What is in-mold labeling?
In the in-mold labeling (IML) process, the label is placed in a mold and liquid plastic is injected. The result is a product in which label and product are permanently bonded. In-mold labeling is used for a wide variety of food packaging, such as yogurt, ice cream or cream cheese, but also for paint buckets or detergent bottles. Thanks to many years of experience in the quality control of IML products, mevisco camera systems are optimally adapted to the needs of IML production.
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ML inspection criteria on the example of a yoghurt cup packaging |
Inspection criteria of IML packaging
In the IML injection molding process, overmolding (flashes), undermolding (shorts) and blow-byes can occur. mevisco image processing systems reliably detect these defects. At the same time, the label position and features of the label design can be checked. By using an automatic quality control system, defect-free product quality can be guaranteed.
In addition, a vision system can increase the performance of the production line. Problems in the production process are detected by the vision system during production, and personnel or higher-level systems are notified. This allows an immediate response to production problems and increases the performance of the production line.
Advantages of mevisco vision systems for IML production
High Speed
Fast handling systems are often used in IML production. mevisco systems use extremely high-intensity lighting. This allows movement speeds of more than 8m/s to be realized.
The evaluation of the camera images is done on powerful industrial computers to provide the results in time. mevisco adapts to customer's cycle time and not vice versa!
Easy type change
IML products often use hundreds of different labels. With mevisco systems, a new label can be taught in a few minutes via auto-teach based on an existing label. If a customer wants to load a label that has already been set up, he only needs two clicks. mevisco systems can store thousands of different label types.
Production statistics
mevisco systems generate production statistics per inspection criterion and cavity. This allows production problems to be identified down to the cavity. A customer can either use the statistics within mevisco image processing software mips or access the production data via a web interface from anywhere within his company.
Lighting switching
Light, dark or transparent labels often require different lighting scenarios. mevisco creates the appropriate lighting scenario for different label types. If different label variants are running on a machine, the appropriate lighting scenario is loaded automatically when the type is loaded.
No problems with type intermixing
In addition to production quality, mevisco camera systems can be used to check the label type. The inspection can be carried out via an applied code or via the printed design itself. The uniqueness of the printed design is difficult to guarantee for a large number of varieties, and barcodes are not available everywhere and are often ambiguous.
mevisco systems can also recognize different varieties via a Digimarc watermark. The design of the packaging is enhanced by Digimarc watermarks. This extension is not perceptible to the human eye and can be used like a barcode. Digimarc watermarks are a central part of the Holy Grail 2.0 initiative, which aims to optimize the recycling of packaging.
