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AUTOTYPE ENABLES COMPONENT INTEGRATION FOR NEW MOTOROLA C650
It is believed to be the first time that a mobile phone manufacturer has utilised the Film Insert Moulding (FIM) process (also known as In Mould Decoration or In Mould Labelling) for the production of the housing and lens in one component part. This achievement has only been made possible because of the deep draw characteristics of the XtraForm hardcoated film. The new Motorola C650 is a lightweight, compact mobile phone that has been specially designed for people with hectic lifestyles. As well as a full-colour display, the mobile phone incorporates an integrated VGA camera and photo messaging capabilities. The C650 is available in a range of colours and supports interchangeable covers. The upper and lower elements of the handset feature different, yet complimentary colours, such as black and silver. Conventional manufacturing methods require a large number of stages for the production process of each individual component. The use of Film Insert Moulding technology for the two housings and the display of the C650 handset allowed Motorola to integrate these components into one part, streamlining production and achieving savings on tooling and processing costs. Additionally, the FIM process allows components that share a common mould to be easily customised in small volumes simply by changing the initial screen print design. This has enabled Motorola to produce C650 handsets in a variety of colours and finishes, yet with the advantages of a single, high volume manufacturing operation. 3D Precolor, part of the Kee Group, is manufacturing the Motorola components using Autotype XtraForm film. In essence, the film is being reverse screen printed, formed and then cut to shape before being back injection moulded, giving increased rigidity. One of the key benefits of the XtraForm film is that it is specially designed for deep draw 3D applications where drawing of the material could otherwise create shear stresses, thin wall or stress fractures in conventional hardcoated films. Autotype’s XtraForm hardcoat film also offers extremely high levels of chemical, scratch and abrasion resistance, making it ideal for the production of mobile phone lenses and casings, which are generally subject to excessive wear and tear from everyday use. Richard Townsend, Product Manager at Autotype explains, “Mobile phone manufacturers have been gradually moving towards Film Insert Moulding for the production of their phone housings and lens assemblies for some time. We believe, however, that this is the first time a manufacturer has utilised this technology and our XtraForm film to integrate the main components in one part, enabling Motorola to benefit truly from the advantages of this process.”
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