IML Industry: Enhanced Product Labeling with Static Adhesion

Utilizing Static Electricity or In Mould Labelling (IML) stands as the predominant approach within the injection molding, thermoforming, and blow molding sectors for IML applications. This method diverges from traditional labeling techniques such as direct printing or adhesive labels, by employing a pre-printed polypropylene (PP) label. This PP label is inserted into the mold, followed by the injection of molten PP, allowing the label to fuse seamlessly with the plastic, thus shaping the final product with the mold’s form.

The utilization of static electricity facilitates the creation of numerous products. Rather than directly printing on the object or using an adhesive label, a pre-printed plastic label is employed. This label is placed within the mold and secured through a static charge, ensuring the label conforms to the product’s shape, resulting in the finished item.

How Does IML Work?

In-Mould Labelling (IML) is intricately woven into the injection molding process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the IML procedure:

1. Label Retrieval:  A robot or automated system retrieves a pre-printed label from a supply. Typically made from plastic, this label bears the desired graphics, text, or design.
2. Placement in Mold Cavity: The robot meticulously positions the label in the mold cavity designated for casting. A static charge secures the label in place, adhering it to the mold walls throughout the injection molding cycle.
3. Mold Cavity Closure: Post-label placement, the mold cavity is sealed by joining the mold halves, often through hydraulic or mechanical means, creating a sealed casting environment.
4. Injection Molding: Molten plastic (usually polypropylene) is injected into the mold, filling it and taking the intended shape. Concurrently, the label integrates with the molten plastic, becoming an integral part of the final product.
5. Molding Completion: Once the plastic cools and solidifies, the mold is reopened, and the product, with the label fused within, is extracted.

IML’s advantage lies in providing a uniform and durable label integrated into the product during the molding process, yielding a finished item with enhanced aesthetics and durability.

Requirements for Implementing IML?

• A suitably printed label
• A core with IML electrodes
• A charging generator
• A robot or manual handling system
• IML electrodes

Depending on the product’s geometry and desired cycle time, various methods with corresponding electrodes are employed.

Construction Solutions:

• Emitter needles in the core, such as IML-Spider
• Constructed core with IML-Foam
• Constructed core with IML Easycore
• Constructed core with IML-Foam simplified with an external charging electrode
• Constructed core with IML Easycore simplified with an external charging electrode

Benefits of Utilizing Static IML Label Application:

• Eliminates the need for screen printing, label application, or pad printing
• Superior graphic quality
• Facilitates rapid graphic changes
• Recyclable with the same label material as the molded product
• Simplified production method for cups and buckets
• Reduced handling, lower costs, minimal storage, etc.

We offer IML equipment for both machine manufacturers (OEMs) and production companies (end users). Our commitment is to provide versatile and reliable, high-quality IML equipment. If you’re interested in learning more about our IML solutions, feel free to reach out. Our team is eager to address any queries and assist you.