IML In Mould Labeling process
In Mould Labeling or with the help of static electricity, static placement(static gluing) is the standard in the injection moulding IML industry, thermoforming IML and also the blow moulding IML industry. Instead of conventional methods like decorating end products by printing directly or placing an adhesive label onto the product, the decoration is achieved with a pre-printed plastic polypropylene (PP) label. The pre printed PP label is inserted in the mould and then the molten PP is added to the mould. The label then fuses and the product takes the shape of the mould.
Benefits from using (static) IML label application
- eliminates screen printing, label application or pad printing on product
- no corona or flame treaters needed to prepare the surface
- higher quality graphics
- rapid changing of graphics possible
- recyclable with label material same as moulded product
- hygienic much better result for the content
- less storage space, press to final packaging
- single step production method for cups and buckets
- less handling, less costs, less storage etc.
Methods
The in mould labeling(IML) process
How does IML work? In the injection moulding process a pre-printed IML-label is picked up and placed in the mould cavity where it sticks, exactly on the wished position, due to the electrostatic charging. After closing the mould cavities the label will be moulded together with the end-product and comes out as a finished, fully recyclable product. To realise a high reliable, competitive IML-project the choice of an IML-suitable label is of decisive significance. Whether you are an end-user or a robotics manufacturer, Simco can assist you with advice and knowledge in creating the perfect IML solution. Big advantage of the Electrostatic In Mould Labeling IML-process is that the moulds are much easier to build so cheaper to produce compared to the old vacuum technique. Since no vacuum channels through the mould is needed the production process is not interrupted by cleaning these contaminated channels, resulting in high-output, competitive IML production process.
Do you need full static control?
Our IQ Easy Platform offers a complete solution for static control in every industry or production process.
IML Static - Charging Technology for label placement
There are three different Charging Methods for In Mould labeling(click to find out more):
- Electrostatic Pinning: Charging the label inside the mould by High Voltage Generators
- High speed Direct IML Charging: Charging the label inside the mould by a semi-conductive material(Patented by Simco)
- Simplified IML for metallic labels: Charging the label outside the mould and transfer charged label inside the mould
IML, In Mould Labeling, is indispensable in the production of injection moulded products
A perfect example is packaging of food products and many plastic products for domestic use. Many products are produced with the aid of a static charge. Instead of printing directly or placing a sticky label onto the product, the print is achieved with a pre-printed plastic label. The pre-printed label is positioned into the injection mould and kept in place by a static charge. This way the label will be moulded together with the product shape and come out as a finished product.
How does IML works? IML is a process step in the injection moulding process. By a robot, a label is picked up and placed in the mould cavity where it sticks due to the electrostatic charging. After the closing of the mould cavity, the product can be moulded whereby the label is fused with the end product.
What is necessary for applying IML?
- A suitable printed label
- A core with IML electrodes
- A charging generator
- A robot or handling
IML electrodes
Depending on the geometry of the product and the desired cycle time, there are various methods with associated electrodes to apply.
Construction
- Emitter pins in the core, for example IML spider
- Constructed core with IML foam
- Constructed core with IML Easycore
- Constructed core with IML foam simplified with external charging electrode
- Constructed core with IML Easycore simplified with external charging electrode
Application Experience
In Mould Labeling, also referred as IML, with the help of static electricity is becoming the new standard in injection moulding, thermoforming and blow moulding industry. Instead of conventional methods like decorating by printing directly or placing an adhesive label onto the product, the decoration is achieved with a pre-printed plastic label. The pre-printed label is positioned into the injection mould and kept in place by an electrostatic charge. This way the label will be moulded together with the product shape and comes out as a finished, fully recyclable product.
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