In-mold labeling is the use of paper or plastic labels during the manufacture of containers with blow molding, injection molding, or thermoforming processes. The label serves as an integral part of the final product, which is then sent as a pre-decoration item. Combining the decorating process with the printing process cuts the total cost, but can increase the production time. This technology was first developed by Owens-Illinois in collaboration with Procter & amp; Gambling to supply pre-labeled bottles that can be filled in the product charge line. It was first applied to Head & amp; Bottle shoulder shampoo.
Video In-mould labelling
Principles
In-mold labeling (IML) was originally designed for blow molding, although the development of using injection molding or thermoforming with reel-fed systems has improved the efficiency of labeling processes. The original concept involves coating the back side of the label with a hot seal layer, followed by a substrate material in which a heat resistant ink is applied. The heat resistant lacquer layer is then applied. This process eliminates the need to fire bottle treats before labeling to achieve adequate adhesion. Initially, the paper is used as a substrate label in which reactive hot adhesive is applied. In more recent times, polyolefin substrate has been used, such as Polyart of Arjobex Synthetic Papers. This creates the advantage that polyethylene scraps and polypropylene bottles produced in the printing process can be recycled, without the need to remove labels before being recycled.
Label
There are several techniques to do the mold labeling process. Vacuum and compressed air can be used to handle labels, also static electricity can be used. Electrostatic filling electrode fills the label while it is being transferred to the printing press, so when the label is placed on the tool and released by the labeling robot, it will wrap itself into the tool. Most robotic systems for label placement are not required for certain printing presses and can be used with the latest pressure with a fast-tracking system.
Labels may be paper or material similar to the product being printed. Polypropylene or polystyrene is commonly used as a label material, with a thickness of 15 to 40 micrometers. Cavitated label materials are also used. It is a sandwich material, has a sponge layer bonded between two very thin solid layers. The advantage of cavity film is better suitability of the small radius curve of a product. Laminated films can be used to decorate the product, resulting in high wear resistance. This type of film has a printed surface that is protected by a second film layer, with a thickness of 30 or 40 micrometers. Products using this type of label may include picnic tools, mouse-mats, or internal automotive parts.
Maps In-mould labelling
Use
In-mold labeling is a popular method for decorating injection mold parts for consumer electronics and plastic bottles. Notebook computers and mobile manufacturers adopt IML technology for greater wear resistance than spray paint or pad printing. IML can provide greater decoration options than other methods. Multi-color printed display and offset graph lithography printing are used to produce products with higher quality graphics than those available with other decorating methods. Most applications in this area use a second surface graph. The ornament is printed on the back side of the clear substrate, usually polycarbonate or acrylic 0.125 mm to 0.375 mm thick. Plastic injection is on the ink side of the film. It encapsulates the decoration between the film layer and the injected plastic so as to produce decorations that can not be blurred when used. The vision system can check the position of an accurate label, and can validate the correct label.
See also
- Decoration in-mold
- Plastic injection mold
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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