ROBOTS AND AUTOMATION | TECHNOLOGY
rately or integrated into automation systems, including IML systems, in which Muller also specialises. The product platform will be manufac- tured in Switzerland and Colorado.
Growth in IML IML started in Europe long before it took off in North America. Recently though, Konowal says, business has been slowing down in Europe, partly due to a fall in new product introductions. In North America, business dropped off when Covid-19 took hold – “Businesses just wanted to get stuff on shelves,” he says – but in recent months it has dramatically increased. “Orders are now double what they were in the middle of the pandemic. Lots of round containers are now being converted to IML from shrink labels, driven by sustainability issues. With IML, the container and the label are the same polymer – usually PP or PE – so they are easier to recycle than products with shrink labels that are typically in polystyrene.” VistaTek, a custom injection moulder based in
Stillwater, Minnesota, is one processor using IML technology from Muller to make mono-material containers, but the material in question is PLA, and the containers are compostable plant pots. The 100-mm round pots are said to be among the first to contain plant nutrients which are compounded into the plastic resin formulation. The plant is put in the earth still in the pot, which then degrades in a few weeks. The nutrients which are compounded into the plastic break down and feed the plant, thus enhancing the overall growth potential. VistaTek developed its first garden pot in 2014 and it has since evolved with different materials and now an added label decoration. The company developed a special PLA formulation and a patented four-tab construction. Innovation in the Muller IML system takes care of the unusual design of the VistaTek pots, which have vent holes to allow for passage of water when the pots are planted in the earth. “The label has to go
Above: Campetella’s Modula W high-speed side entry robot for stack moulding has carbon fibre reinforced composite arms that show minimal vibration while guaranteeing very precise label positioning. It will be on display in a fully automated system for IML production at K 2022
around the holes, there is no room for error,” says Konowal. “The trick has to do with the dummy cores, and how the IML system works with the mould to signal that the label is in position.” Star Automation Europe is another player with
extensive experience in IML automation systems. “In particular, we have developed great experience in IML automation systems dedicated to fruit and vegetable crates, in particular for IMMs with a clamping force ranging from 6,500 to 10,000 kN, in order to improve the impression of the crate quality and to enhance the perception of the content itself,” says Sebastiano Deppieri, Marketing & Branding Manager. “With a dry cycle time lasting less than two
Left: Biodegradable plant pots from
VistaTek are 100% PLA, including the IML label
seconds, a Cartesian robot ensures a faster actioning time in comparison with a six-axes robot, and this is something that must be absolutely kept in mind when a swift and continuous production is required. Moreover, a Cartesian robot saves a good deal of space.” Star Automation EOATs for labels are slightly unusual in that the labels are not electrostatically charged by metal tips but by a special bicompo- nent resin, which evenly shares electrostatic charge on the entire surface. This is said to reduce the weight of each EOAT for labels by 15%. Any risk of electrostatic charge between the EOAT and the cavities of the mould is also eliminated. Italian robot maker Campetella Robotic Center
says the Covid 19 pandemic sparked an “explosive” growth in medical and packaging industries, while the automotive industry’s growth was prompted by investments in electric cars. “Being outstanding at providing All-In-One
www.injectionworld.com April 2022 | INJECTION WORLD 53
IMAGE: CAMPETELLA
IMAGE: VISTATEK
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