In-mold labeling (IML) is a process used to produce labels and containers quickly and efficiently. It involves injecting molten plastic into a mold and forming the shape of the desired container. Before pouring the molten plastic, the label is put into the mold. On cooling, the label and container are joined together.
When printing in-mold labels using the injection process, the printed polypropylene film is injected after the printed label, and fused with the thermoplastic. Thus, we obtain the labeled plastic package in a single process. This process offers many advantages over other labeling methods, such as cost efficiency and speed. Let's take a closer look at what makes IML so valuable.
The three primary phases of in-mold labeling include performing, injection molding, and cooling/curing.
Performing: This process involves creating an inverted version of the desired shape by melting raw plastic pellets in an extruder machine. This shape will eventually become the outside layer of your product’s container.
Molding: The next step is injection molding, which involves injecting molten plastic from the extruder machine into a mold that is heated to a specific temperature. When cooled, this will form your product’s container with its desired shape and design elements, such as ridges or raised letters on its surface.
Curing/Cooling: Finally comes cooling/curing—a label is inserted into the still-molten plastic just before it begins to harden. Once cooled utterly, both label and container are fused as one unit ready for sale or distribution.
In-mold labeling offers several advantages over traditional techniques such as screen printing and sticker labels. The two main benefits are cost savings and speed. With IML, there is no need for additional steps to attach the label to the container, which saves time and money on labor costs. Additionally, because IML produces a single unit with both label and container already attached, there is less risk of damage or mislabeling during transport or storage. In-mold labeling has numerous significant benefits, including
With In-mold labeling, you can easily cover a wider packing surface area. Moreover, this delivers all-color high-resolution visuals for your labeling.
In-mold labeling significantly improves a product's aesthetic appeal. It offers goods with essential outstanding designs and attention-grabbing images. Potential clients are quickly drawn in by this. The labels include information about the product. Because the label's edges are absent from the goods, it is much more attractive.
The best way to personalize plastic containers for frozen and refrigerated goods is with mold-resistant labels that withstand humidity and significant temperature changes. The label made of mold is also impervious to creases, cannot shatter, and are scratch-resistant.
In-mold labeling involves the usage of individually constructed molds. The production demands a high level of skill and funding. The high levels of skill and expense significantly reduce the likelihood of fraud. It is tough to reproduce due to the differences in mold design, film printing, and label production procedures. By doing this, the brand is maintained.
These labels do not face or peel away readily, unlike individual labels. They are a component of the actual plastic container. Due to their resistance to fading and wear and tear, they are waterproof.
During the production process, labeling only takes as long as usual. In a single step, the container is built and labeled. It is unnecessary to store unlabeled containers for later labeling. Nor is it necessary to send the containers to another location for labeling. Blank container storage is no longer required, which eliminates the need for storage and transportation expenses.
Recycling them is significantly simpler because the label and package are one unit. Mold labeling helps the environment since it allows for complete recycling of both the label and the package, which is made of the same material.
When it comes to in-mold labeling, there are several alternatives for designing labels. Various inks and paints are available for manufacturers to employ when labeling products.
There is essentially no additional expense if you change the packaging label. As a result, new design incorporation is easy. And there is no production disruption.
In-mold labeling has revolutionized the production process for labels and containers by combining cost savings with speed and accuracy. By eliminating additional steps required for traditional labeling techniques such as screen printing or sticker labels, products can be produced faster with less chance of damage or mislabeling during transport or storage. If you’re looking for an efficient way to label your products with saving time and money in production costs, then Profile Solutions USA Inc is your best bet. Reach out today to learn more about their services.