The five major technology changes in mobile phone shells must be known (Part 2)

3.IML technology

The outstanding features of in-mold insertinjection molding (IML) technology are: the surface is a hardened transparent film, the middle is a printed pattern layer, and the back is a plastic layer. Because the ink is sandwiched between, the product can prevent the surface from being scratched and resistant. It can rub and keep the color vivid for a long time.

IML technology production process:

IMLtechnology product effect:

1）  Diversification of printing appearance effects: By combining soft-touch transfer printing with printing technologies such as color and electroplating, various appearances can be realized.

2） The research and development of ultra-thin IML, the thinnest can reach 0.80mm, and the deformation is less than 0.5mm; the deformation of 6-inch battery cover is less than 1.0mm; the thickness of local glue reduction can be 0.6mm.

development trend:

In the existing equipment and process flow of IML technology, the improvement has evolved into an IMT process that is more suitable for future user needs and technical requirements, and thus re-activates the development space of traditional plastic molding plants.

4.IMT technology

In-mold decoration (IMT) technology is a new process that is the integration and extension of in-mold insert injection (IML) technology and in-mold transfer (IMR) technology.

Its technology uses the separation technology of the membrane and ink of IMR technology, and takes into account the monomer molding and injection manufacturing methods of IML technology. Its multilayer protective film can effectively protect the quality of the main decorative layer.

IMT process advantages: product thickness can be as thin as 0.70mm / stable deformation / no risk of peeling

Through the process extension, such as spraying UV, the functional requirements of the product surface can be better achieved, such as anti-fingerprint, wear resistance, gloss, and 3D optical texture can be achieved by printing the layer with 3D texture and applying magnetron sputtering technology. effect.

At present, IMT technology is a popular solution for the back cover of smart phones. Tongda said that the IMT project is very successful and provides solutions other than glass back plates. In 18 years, more IMT solutions will be launched to match the low-end market. The emergence of the IMT process will replace the current processes in the industry such as fuel injection, UV masking, electroplating, vacuum color plating, screen printing, pad printing and transfer, etc., and will drive the leapfrogging innovation of the product appearance industry, realizing three-dimensional, color Gradient, R-corner and other irregular product appearance decorative effects, while providing better innovation and platform implementation for the appearance craft design industry. The new IMT process combines the most popular 3D optical texture + PVD decoration method. Compared with the traditional, the appearance value is higher, and the arc is larger. The current IMT process is changed from the new process to the 3D optical texture + PVD. + 3D optical texture + PVD.

Development trend: OPPO A79 adopts the IMT process and is already selling well. At present, the problem encountered by IMT is that the through rate needs to be improved. In the 5G era, IMT technology may become very popular. According to Xiaobian, many domestic manufacturers such as Tongda, Zhaoyi, Lianhe, Yuding Nano, BYD, Jingfeng, and Huanli are all in layout, and some companies Started mass production. In the future, IMT technology can be merged with electronic technology and evolved into IME technology. The circuit layer is added and electronic components are mounted, which gives the diaphragm electronic functions and various visual, tactile, and sensory effects. It will be applied to the smart surfaces of future cars.

5.PC put glass injection molding process

Injection molded transparent PC back cover, as a lower cost and efficient product form, with better impact strength and durability, is attracting more and more attention from traditional plastic factories, and is expected to become the mainstream mobile phone back cover solution in 2019. It is understood that many manufacturers such as Sanjing, Shuobeide, Tongda, Lianhe, BYD, Dongfang Liangcai, Jierong, Xiuqiang, Jinsheng, Xinwanda, and Huike are accelerating the deployment of injection-molded transparent PC mobile phone back covers. Raw material manufacturers such as Mitsubishi Chemical and Sabic are also verifying the special materials for PC injection phone back covers, which can meet the requirements of high hardness, low stress and no rainbow pattern.

Advantages of PC imitation glass injection molding process: Compared with PC imitation glass injection molding process, it is easier to measure and has high efficiency. It can imitate the effect of 2.5D / 3D glass shell. decoration. OPPO realme is a test of PC injection molding 2.5D glass shell.

development trend:

In 2018, the composite board has been widely used as a glass-like mobile phone back cover solution, but the current capacity is limited, the product is easy to deform, the investment risk is large, and the space for process improvement and cost reduction is not large. The cost of glass and ceramics is too expensive and fragile. Large-scale production and good yield make it more suitable for high-end models. As the cost of glass and 3D composite boards is difficult to fall in a short period of time, plastic injection phone back covers have emerged as an efficient and low-cost alternative, and have risen rapidly.