Efficient charging generator for precise IML charging

CMM (IQ) Easy is a compact profile charging generator specially designed for IML charging/applications. This unit is equipped with fully integrated high-voltage components and only requires a 24V DC power supply.

With a weight of just 340 grams, this charging generator is easy to install on IML pick-and-place handling systems. It is robust and can withstand the significant G-forces that occur during the IML process.

CMM introduces a unique patented “OK” cycle function. A signal is activated when the labels accumulate an electrostatic charge, indicating the completion of charging. This signal can be used by the machine’s interface to terminate the charging.

Another step in the cycle, with the OK signal, indicates that the charge on the mandrel has dropped to a safe level for removing the mandrel from the mold. This innovative feature eliminates the need for guesswork and experimentation in setting up for each IML charging/application or product change.

By utilizing the parameters generated by CMM, the charging time and the overall cycle time for the injection molding process can be significantly reduced. This accelerates the initial setup, changeover, and cycle time, while increasing reliability.

Furthermore, the cycle OK signal provides detailed information about the process. If the charge level deviates more than 10% from the set point during the charging process, the cycle OK signal will not be activated. This signals that the charging was unsuccessful, which may be due to the absence of one or more labels and results in voltage leakage.

Compact charging generator for IML robots

In In-Mould Labelling, a pre-printed label must be positioned accurately in the mould and remain in place until the plastic product is moulded. This requires controlled electrostatic charging that can operate reliably with short cycle times and limited installation space.

CMM (IQ) Easy from Simco-ION is a compact high-voltage generator developed specifically for charging IML labels. It is normally mounted on the robot end-of-arm tool close to the application.

How the generator is used

CMM (IQ) Easy supplies controlled negative high voltage to the electrodes or a shaped IML core. The charge holds the label against the grounded mould wall until it becomes an integral part of the moulded plastic product.

The generator can be used with IML Spider or a core manufactured with IML Easycore.

The patented Cycle OK function signals when the label has accumulated sufficient charge. The PLC can therefore end charging based on the actual process rather than a fixed time. If charging deviates excessively from the set level, the signal is not activated, which may indicate a missing label or voltage leakage.

Standard or IQ version

CMM Easy is used for analogue machine control with an external setpoint and remote on/off. CMM IQ Easy is appropriate when the generator must be integrated with the Simco-ION IQ platform through Manager IQ Easy or Smart SLC.

CMM (IQ) Easy is particularly suitable for automated IML machinery with limited installation space and robot-arm mounting. It is Northern Grafics’ most requested generator for IML applications.

Benefits

• Developed specifically for IML
• Compact design for robot mounting
• Integrated high-voltage supply
• Cycle OK feedback for the PLC
• Potential for shorter and more stable cycle times
• Available in standard and IQ versions

Selected features

• Output voltage: 0–20 kV negative
• Supply voltage: 24 V DC
• External setpoint: 4–20 mA
• Five-pin M12 connector
• Remote on/off
• IP54 protection

For a replacement, send us a photo of the rating plate and information about the existing generator, connectors and electrodes. For a new system, we need information about the machine, robot tooling, label and product geometry.

Contact us below if you need help selecting CMM Easy, CMM IQ Easy or the correct electrode configuration. 👇