In Mold Label (IML) technology is an innovative technology in the production of plastic cups, bottles and jars. IML technology not only improves the aesthetics and durability of plastic containers, but also improves production efficiency, meeting the needs of modern consumers for high-quality products. This article will introduce the working principle, main features, application advantages and prospects of In Mold Label For Plastic Bottle Cup Jars technology in a simple and professional way in the manufacture of plastic containers.
1. Working Principle
IML technology forms an integrated plastic container by placing a pre-printed label in the injection mold and then fusing the label with the plastic material during the injection molding process. The specific steps are as follows:
Label design and printing: Design and print the label pattern according to the design requirements of the plastic cup, bottle or jar to ensure that the label pattern is clear and colorful.
Label placement: Place the printed label accurately inside the mold to ensure that the label is fixed and stable during the molding process.
Injection molding: Inject the plastic melt into the mold, and combine the label with the plastic melt through high temperature and high pressure to form a plastic container with a label.
Cooling and demoulding: The molded product is cooled in the mold and then taken out of the mold to obtain a plastic container with a label.
2. Main features
High adhesion:
The IML label is integrally molded with the plastic container, has extremely high adhesion, is not easy to fall off, and ensures stability in long-term use.
Durability: The label surface has excellent wear resistance, scratch resistance and weather resistance, and can withstand the test of daily use and cleaning.
Aesthetics: IML technology ensures that the label is perfectly integrated with the product surface, without the need for subsequent labeling operations, providing high-quality visual effects.
Anti-counterfeiting: Through complex printing processes and label material selection, anti-counterfeiting functions can be added to enhance product safety.
Environmental protection: IML labels and plastic products can be recycled together, meet environmental protection requirements, and reduce the impact on the environment.
3. Application advantages
Production efficiency: IML technology integrates labeling and molding processes, simplifies the production process, improves production efficiency, and reduces manual operations.
Cost-effectiveness: Reduces the use of subsequent labeling operations and related equipment, reduces production costs and production cycles.
Consistency: IML technology avoids the problems of label position offset and bubbling that may occur in traditional labeling methods, ensuring the consistency and stability of the product.
Flexibility: IML labels can be customized according to the design requirements of different plastic containers to adapt to diverse market needs.
Brand enhancement: High-quality label patterns and excellent appearance effects enhance the brand image and market competitiveness of plastic containers.
4. Application areas
In-mold labeling technology for plastic cups, bottles and jars is widely used in the production of plastic containers of various types and uses, including but not limited to:
Food and beverage containers: Suitable for food and beverage containers such as beverage bottles, milk tea cups, yogurt pots, etc., IML labels provide colorful designs and safe use experience.
Cosmetic containers: Suitable for cosmetic containers such as lotion bottles, lotion jars, perfume bottles, etc., IML labels provide high-end and beautiful appearance effects to enhance the grade of products.
Household daily necessities containers: Suitable for household daily necessities containers such as detergent bottles, shampoo jars, detergent cups, etc., IML labels provide durable and chemical-resistant labels to ensure long-term reliability.
5. Precautions for use
Label design: The mold structure and molding process must be taken into consideration during the design to ensure the correct positioning of the label during the molding process.
Material selection: Select label materials and inks that are compatible with plastic melts to ensure the adhesion and durability of the label.
Process control: Strictly control the injection molding process parameters to ensure the good integration of the label and the plastic product.
Equipment maintenance: Regularly check and maintain the mold and injection molding equipment to ensure the stability of the production process and product quality.
6. Equipment requirements
Mold design: The mold used for IML needs to be designed with a label fixing device to ensure the stability of the label during the molding process.
Injection molding equipment: High-performance injection molding equipment can accurately control the process parameters to ensure the perfect integration of the label and the plastic product.
Label supply system: The automated label supply system ensures the precise positioning and continuous supply of the label, improving production efficiency.
7. Application prospects of in-mold labels for plastic cups, bottles and jars in modern plastic container manufacturing
Technological innovation: With the continuous innovation and development of IML technology,
in-mold labels for plastic cups, bottles and jars have shown great potential in the production field, meeting the market's demand for high-quality labels and beautiful designs.
Market competitiveness: Through IML technology, the appearance and brand image of plastic containers can be significantly improved, and the competitiveness of products in the market can be improved.
Environmental protection requirements: The environmental protection characteristics of IML technology meet modern environmental protection standards and become an important part of green packaging.
Multifunctional application: IML technology is not only suitable for plastic cups, bottles and cans, but can also be widely used in the packaging of other plastic products, providing efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for a variety of products.