Top 6 Benefits and Uses of In-Mold Labeling

Top 6 Benefits and Uses of In-Mold Labeling

The injection molded plastic parts and components are labelled and decorated during the injection molded cycle through IML Injection Molding or decorating machines. The label is considered as one of the most essential part of the final product as it creates a fully decorated item at the press.

This process is followed by inserting a pre-printed label or decorative film in the open plastic injection mold and put in place through vacuum ports and electrostatic charge. Plastic resin is then injected into the mold once it is closed.

These In-Mold Labels takes the shape of the container once they are directly injected into the mold which makes the mold and label unite together.

The In-Mold Labels are molded through namely three processes where IML injection molding machines are the most common.

How to choose between In-Mold Labeling and In-Mold Decorating?

Even though, in-mold labeling and decorating work hand in hand there are still some sort of differences drawn between the two by the industries:  IML: this is most commonly used on disposable consumer packaging products that survive for a short span of time like food containers, cosmetics and personal care and household product boxes. Multi cavity IML injection molding machines having high speed and thin walls are used to employ such labels. Polypropylene foils are used to print these labels that are roughly a millimeter thick. Moreover, the cost of such labels is relatively low.  IMD: these labels are most commonly used on durable items that survive for a long period of time. These include toys, equipment, medical devices automotive components and garden appliances. Thick walled and lower cavity injection molding machines are used to employ such labels. Well, in order to fulfil the durability requirements, the label material and thickness tends to vary. Moreover, the cost of such labels is medium and the lifespan is measured in terms of years. Such labels turn out to be quite helpful for enhancing the aesthetics of the product while communicating important safety information.

Benefits of IML Injection Molding The heated molten plastic is injected into the mold that takes the shape of the mold or the container once it cools down through IML injection molding machines. So, the decoration of the product takes place in the mold itself.

Hence, as compared to other traditional post-molding labeling techniques, IML offers greater design flexibility and other productivity advantages. This has proven to become a highly versatile labeling option simply because it incorporates different colors, effects and textures in a single operation.

Moreover, a combination of the decorating and molding process leads to greater flexibility, durability and reduces the cost of manufacturing.

Now, let’s have a look at some of the advantages of using In-Mold Labels: 1. Durability: it is nearly impossible for anyone to remove the graphic without destroying the plastic parts that will remain vibrant throughout the lifespan. Durability can be enhanced even in harsh conditions and chemical resistance through the availability of a number of options.

2. Time and Cost effective: there a number of Plastic Machinery Manufacturers that supply the IML injection molding machines simply because of the wide range of advantages offered by them to create in-mold labels that helps to eliminate post molding labeling, storage and handling.

These labels help in the reduction of WIP inventory and the extra time that is required for the post production decoration, whether on or off-site.

These IML injection molding machines are also considered to be time efficient as it reduces the amount of efforts required to perform each and every step involved in the process. Since, the printed labels get directly molded with the container, it reduces our one step which saves the manufacturer a lot of time.

One of the greatest advantages of this process is that it involves less amount of waste of raw materials which helps to reduce the cost of acquiring excessive materials.

The reduction of one step also results in the reduction of transportation and labor cost.

3. Design flexibility: IML offers greater design flexibility as it is available in a wide range of colors, effects, textures and graphics. They are even capable of replicating the most challenging looks like stainless steel, wood grains and carbon fiber. The in-mold label samples follow the same safety standards like the ones used to evaluate the pressure sensitive labels.

4. Environment friendly: the packaging and the labels of the product are easy to recycle as they are made up of same material, having same properties and features. Moreover, the IML injection molding machines makes less use of resources and raw materials hence, leading to a safe and a healthy environment.

5. They are strong and hygienic: these labels can withstand and survive in even the toughest times and extreme weather conditions which makes them highly durable.

So, whether there is moisture or extreme heat, these labels along with its color and print will continue to look as god as new. This makes them highly usable for refrigeration purposes. These are also resistant to scratches, cracks and wrinkles.

6. Excellent machinability: the IML injection molding machines help to lower the static charge between the labels and the machines due to their exceptional antistatic properties. These increases the longevity of the machines along with labels that become highly compatible.

Well, the decision to transit from other pressure sensitive labels to in-mold labels is not an easy job as this requires certain modifications, automation and other label developments. While a lot of people might consider this to be challenging, some of them find it to be a useful investment. Hence, partnering with the right plastic machinery supplier can make a lot of difference.

Therefore, we at Profile Solutions USA will guide you and provide the right machinery to ensure that you receive the perfect in mold labels through reduced costs.

Source: - https://our-daily-updates.blogspot.com/2022/03/top-6benefits-and-uses-of-in-mold.html