What is a blow molding machine?
What is a blow molding machine?
With blow molding, a machine blows air across heated plastic that’s placed on top of a mold cavity. The air forces the heated plastic to expand across the interior walls of the mold cavity.
What material is IML?
The term “in mold labeling” (IML) is directly derived from the technique: a preprinted polypropylene (PP) label is placed in a mold that has the shape of the end product, e.g. the shape of a butter tub. Then the molten PP is added to the mold, fuses with the label and -while curing- takes the shape of the mold.
How IML labels are made?
Instead of decorating parts with a common pad printing or painting, IML is done during moulding. The label is loaded into the mould, where it is fused into the outer surface of the moulded part. Mould labelled graphics are impervious to chemicals and abrasion.
What is the process of blow molding?
Blow molding is the forming of a hollow object by inflating or blowing a thermoplastic molten tube called a “parison” in the shape of a mold cavity. The process consists of extruding or “dropping” a parison on which female mold halves are closed. The female mold halves contain the shape of the product to be produced.
What is in Mould labels IML?
What is the difference between injection molding and blow molding?
The major difference between injection molding and blow molding is the kind of product produced. Typically, blow molding is designed to produce hollow, singular containers, such as bottles. On the other hand, injection molding is used to produce solid pieces, such as plastic products.
What is in-Mold Labeling technology?
When using in-mold labeling technology, the pre-printed paper label or plastic film label is placed in the mold, and the label is seamlessly fused to the thermoplastic material during the molding process, thus integrating the production and labeling process, no need for post-labeling.
How are labels made from injection molded plastic?
The injected plastic is allowed to cool in the mold. Upon cooling, it takes the shape of the mold and binds with the inserted label. The molded plastic part is permanently bonded to the printed label to form a permanent decoration on the plastic part.
What is the difference between IML and in-Mold Labeling?
IML has a shorter production time and its production cost is very low since containers can be produced and decorated at the same time. This makes the storage of blank containers unnecessary and eliminates the cost of storage and transport. In-mold labeling requires the use of uniquely designed molds.
How does the injection molding of plastic parts work?
The mold has a small opening that the melted plastic passes through. The injected plastic is allowed to cool in the mold. Upon cooling, it takes the shape of the mold and binds with the inserted label. The molded plastic part is permanently bonded to the printed label to form a permanent decoration on the plastic part.
