IML and decoration | Innovation
Right: CBW Automation
claims roll-fed label systems such as this provide
improved positional
accuracy for demanding medical IML applications
Film perspectives Taghleef Industries has a growing interest in the IML sector, where it sees considerable growth potential. “CPG [Consumer Packaged Goods] brand owners are not only battling the store brands, but are battling each other for a share of consumer spend and loyalty. Many container decoration methods are at their disposal to help them win. Winning a consumer purchase decision happens in a notoriously short time, often in-store, so eye-catching shrink sleeves and IML decorated containers are increasingly popular decoration choices in comparison to direct-print containers,” says labels market director Duncan Henshall. “Not only the look, but the feel and the complete
experience of the product has to be unique, driving greater label and container functionality. This is where labels with tactile attributes such as a “soft touch” or “smooth feel” or “satin finish”, versus the classic “orange peel” IML, can be very alluring,” he says. Henshall sees growing interest in the use of IML
labels to provide barrier features to the package, although warns this is not easy to do. “Achieving barrier represents a tough task for IML labels producers and plastics container injectors, but thermoformed IML has a classic advantage in this area. This is triggering competi- tive injection-IML barrier developments,” he says. The challenge is less in the performance of the label
Below: Wittmann Battenfeld demonstrated this affordable and flexible IML system for paint containers at K2013
- laminated films have long delivered the barrier attributes required in the flexible packaging sector – but in the technical challenges associated with reliable handling within the IML process, according to Henshall. Label curl, for instance, can be a challenge with laminated films solutions, he says. Other areas where the IML label could be used to add a functional benefit to the packaging include security or trust features. Henshall sees features such as anti-bacterial performance gaining traction with
brand owners of personal care and hygiene products. Film maker Toray is also active in the IML market. It
recently developed a multi-layer PET-based film that it says is well suited for IML/IMD applications. Lumirror FA6 PET film has a super smooth, ultra-consistent surface allowing for the application of decorative coatings during the converting process. The film is also claimed to offer excellent thermal stability and machinability. “Topographical images of FA6 film prove it to be
uniformly flat,” says Milan Moscaritolo, senior director of sales at Toray Plastics (America). “The lack of ‘peaks and valleys’ on the film surface means it is consistently very smooth. In addition, FA6 film has a rough side that differentiates it from other films, which may only offer a smooth side, making machining or processing difficult.” The film is also claimed to offer excellent thermal stability and machinability, as well as other properties common to Toray’s advanced PET films.
Click on the links for more information: ❙
www.verstraete-iml.com ❙
www.imdassociation.com ❙
www.stackteck.com ❙
www.trexel.com ❙
www.superfos.com ❙
www.arburg.com ❙
www.machines-pages.com ❙
www.engelglobal.com ❙
www.beck-automation.com ❙
www.viappiani.it ❙
www.campetella.it ❙
www.wittmann-group.com ❙
www.cbwautomation.com ❙
www.muller-iml.com ❙
www.ti-films.com (Taghleef) ❙
www.toray.com
36 INJECTION WORLD | June 2014
www.injectionworld.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64