In-Mold Labelling for Permanent Graphics
In-mold labeling (IML) processes must maintain label positioning within tight tolerances of ±0.1mm while withstanding injection pressures up to 2000 bar and melt temperatures exceeding 230°C. Traditional post-mold labeling methods introduce additional handling steps and potential misalignment, while current IML techniques face challenges with complex geometries and high-speed production requirements.
The fundamental challenge lies in securing and aligning labels within the mold cavity while enabling efficient material flow during injection without compromising label integrity or surface finish.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including retractable pin fixing systems, negative pressure adsorption techniques, orientation-matched label placement, and specialized anti-collision features. These and other approaches focus on maintaining label position and quality during high-volume production while reducing cycle times and manual intervention.
1. Automated In-Mold Labeling Device for Barrel Lid Covers
HUIZHOU YANGSEN IND ROBOT CO LTD, 2024
An automated device for labeling barrel lid covers during injection molding to eliminate manual labeling after molding. The device has a marking device to apply labels directly onto the molded lid inside the mold before it's ejected. This eliminates the need for separate labeling equipment and manual labor.
2. In-Mold Labeling Machine with Negative Pressure Adsorption and Upside-Down Label Delivery for Blow Molding
Huizhou Yangsen Industrial Robot Co., Ltd., HUIZHOU YANGSEN INDUSTRY ROBOT CO LTD, 2024
In-mold labeling machine for producing labeled products using blow molding. The machine has a label supply mechanism, conveyor, labeling mechanism, and blow molding mechanism. The labeling mechanism delivers labels using negative pressure adsorption and an upside-down delivery part. This frees space below for the conveyor. The mold has a clamp to hold the product during blow molding.
3. Labeling System for Conical Plastic Containers Using Preformed Fan-Shaped Sectors in In-Mold Processing
NANJING BAO LIONG PACKAGING MACHINERY CO LTD, Nanjing Baolilong Packaging Machinery Co., Ltd., 2024
Automatic labeling of conical plastic containers on a linear filling machine that provides accurate and efficient labeling without cutting cylindrical labels to fit. The labeling system uses a molding machine, conveyor, temporary storage, transfer device, and belt with a preformed label. The label is shaped into multiple fan-shaped sectors that can be individually fed into the mold to line the inner walls. In-mold processing connects the label to the pressed sheet to form a unit. This allows precise labeling without cutting cylindrical labels to fit conical containers.
4. Automated In-Mold Labeling System with Vertical Rail and Rotational Mechanism for Plastic Barrels
Huizhou Yangsen Industrial Robot Co., Ltd., HUIZHOU YANGSEN INDUSTRY ROBOT CO LTD, 2023
Automated barrel labeling machine for in-mold labeling of plastic barrels during injection molding to improve efficiency and quality compared to manual labeling. The machine has a standard bin with vertical rails and a horizontal bar to hold and move the labels. A vertical mechanism above the bin rotates the labels. The barrels are positioned under the labels and the vertical mechanism lowers the labels onto the barrels. The machine integrates with injection molding machines to label the barrels during molding. This eliminates separate labeling steps after molding.
5. Injection-Moulded Article with In-Mold Label Aligned Through-Hole and Injection Port
PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA, 2023
Manufacturing an injection-moulded article with an in-mold label. The article comprises a first mold comprising a surface with an injection hole, applying an in-mold label onto the surface of the first mold such that the through-hole of the in-mold label is aligned with the injection hole of the first mold, providing a second mold in proximity to the first mold such that at least a portion of the in-mold label is arranged between the first mold and the second mold, and injecting a molten material through the injection hole of the first mold and through the through-hole of the in-mold label into an empty space between the first mold and the second mold.
6. Retractable Pin Label Fixing System for Thermoplastic Injection Molds
DYNACAD S A S, 2023
Retractable label fixing system for thermoplastic injection molds that allows in-mold labeling without hot runner systems or damaging labels. The system uses a retractable pin to secure the label inside the mold cavity during injection. The label is made of the same thermoplastic material as the product and is positioned in the mold. A pin retracts into the mold when the label is in place, preventing movement during injection. This avoids label shifting, adhesion issues, and damage during mold filling.
7. Method for Aligning Label Orientation with Container Expansion Directions in In-Mold Labeling Process
YUPO CORP, 2023
A method to manufacture labeled containers with in-mold labels that prevents stretching and deformation of the labels during container production. The method involves adjusting the label orientation and container dimensions to match the blowing gas pressure and preform size. When blowing air into the preform to expand it, if the container is larger in one direction than the preform, make that direction coincide with the high tensile strength direction of the label. This prevents the label from stretching in that direction. If the container is similar in size to the preform in all directions, make the vertical direction match the high tensile strength direction. This prevents vertical stretching. By matching label and container expansion directions, it reduces label distortion when the container is blown into shape.
8. In-Mold Labeling Cover Structure with Discontinuous Grooves and Anti-Collision Features for Separate Side and Bottom Labeling
台州凡奇注塑科技有限公司, 2023
Cover structure for in-mold labeling of products like bottles that allows separate labeling of the sides and bottom without needing continuous labels. The structure has a labeling cover with a bottom cover plate connected by discontinuous grooves. The labeling cover has a side label anti-collision feature to prevent labels moving during molding. The bottom cover has a pouring section to prevent label collision. This allows separate side and bottom labels with different patterns or absence of labels without needing continuous labels. The discontinuous grooves allow side/bottom distinction and prevent labels merging. The anti-collision feature prevents side label movement during molding. The pouring section prevents bottom label collision.
9. Injection Molding Method for Containers with Pre-Stretched, Material-Matched In-Mold Labels
PAKPOT PTY LTD, 2023
A method of producing injection molded containers with labels that can be easily recycled. The label is inserted into the mold cavity, a core is partially inserted to stretch the label, then the plastic is injected to form the container with the label firmly attached. This mould design allows the label to be positioned and stretched before the container is molded, preventing detachment during use. The container and label are made of the same material, allowing easy recycling.
10. In-Mold Labeling Method for Blow Molded Bottles Using Sliding Extrusion Part in Blow Mold Design
SHANGHAI KEMING INJECTION SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
In-mold labeling method for blow molded bottles that allows accurate placement of labels around the entire bottle surface using a specific blow mold design. The method involves injecting the plastic into a preform mold, then transferring it to a blow mold with a chute connecting the bottle cavity to an external extrusion part. The extrusion part slides between the upper and lower molds during blow molding to cover the entire bottle surface with the label material. This allows the label to be accurately formed around the entire bottle shape during molding, avoiding offsetting or gaps compared to post-molding labeling.
11. Modular In-Mold Labeling Device with Customizable Component Layout and Dynamic Label Delivery Mechanism
HUIZHOU YANGSEN INDUSTRY ROBOT CO LTD, 2023
In-mold labeling device for efficiently and flexibly labeling products during injection molding. The device has a compact design with modular components that can be arranged in a customizable layout. It allows labeling of products with complex shapes and sizes by moving the labeling modules around the mold. The device has an injection molding machine, die sticking machine, guide mechanism, marking mechanism, externally connected object mechanism, and label delivery mechanism. The label delivery mechanism moves the label around the mold using a drive unit and receiver plate. The modular design enables flexible arrangement of the labeling modules to adapt to different product shapes.
12. Injection Mold with Multi-Cavity Assembly and Plunger Ejectors for Separate Bottom and Side Labeling of Spray Covers
Taizhou Fanqi Injection Molding Technology Co., Ltd., 2023
Injection mold for producing spray covers with customized bottom and side labels that can be separately designed and materialized. The mold has a multi-cavity assembly between fixed plates for molding the covers. Plunger-type ejectors separate the molded covers. The mold design allows injection of material into the cover cavities first, preventing it from moving the labels during molding. This enables separate labeling of bottom and side portions.
13. Injection Mold with Detachable Label Insert for In-Mold Labeling
GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCES INC OF ZHUHAI, 2023
Injection mold with integrated labeling feature to improve aesthetics and efficiency of injection molded products. The mold has a fixed and moving template that form the cavity. Instead of applying labels after molding, a detachable label insert is placed inside the mold to directly form the label on the product during injection. This eliminates issues of misaligned, warped, or crooked labels that can occur from manual application. It also avoids the need for separate labeling equipment and materials, reducing costs and improving aesthetics.
14. Injection Mold Labeling System with Label Grabber and Electrostatic Distribution Mechanism
ZHUCHENG GUOTONG PLASTIC INDUSTRY CO LTD, 诸城市国通塑业有限公司, 2023
An automatic labeling system for injection molded internal labels in plastic containers. The system places labels inside the mold before injection to avoid separate labeling steps. A label grabber captures labels and moves them to the mold. An electrostatic device spreads the labels evenly on the mold surface. This ensures consistent labeling during injection molding.
15. Injection Molding Machine with Horizontal Axis Rotating Mechanism for Integrated Label Embedding
Gehao Automation Co., Ltd., GEHAO AUTOMATION CO LTD, 2023
Injection molding machine with integrated label embedding to avoid label issues like peeling, wrinkling, and curling. The machine has a horizontal axis with a rotating mechanism that moves an arm with an end effector to insert and retrieve labels. The labels are embedded during the molding process, providing a smooth joint between the label and product. This avoids labeling issues like adhesive failure, wrinkling, warping, and dropping when encountering temperature, moisture, or other conditions. The labels are formed simultaneously with the product, improving quality and appearance.
16. Rubber Product with Mold-Integrated Labels Using Rough-Backed Rubber Materials and UV-Stable Inks
CLEARLINE TECHNOLOGIES LTD, 2023
Molding customized labels directly into rubber products like parking curbs to prevent peeling and ensure long-term label visibility. The labels are made from rubber-based materials with rough backings for better bonding. They are printed using UV-stable inks and inserted into the mold during rubber compression. This integrates the label into the product, protecting the edges and preventing peeling. Alternatively, a recessed pocket is molded into the product to hold the label. The labels are sized to fit snugly in the pocket and are protected by its edges. The integrated labels are bonded strongly to the rubber product, providing durability and resistance to wear and vandalism.
17. Servo-Controlled Multi-Axis Mechanical Guide Rail with Vacuum-Suction Mechanism for In-Mold Labeling
Guangzhou Tianrui Machinery Technology Co., Ltd., GUANGZHOU TIANRUI MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
High-speed multi-axis in-mold labeling machine system for automated labeling of injection molded products. The system uses a servo-controlled multi-axis mechanical guide rail to move a label pick-up panel and labeling fixture between the injection molding machine and a label supply. This allows picking up labels from the supply, transporting them to the mold, and attaching them during molding for in-mold labeling. The rail's X, Y, Z motion allows precise positioning. The rail also has a vacuum-suction label taking mechanism on the supply side. The labeling fixture has a compatible vacuum plate to match the supply's storage mechanism. The rail moves the fixture and pick-up panel to the supply for new label retrieval after molding.
18. Automated Production Line with Integrated Molding, Feeding, Printing, and Discharge for Anti-Counterfeit Labels
Yiqizhen Machinery Equipment Co., Ltd., 2023
An automated production line for anti-counterfeit labels that enables efficient and convenient integrated molding, feeding, printing, and discharge of labels. The line features a feeding forming seat with a vibrating plate on each side, a profile seat with a hot-melt molding box, a printing station, a lifting support, and a discharge frame. The feeding forming seat has a feeding bracket, rail seats, and a material seat. The molding box has a cylinder and is electrically connected to a controller. This integrated setup allows simultaneous molding, feeding, printing, and discharge of labels in an automated production line.
19. Automatic In-Mold Labeling Machine with Manipulator-Driven Fixture for Simultaneous Cup Labeling and Retrieval
Guangzhou Tianrui Machinery Technology Co., Ltd., GUANGZHOU TIANRUI MACHINERY TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
Milk tea cup automatic in-mold labeling machine that improves efficiency and automation by using a manipulator with a fixture to pick and place labeled cups from an injection molding machine. The labeling machine has devices to position, suction, and scan the labels. This allows simultaneous label placement and product removal compared to sequential manual labeling. The manipulator moves the fixture with suction nozzle and scanner to accurately label and retrieve the cups.
20. In-Mold Labeling Machine with Liftable Frame and Coordinated Motion Control for Label Insertion
Zhangjiagang Longchen Automation Equipment Co., Ltd., 2022
Intelligent in-mold labeling machine for plastic containers that labels containers as they are being molded, eliminating the need for separate labeling after cooling. The machine has a liftable frame with a moving table that can access the mold cavities. It uses linear guides and an arm with vacuum suction cups to pick up labels and feed them into the mold cavities as the containers are formed. The machine has coordinated motion control to precisely position the arm and table for label insertion.
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