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Austrian company IFW MouldTec has combined in-mould labelling technology with in-mould assembly in production of a system for PP pipe fitting production.
This new process, which was demonstrated at the recent Fakuma fair on a 240 tonne HM 240/1330H/210S Wittmann Battenfeld machine, makes it possible to reduce the three previous individual production steps - moulding, gasket insertion and marking - to one automated moulding process.
In a further extension of the technology, the company says it could insert RFID chips for individualised tracking.
According to Micheldorf-based IFW, the traditional approach to marking moulded pipe fittings has involved the use of engraved moulds, so modification has always meant a lot of effort. In-mould labelling provides more flexibility and allows the information on the each part to be designed individually for the customer or application.
IFW's technique ensures that the label, once placed in the cavity, is not displaced by the incoming polymer while careful label stock selection ensures good adhesion is achieved.
The company has also developed an automated series production technique which uses a strip of labelling film which is printed in-line before being fed into the mould. The label can carry data on the dimensions, standards, date, time and lot number of the part, as well as an indentifying barcode. The punching of labels to size and insertion into the cavity is performed while the tool is open.
By enabling the label and gasket to be applied in one step, the IFW technology saves cycle time and allows machine capacity to be maximised, according to the company. It also means that the additional cost of a gasket inserting machine is eliminated.
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