ATS/TOM/OMD
ATS (Air Heat Transfer System) is an advanced in-mold decoration (IMD) process that utilizes controlled temperature and air pressure to transfer decorative patterns from a carrier film onto three-dimensional product surfaces, particularly those with complex geometries or requiring complete wrapping.
OMD = Out-Mold Decoration
It is a general term for film-based surface finishing processes, differentiated from IMD (In-Mold Decoration).
Core principle: Plastic parts are injection molded first, then decorated in a secondary vacuum hot lamination process with decorative films.
Two Core Sub-processes under OMD
(1) OMF (Out Mold Film) – Permanent Film Lamination
Process: Printed PET films are thermally stretched and bonded to workpieces; the film stays permanently on the plastic surface after processing.
Surface features: Pre-hardened coating, soft-touch finish, brushed metal, carbon fiber, leather grain textures available.
Advantages: Excellent scratch resistance, chemical resistance, tangible 3D textured haptics.
Applications: Automotive center console panels, curved refrigerator doors, large washing machine touch panels.
(2) OMR (Out Mold Release) – Transfer Printing with Film Stripping
Process: The film carries ink layers with release coating. Heat and pressure transfer ink onto plastic substrates, then the carrier film is peeled off completely.
Surface features: Only ink layer remains, no PET film overlay; ultra-smooth surface without film edges or haze, uniform light transmission.
Advantages: Premium matte texture, ideal for light-transmissive components.
Applications: Automotive interior trim strips, high-end small home appliance housings, light-transparent key panels.
Two Major OMD Equipment Systems: TOM & ATS
Both implement OMD technology, differing only in heating methods, and support both OMF and OMR finishes.
TOM (Three dimension Overlay Method)
Inflatable 3D lamination machine, mainstream industry equipment. Great ductility for film stretching; stable mass production of soft-touch OMF parts, compatible with OMR production.
ATS (Air Heat Transfer System)
Hot air circulation thermal transfer equipment. Uniform heating across films; minimizes whitening and wrinkling for large-format OMR workpieces, best for oversized components.
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