Merck and PolyOne Corporation together to develop in-mold 3D (IM3D) plastic technology.
DARMSTADT, GERMANY: Merck and PolyOne Corporation have entered into a strategic partnership to develop a groundbreaking in-mold 3D (IM3D) plastic technology and start it in end-use markets including packaging and consumer electronics.
A patent application has been filed for IM3D for plastics applications. Merck already has achieved with similar 3D technology for printing on paper.
The human eye notices in the plastic a three-dimensional picture that looks to come out of the flat surface, however, the plastic itself is totally smooth and planar. Numerous processing steps were previously needed to cause this depth effect in the polymer; now the 3D impression is created in just one step during the injection molding process itself using the innovative technology from Merck. The striking effect turns packaging components such as caps and closures as well as plastic housings into characteristic eye-catchers.
“IM3D is just the beginning of our strategic partnership with PolyOne. Our goal in the future years is to together unveil additional pioneering plastics technologies with pearlescent pigments,” said Michael Heckmeier, head of the pigments & functional materials business unit at Merck.
“With the IM3D technology from Merck, brand producers have an outstanding development technology at their disposal to set their quality products apart from the competition,” added Christoph Palm, VP and general manager, color & additives EMEA and India at PolyOne.
© Worldofchemicals News