WHY IMCC?
In-Mold Coating is already spreading worldwide.
In-Mold Coating (IMC) is a technology that completes molding and surface coating in a single process within the mold. Adoption has progressed early in overseas markets, and the global market continues to expand at a CAGR of 5–9%. Market size is forecast at USD 0.4–2.5 billion by 2032–2033. ※ Based on multiple market research estimates. (Verified Market Reports / Persistence Market Research)
Japan alone is moving cautiously.
Japanese manufacturing has a culture of confirming every detail before taking the next step. This is a strength that directly connects to high quality. At the same time, for technologies like in-mold coating that span multiple domains, this caution has created a structural delay in adoption.
Applying in-mold coating to mass production requires four domains — coatings, injection equipment, molding machines, and molds — to work in coordination. Each company involved has deep expertise in its own area. However, it is difficult to move forward without confidence extending beyond one's own domain. Until now, no place existed where that confidence could be obtained.
IMCC creates that place for gaining confidence.
IMCC is a consortium where companies with expertise across all four domains collaborate horizontally. Verification, standardization, and PoC (proof of concept) that individual companies could not undertake alone can be advanced in a shared forum.
Japan's careful approach, when functioning properly, leads to high-quality mass production. IMCC functions as a place that leverages that carefulness while moving adoption decisions forward.