New system automates in-mold wrap-around labeling. (Keeping up with Injection Molding).

Electrostatic charge, vacuum robot grippers, and a label-curling step are elements of a new system to apply wrap-around in-mold labels to thin-wall packaging. It comes from Hekuma GmbH in Germany, represented here by Electronic Media International, Kennebunk, Me. The IML unit was shown at the recent Fakuma show in Germany as part of a system using Hekuma's new Heli U 1700 six-axis robot with linear servo drive. The robot transported labels to the mold and removed and stacked finished parts.

The IML system features a new "push-and-wind" labelrolling device from Simco of the Netherlands that mechanically curls a straight label into a circle prior to its insertion into the mold. A pneumatic arm pushes the labels down a track with a corkscrew design that bends the label. Label positioning in the mold is aided by vacuum tooling on the robot and an electrostatic charge applied to the curved label.

At the show the robot placed wrap-around labels onto drink cups in a four-cavity mold and also removed molded cups wihtin a 0.7-0.9 sec mold-open time. Total cycle time on a Ferromatik Milacron K-Tee model was 3.8 sec. Tel: [phone], www.hekuma.com