IML and High-Speed Thin-Wall Technology

Where “injection moulding” is concerned, it is the international trade fair for plastics processing Fakuma in Friedrichshafen/Germany where the experts meet. For years now, it’s ranked as one of the leading plastics trade forums, this year held in October.

And that was the place where Beck Automation AG introduced its new IML high-speed thin-wall technology. For the first time Beck labelled transparent polystyrene (PS) thin wall cups with a 3.3 seconds cycle time per shot for 4 cups.

For those, who are not familiar with the IML-technology follow this link to my Packaging Dictionary, it includes production diagrams.

Beck Automation AG in Oberengstringen (Switzerland) is among the leading providers for IML (in-mould-labelling) automation solutions in the injection moulding industry, specialized in decorating/labelling lids, cups, bowls and buckets in various industrial areas.

The automations high speed is a result from the interaction of a manufacturing cell consisting of an Engel speed 180/55 (Schwertberg/Austria) injection moulding machine and a hot runner mould from Glaroform (Näfels/Switzerland). The 4 cavity mould from Glaroform loads the Engel machine with a shot weight of 41 g. With a wall thickness of 0,5mm, each thin-wall cup has a net weight of 10.25 g. By means of a side handling, Beck Automation takes out the completed cup and simultaneously places the labels for the new to blow cups.

Apart from the phenomenal speed of 3.3 sec. cycle time, the final result is impressive, as the labels from Viappiani (Segrate/Italy) obtain, through their perfect geometry and precise application at this high speed, an astonishing convincing look.

The novelty is the in-mould-labelling of a thin-walled clear transparent PS cup. These cups are used in large numbers by airline companies. Through the label, the airlines can discreetly communicate with the passenger while the content can attractively be presented.