Marking, decoration & colour · finish comparison
Hot Stamping vs In-Mold Decoration (IMD)
Hot Stamping and In-Mold Decoration (IMD) are both marking & decoration finishes; hot stamp is the lower-cost option ($$).
Hot Stamping
Marking & decoration · $$ · instant quote
Hot stamping uses a heated die to transfer pigmented or metallic foil onto a part.
In-Mold Decoration (IMD)
Marking & decoration · $$$$ · instant quote
In-mold decoration places a formed, printed decorative film in an injection mold so the graphic becomes part of the molded surface.
When to choose which
Choose Hot stamp
Choose Hot stamp when for a simpler metallic accent.
- Produces bright metallic effects without wet ink
- Transfers a typical 10–20 µm foil stack
- Fast cycle for repeated logos and trim
Choose IMD
Choose IMD when for protected multicolour decoration.
- Protects reverse-printed graphics behind a clear film
- Supports multicolour and photographic decoration in one insert
- Combines molding and decoration in one production cycle
What the numbers say
- Hot stamp is the lower-cost option ($$).
- Hot stamp is the thinner coating (10–20 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | Hot stamp | IMD |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | 0 Minimal | — — |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 88 Excellent | 92 Excellent |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 22 $$ | 65 $$$$ |
Key numbers
| Property | Hot stamp | IMD |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 10–20 µm | 100–300 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | gold metallic, silver metallic, pigmented colours, holographic effects | full colour, metallic effects, transparent windows, custom graphics |
| Relative cost | Standard ($$) | High ($$$$) |
| Added lead time | 5–10 working days | 15–30 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | Hot stamp | IMD |
|---|---|---|
| Polymer | Yes | Yes |
| Aluminum | Limited | No |
| Brass | Limited | No |
| Copper Alloy | Limited | No |
| Stainless Steel | Limited | No |
| Steel | Limited | No |
| Zinc Alloy | Limited | No |
Hot stamp vs IMD — frequently asked
What is the difference between Hot stamp and IMD?
Hot Stamping and In-Mold Decoration (IMD) are both marking & decoration finishes; hot stamp is the lower-cost option ($$). Hot stamp is the thinner coating (10–20 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use Hot stamp instead of IMD?
Choose Hot stamp when for a simpler metallic accent. Conversely: choose IMD when for protected multicolour decoration.
Is Hot stamp or IMD cheaper?
Hot stamp is the lower-cost finish ($$ against $$$$ for IMD) among the finishes FabDigit quotes. Both are priced per part with a lot minimum; the exact figure appears on the instant quote once the part is uploaded.