In-Mould-Labeling (IML)
With in-mould labelling, cut imprinted plastic films, also known as labels, are placed to precisely fit into the injection mould by means of a handling unit. The labels are fixed in place through application of vacuum or static electricity charge, and then rear injected with plastic material. Heat and pressure are applied to melt the substrate film, which is precisely adjusted to the plastic material, with the melt introduced to form the final product in the filling and holding cycles. In many instances, this technology is used in combination with stacking moulds for increased output while maintaining reproducibility and quality at the same levels.
The Technique
Process cycle
- The label is imprinted and cut to the final size by the label supplier (external contractor).
- The label is taken into the reach of the mould by means of a handling unit.
- The label is transferred and fixed in place (vacuum, static charge) within the cavity range.
- The label inserted as above is rear injected inside the mould.
- The finished part is removed while a new label is inserted at the same time.
Typical applications
The IML technology is used for thin-walled packagings in the food, household, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics sectors:
- Food packagings (e.g. cups, bowls, cans)
- Household packagings (e.g. buckets, containers)
- Pharmaceutical or cosmetic products (e.g. tubes, dishes, flasks or bottles)
