Technical Services department offers In-House tooling capability along with local and off-shore sourcing of precision injection molds.

Our molding department offers competent processing of most all engineering grade and commodity resins, with experience in 2-shot molding, insert-molding, over-molding, hot runners and valve gates. As a value-added molder we include such services as ultrasonic welding, pad printing, hot stamping and assembly.

Our modern 44,000 square foot facility in Vista, California was custom built after years of careful design and study. Being the fourth building to house this company, much experience went into the design and layout. Our Injection Molding and Tooling departments are second to none and the plant layout makes for an ease of material handling and flow of finished goods. All this just makes it easier to assure our customers "On-Time and Quality" products.