IMG Series
In-Mold Graining Thermoforming Machine for Premium Automotive Interiors
High-precision In-Mold Graining thermoforming machine for premium automotive interiors — dashboards, door trims, center consoles. Compatible with GS Engineering (Standex) IMG tooling.
Turnkey IMG Solution — 5 Months Concept to Production
IMG-1350 in Action
Watch the IMG-1350 in-mould graining machine producing automotive interior panels.
How Is the IMG-1350 Built for Industrial Scale Precision?
What is In-Mold Graining?
IMG is a next-generation thermoforming process where a preheated plastic sheet is vacuum-formed directly onto a precision-textured mold, replicating even the finest grain details without distortion. Unlike conventional processes that require post-forming grain stamping or manual wrapping, IMG builds the texture directly into the forming step — resulting in seamless, premium finishes with no secondary processing.
What Materials Are Suitable for IMG Technology?
IMG thermoforming is specifically designed for thin decorative films and surface-skin materials that require precise grain replication. The process works with materials that soften uniformly under IR heat and conform faithfully to the textured mold surface under vacuum.
The industry-standard material for automotive interior skins. TPO offers excellent UV resistance, low-temperature flexibility, and outstanding grain definition. Used by virtually every Tier-1 supplier for instrument panels, door trims, and dashboards.
Delivers the highest-quality soft-touch feel and the most realistic leather grain texture. TPU is used for premium and luxury vehicle interiors where tactile quality is paramount. Excellent abrasion resistance and chemical resistance.
A cost-effective option for entry-level and commercial vehicle interiors. Automotive-grade PVC films offer good grain retention and colour stability. Increasingly being replaced by TPO in passenger cars but remains dominant in commercial vehicles.
Used for functional interior surfaces where grain texture is secondary to structural performance. PP films are lightweight and recyclable, making them suitable for sustainability-focused programs. Requires precise temperature control due to narrow forming window.
Multi-layer composite films combining a TPO or TPU surface skin with a foam backing layer. These materials replicate the look, feel, and texture of genuine leather without animal products. Continental, Benecke-Kaliko, and Mayco supply OEM-qualified vegan leather films specifically designed for IMG processing.
Used for high-gloss piano-black or metallic finish surfaces where a mirror-like appearance is required. ABS/PMMA composite films are thermoformed onto textured or polished molds for decorative trim inserts, centre console facings, and infotainment surrounds.
Continental’s Automotive Surface Solutions division supplies OEM-qualified TPO and vegan leather films specifically engineered for IMG thermoforming. Their materials are used in instrument panels, door trims, and soft-touch surfaces across passenger car platforms globally — and are fully compatible with the MC-IMG-1350.
What Automotive Interior Products Can You Make with the IMG-1350?
Dashboards & IP
Soft-touch skins for instrument panels with seamless grain finish.
Door Trims
Multi-texture zones — matte upper with perforated leather-look lower panel.
Center Consoles
Premium surfaces for armrests, console lids, and storage covers.
Pillar Trims
A/B/C pillar covers with consistent grain across all interior surfaces.
Compatible with GS Engineering (Standex) IMG Tooling.
The MC-IMG-1350 is specifically engineered for seamless integration with GS Engineering (Standex) precision IMG tooling — the global standard for automotive interior grain molds. Platen dimensions, tool height clearance, daylight opening, and clamping specifications are matched to Standex tooling standards, enabling Tier-1 suppliers to adopt Machinecraft machines without retooling.
What Are the MC-IMG-1350 Key Specifications?
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Forming Area | 1,350 × 1,050 mm |
| Max Tool Height | 350 mm |
| Daylight Opening | 2,200 mm |
| Clamping Force | ~10 tonnes |
| Heating | IR Quartz — top & bottom zones |
| Vacuum System | Dual Busch pumps — 300 m³/h each |
| PLC / HMI | Mitsubishi FX5U / 10" touchscreen |
| Cycle Time | ~120 seconds |
| Connected Load | ~100 kW |
| Pit Requirement | 800 × 800 mm, ~1 m depth |
Key Components
What Is the Full MC-IMG-1350 Specification?
Our only IMG model — purpose-built and field-proven for premium automotive interior skins.
| Model | Forming Area | Max Depth | Application | Add to Inquiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MC-IMG-1350 | 1,350 × 600 mm | 800 mm | Dashboards, instrument panels, door trims, center consoles |
Frequently Asked Questions About the IMG-1350.
IMG is an advanced thermoforming process where a preheated plastic film (TPO, TPU, or PVC) is vacuum-formed directly onto a precision-textured mold, replicating even the finest grain details — from natural leather grains to laser-engraved geometric patterns — without distortion.
TPO (Thermoplastic Olefin), TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane), PVC, and PP films. These materials are chosen for durability, texture retention, UV resistance, and scratch resistance. IMG also supports vegan leather skins and sustainable composites.
Premium interior skins for dashboards, instrument panels, door trims, center consoles, pillar trims (A/B/C), armrests, glove box covers, and other soft-touch interior surfaces used by Tier-1 suppliers for OEM programs.
Yes. The MC-IMG-1350 is specifically designed for compatibility with GS Engineering (Standex) IMG tooling. The platen size, tool height, daylight, and clamping specifications are engineered to integrate seamlessly with Standex-standard IMG molds.
IMG uses vacuum lamination onto precision-textured molds for automotive interior skins with built-in grain. TOM wraps decorative films around pre-formed 3D substrates for electronics and consumer goods. IMG is primarily for automotive, TOM for surface decoration.
Yes. Machinecraft delivers turnkey solutions including machine design, manufacturing, installation, commissioning, and integration with customer tooling. The MC-IMG-1350 was designed and delivered in just 5 months from concept to production.
Sick Germany light sensors, 3-color tower lamp, Harting-type connectors, full safety interlocks on all access points, and Mitsubishi FX5U PLC managing all safety logic through a 10-inch touchscreen HMI.
Ready to Produce Premium Automotive Interiors?
Contact our team to discuss your IMG thermoforming requirements — from standalone machines to complete turnkey solutions.
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