Built to Last: In-Mold Labeling for Heavy-Duty Equipment Dashboards

Operating agricultural and industrial equipment presents unique challenges for control interfaces. At Sanwa, we’re here to address those challenges with high performing in-mold labeling (IML) solutions that stand the test of time.

Here are the most common questions we hear about using IML technology to create reliable push-buttons, dashboards, and control panels for off-highway vehicles and equipment.

Why are touchscreens challenging in industrial environments?

Off-road operations are incredibly demanding. Tractors bounce across uneven farmland, dump trucks navigate debris-filled construction sites, and off-road vehicles traverse terrain that subjects operators to constant vibration and jarring motions. In these conditions, it's nearly impossible to accurately target touchscreen icons.

More importantly, in emergency situations, operators need immediate tactile feedback—an actual button they can locate and press without looking. When panic strikes or when operating on rough terrain, the instinct is to apply force. Touchscreens simply can’t handle this type of interaction reliably.

How does in-mold labeling solve these problems?

Using IML, we’re able to create control panels that combine industrial-grade durability with precise push-button functionality. Our IML process prints designs (text, icons, etc.) on the back of a protective film, which is then sandwiched between resin and film layers during molding. This creates a unified component where all graphic elements are permanently embedded and protected.

The result? Waterproof, lightweight control panels with buttons tested to withstand over 100,000 presses. Unlike surface-applied graphics that wear away or fade, IML keeps all inks and designs safely beneath a protective resin layer.

What makes IML panels durable?

The key is layered construction. Since the design inks lie underneath a top resin layer, they're completely protected from the elements. Scratches, dirt, chemicals, and liquids only contact the top film surface — they never reach the underlying graphics. The button labels, icons, and text remain clearly visible despite the harsh conditions that equipment may face.

Can display panels handle visibility challenges in bright sunlight?

Absolutely. We know many commercial and industrial vehicles operate in direct sunlight. We are able to create displays with anti-reflective, anti-glare, and anti-fingerprint coating options. These protective features are especially valuable as large screens for navigation and monitoring become more common in industrial vehicles. Safety is always our number one priority.

How do operators find the right buttons without looking?

We can also incorporate tactile locating points, similar to the raised dots on keyboards. This allows operators to find critical buttons by touch alone, maintaining operational efficiency even when their visual attention must remain focused on the terrain or task at hand.

Are other finishing options available besides IML?

We also offer decorative options including paint and laser etching. These can be combined with protective clear coats applied after pad printing or silk screen printing, to ensure buttons remain robust in extreme conditions.

For premium applications, PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and sputtering techniques can make company logos and emblems stand out, creating professional-looking panels that reinforce brand identity.

How does IML handle different language requirements?

One of IML's greatest advantages is adaptability. Languages are easily changeable through the printing process, making it simple to customize panels for different markets and countries without retooling the entire manufacturing setup. This flexibility significantly reduces costs for manufacturers serving global markets.

Can both screens and buttons be integrated in one panel?

Yes. Rather than scattered individual buttons that complicate design and increase costs, we can create elegant operational panels that seamlessly integrate touchscreen areas with tactile push-buttons. This unified approach reduces both manufacturing and replacement costs while providing operators with the best of both technologies.

What types of equipment benefit from IML controls?

Any equipment that operates in harsh, unpredictable environments—tractors, excavators, plows, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery. Essentially, any application where operator safety depends on reliable, immediately accessible controls that work regardless of conditions.

Why choose IML over other control panel solutions?

IML represents the convergence of durability, functionality, and cost-effectiveness for industrial applications. Operators get the tactile feedback they need, the weather resistance that harsh environments demand, and the customization that global markets require—all in a lightweight, long-lasting solution.

When equipment failure isn't an option and operator safety is paramount, IML technology ensures controls perform reliably when it matters most.