Bookmark 04-19-2013

In-Mold Labeling

Automated 100 % Inspection

In-Mold Labeling

Since labeling is no longer a separate process step IML (In-Mold Labeling) helps manufacturers of plastic packaging to save costs and resources. However there are many production machines that generate products in a state that is not amenable to automated quality control, such as loose or stacked goods.

To make sure that the dropping of labeling machinery does not lead to sorting machinery having to be used, which would destroy the optimization potential realized by the use of IML technology, Intravis GmbH,Aachen,Germany, has a solution to hand. The IMLWatcher inspects the product during the demolding handling in the machine: the quality of the processing as well as the identity and position of the label. According to the manufacturer, with a peak performance of up to 20 objects per second the video processing system with its specially developed software can keep up with even the shortest cycle times.Undecorated polymer surfaces from cups and lids as well as all commonly used label types – rolls and sheets – can be assessed for typical IML process faults such as back injection, holes or incorrect positioning of the label.Additional modules allow the objects to be presented to the camera in any rotation, an option that for the first time makes the assessment of round labels possible.