Marking, decoration & colour · finish comparison
In-Mold Labeling (IML) vs Screen Printing
In-Mold Labeling (IML) and Screen Printing are both marking & decoration finishes; screen print is the lower-cost option ($).
In-Mold Labeling (IML)
Marking & decoration · $$$ · instant quote
In-mold labeling places a preprinted label in the mold before plastic is injected.
Screen Printing
Marking & decoration · $ · instant quote
Screen printing pushes ink through a patterned mesh onto a part.
When to choose which
Choose IML
IML is the pick when its strengths below matter more than Screen print's.
- Integrates label application with molding
- Supports full-colour graphics and machine-readable codes
- Uses a typical 50–150 µm label stock
Choose Screen print
Choose Screen print when for lower-volume flat graphics.
- Deposits an opaque 10–25 µm ink film
- Economical for repeated medium-to-large graphics
- Supports spot colours and high-opacity white ink
What the numbers say
- Screen print is the lower-cost option ($).
- Screen print is the thinner coating (10–25 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
Scores side by side
Each score is 0–100 against every finish in this catalog. Corrosion is derived from salt-spray test duration and surface hardness from the finish layer's Vickers hardness where a measured figure exists; a finish that leaves the base metal's own surface is not rated for hardness. Cosmetic, lubricity and cost are FabDigit's engineering assessment. Scores and typical figures are screening data, not matched side-by-side tests or service-life rankings; ASTM B117 is a controlled salt-fog method, not a field-life prediction.
| Score | IML | Screen print |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosion resistance | — — | 0 Minimal |
| Surface hardness / wear | — — | — — |
| Cosmetic quality | 88 Excellent | 75 Very good |
| Lubricity | 10 Minimal | 10 Minimal |
| Cost | 48 $$$ | 15 $ |
Key numbers
| Property | IML | Screen print |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | 50–150 µm | 10–25 µm |
| Electrical | Unchanged | Unchanged |
| Colours | full colour, white, transparent, metallic effects | black, white, spot colours, custom colour |
| Relative cost | Premium ($$$) | Budget ($) |
| Added lead time | 10–20 working days | 3–7 working days |
| RoHS | Compliant | Compliant |
| Instant quote | Yes | Yes |
Bold marks the side that is ahead on a row where more (or less, for cost and lead time) is better. Ranges are the typical specification window; the drawing call-out fixes the class.
Which materials take each finish
| Material family | IML | Screen print |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | No | Yes |
| Polymer | Yes | Yes |
| Stainless Steel | No | Yes |
| Steel | No | Yes |
| Brass | No | With care |
| Copper Alloy | No | With care |
| Glass | — | With care |
| Magnesium Alloy | No | With care |
| Zinc Alloy | No | With care |
| Titanium | No | Limited |
Specifications and drawing call-outs
IML
No governing public specification — called out by name and thickness.
IN-MOLD LABEL PER ARTWORK IML-308 REV D, 75 µm PP LABEL, MATTE, REGISTRATION ±0.50 MM; DATA MATRIX GRADE 2.5 MIN PER ISO 15415
Screen print
- ISO 2409 — Paints and Varnishes — Cross-Cut Test
SCREEN PRINT LOGO AND LEGENDS, WHITE, 0.20 MM MIN LINE WIDTH; ADHESION PER ASTM D3359, CLASS 4B MIN
IML vs Screen print — frequently asked
What is the difference between IML and Screen print?
In-Mold Labeling (IML) and Screen Printing are both marking & decoration finishes; screen print is the lower-cost option ($). Screen print is the thinner coating (10–25 µm), so it disturbs tight fits less.
When should I use IML instead of Screen print?
Conversely: choose Screen print when for lower-volume flat graphics.
Is IML or Screen print cheaper?
Screen print is the lower-cost finish ($ against $$$ for IML) 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.