IML Technology (In-Mould Labelling) for Food and Non-Food Applications

Beck Automation at Fakuma 2018

 High speed and process reliability boost added value with in-mould labelling

• High-performance IML machine with 4-cavity tooling for yoghurt pots achieves total cycle times of less than 2.5 seconds
• Integrated Vision System for optical quality assurance
• Additional functions now available with modified logbook

 At FAKUMA 2018 (Hall B1, Booth 1105), Beck Automation will be presenting a compact, high-performance IML automation system for yoghurt pots with a full wrap label. The trade fair exhibit is characterised by high speed, process stability and very high availability with short cycle times. The exact interaction of the individual components comprising the automation system, the injection moulding machine, the mould, label quality and optical quality controls increase productivity and added value.

“Our technologically advanced IML systems meet production requirements around the clock and 365 days a year”; explains Nino Zehnder, Sales Manager at Beck Automation. “The practical experience of our customers inspires us to continuously develop and innovate our products. This is how we face the challenges in the market. For more than 25 years, IML systems from Beck Automation have enjoyed the highest level of confidence from our customers worldwide. Our systems impress with their reliability, precision, user-friendliness and long service life.”

4-cavity IML system at Fakuma

 On an Elexis SP 200-920 injection moulding machine from Sumitomo (SHI) Demag Plastics Machinery GmbH, yoghurt pots are produced with a full wrap label on a high-performance IML automation system made by Beck; the total cycle time is less than 2.5 seconds. The 4-cavity tool was manufactured by the French toolmaker Simon Fabrique du Moules, the labels used are from the Belgian manufacturer Verstraete IML. The system is equipped with a Vision System for optical quality control by Intravis GmbH. The heart of the Vision System is the IML Watcher, which features several cameras and specific lighting units depending on requirements. As a result, it is possible to detect the slightest errors typical for the IML process, such as label presence, overflow and displacement or rotation of the label. The vision System is seamlessly integrated into the production line and supports the fastest cycle times of IML high-performance manufacturing.

The use of lightweight materials on the main arm as well as high-performance linear motors enable rapid, dynamic movements. Two motors drive the main axle; this improves dynamic performance and extends the life of the belts and the engines.

The angled positioning of the label magazines, where the label is aligned with the print image facing downwards, minimises label warpage, which ensures optimal, precise positioning of the labels. Even with very fast cycle times, the labels are smoothly separated and transferred to the mandrels. The removal, transfer as well as the depositing and stacking of the products feature a truly impressive level of automation

A modified logbook has now been integrated into the control system/HMI and features user administration, parameter monitoring, simplified error analysis and a maintenance interval.

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Picture captions            

Picture 1: Swiss-made 4-cavity pure performance: High-performance IML automation from Beck for lightweight tubs (photo: Beck Automation)

Picture 2: IML lightweight technology: yoghurt pots

Picture 3: Vision System: IML Watcher from Intravis GmbH

IML technology – the reference class

 Since IML is a very dynamic process, operational efficiency is the sum of all the machine’s high quality components

First, the labels are sucked out of the label station. In the second step, the labels are placed on the cores and held in place by a vacuum. The cores move into the cavities to transfer the labels. In this phase, the labels are blown off against the vacuum, electrostatically charged and thus positioned in the mould, mapping the cavities as closely as possible and held in place.

The level of process design and the quality of the labels are decisive for process reliability, reproducibility, part quality and cost-effectiveness. A high-quality automation system, which is equally convincing in terms of availability, process reliability, stability and longevity, is crucial for return on investment and the level of added value.

About Beck Automation AG      

Beck Automation AG based in Oberengstringen, Switzerland, is one of the leading manufacturers worldwide of automated solutions for IML labelling (in-mould labelling) for injection moulding applications.  As a trendsetter, pioneer and “hidden champion”, Beck Automation’s core business is the decoration and labelling of lids, tubs, trays and buckets for a wide range of both food and non-food applications.

With a strong approach to demanding customer-specific requirements, Beck Automation creates highly reliable and cost-effective IML robotic systems, which are in use around the world. Systematically focussing on the IML area of application, guarantees users the very best technology in terms of quality, profitability, effectiveness and longevity.

The level of process design and the quality of the labels are significant factors for process reliability, reproducibility, part quality and cost-effectiveness. A high-quality automation system, which is equally impressive in terms of availability, process reliability, stability and longevity, is crucial for the return on investment and the level of added value.

Building and maintaining long-term relationships with market partners through future-oriented, predictable company policy determines the management approach of what is still a family-run company, now in its second and third generation; this strategy secures the jobs of dedicated and experienced staff. In the interests of all partners, customers and employees, the preservation of traditional structures, an established network of partners and far-sighted adaptation to change form the basis for the company’s continuous development and inspiration.

Beck Automation, established in 1934, celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014. More than 700 reference plant underline the global significance of the company. In 2017 the company Robobeck was founded in Braga / Portugal. The new standardised BASIC IML system will be exclusively assembled there under Swiss management.

Some 50 automated systems are produced each year at the Swiss headquarters in Oberengstringen near Zurich. Beck Automation generated sales of CHF13m in 2017 with 55 employees.