New IML Automation System with Digital Label Placement Positioning

Press Release Summary:

  • Requires no adjustment in floor layout and fits any injection molding machine height
  • Features rotating dummy mandrels which allows label seams in different locations
  • Systems can be simply converted from 1-cavity to two-cavity to enable the production of 1 to 5-gal pails

Original Press Release:

Muller Launches New In-mold Labeling (IML) Automation System for 5-gal Pails

Fort Collins, Colo., April 26, 2021 – Muller Technology, a global leader in tool making and automation technology for thin-wall plastic packaging, has launched an innovative in-mold labeling (IML) automation system for the production of 5-gal pails that reduces cost, improves productivity, and enhances graphics and product appearance. Muller’s new IML system offers major improvements over standard pressure-sensitive and printed systems which are time-consuming and require double handling of parts.

Unlike Europe, where IML has gained strong penetration in a range of packaging applications, Muller notes that the technology has been slower to develop in North America. However, label suppliers are predicting 40% growth in North America this year for industrial pail IML with brand owners and molders driving the demand, according to Taras Konowal, Muller’s North America director of sales and marketing. 

“Our IML technology enables pail manufacturers to add to their product offering without any infrastructure changes, enabling them to maintain a small footprint and limiting costly scrap,” said Konowal. 

Muller responded to customer needs with a one-piece IML system which is less than 8-ft wide compared to competitive IML systems that are 12-14-ft wide. It fits conveniently into non-IML production lines, requires no adjustment in floor layout, and fits any injection molding machine height. The IML system places the wrap-around polypropylene (PP) label into the mold, removes the pail after molding, and transports it to a visual inspection station. The pail is then directed to stacking and handle assembly. Systems can be easily converted from 1-cavity to two-cavity to enable the production of 1- to 5-gal pails. 

Manufacturers often face the costly scrapping of a finished pail due to label misalignment. A key feature of Muller’s IML system is digital label placement positioning which provides significant precision and detailed label placement versus standard, manually adjusted magazines. The system also has quick changeout capability from pail size to pail size and label to label. Rotating dummy mandrels allow label seams in different locations.

Muller has already sold IML systems to leading manufacturers in the U.S. and South Africa. The company builds these systems in the U.S. at its Fort Collins facility and in Switzerland at its Conthey plant.

About Muller Technology

Muller Technology Colorado (formerly CBW Automation), based in Fort Collins, Colo., is a leading U.S. supplier of robots and automation solutions with a focus on injection molding and thermoforming applications in the packaging and medical sectors. 

Swiss-based Muller Technology Conthey (formerly H. MULLER-Fabrique de Moules SA) was founded in 1959 and is a pioneer and leader in the field of packaging design, mold, and automation solutions for injection molded thin-wall packaging with leading-edge expertise in in-mold-labeling (IML).

For more information, visit www.muller-technology.com.

Press Contact:
Joseph Grande
J. Grande communications Inc.
413.684.2463
joe@jgrandecommunications.com

All Topics