In-mold labeling

Injection-molded articles can be decorated by in-mold labeling or by post-mold decoration. In the former method, printed film is inserted into the mold cavity before injection. The plastic forms an intimate contact with the graphic material. Post-mold decoration includes hot stamping, dry offset printing, and decal printing. 

The major disadvantage of in-mold labeling is the increased process complexity, and the required investment in capital equipment. It is not well suited to small production runs or where label copy changes frequently, even if bottles do not. Some experts claim in-mold labeling increases overall cycle time by 1.5 to 3.3 s, but others claim cycle time is not increased. 

In-mold labeling is used most often with extrusion blow molded HDPE bottles. It has also been used on PET and PP stretch blow molded bottles, as well as on injection molded tubs. The technique also finds applications outside packaging, such as in labels that are applied directly to electronics and other consumer goods. 

Describe in-mold labeling. What are its major advantages and disadvantages ... 

RBS TECHNOLOGIES INC. 8912 East Pinnacle Peak Road, Suite 609, Scottsdale AZ 85255, (602) 473-0301. International In-Mold Labeling Conference. 

RBS TECHNOLOGIES INC. 8912 E. Pinnaele Peak Road, St Scottsdale, AZ 85255, (480) 473-0301. ABCs of In-Mold Labeling. Regulatory Concerns for Adhesives and Coatings A Practical Guide. 

Many related operations have been used to improve blow molding, eg, in-mold labeling, fluorination of surface, and internal cooling. 

However, with in-mold labeling, production efficiency can suffer from the slower cycle and the complexities of the process. The scrap is more valuable and costly to reclaim. Very high production runs are required to justify the investment. 

In-mold labeling (IML) is a process for labeling and/or decorating a plastic object while the object is being injection molded. A polymer-based label is placed in the open mold and held in position by vacuum, electrostatics, or some other means. The mold closes and molten plastic resin is injected into the mold where it conforms to the shape of the object and integrates the polymer label into the object s wall. 

S. Shelton, In-Mold Labelling - Electrostatics is the way to go", http //www.ptonline.com/ articles/200404fa2.html, April, 2004. 

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