HUSKY TO SHOWCASE WORLD'S FASTEST IML SYSTEM
19 October 2006 - Husky Injection Molding Systems

Husky will showcase a high-speed in-mold labeling system at NPE to address the anticipated growth of IML in North America. The system will mold 125g cream cheese containers with five-sided labeling at less than 2.5 seconds.

The workcell is the result of a collaboration between Husky (Hylectric 120 machine with Polaris Control and Ultra Valve Gate hot runner) and SysTec (in-mold labeling robot and 2 cavity mold). It is the fastest IML system of its kind, approximately 30% faster than the high-speed IML system Husky ran at K2004, thanks to virtually no mold open dwell time and quick machine process.

"This very fast cycle time could not be achieved without a highly integrated system of machine, mold and automation," Bruce Catoen, Husky's Vice President of Packaging, said. "Every movement is choreographed to happen without waste and in parallel to other movements."

Virtually zero mold open dwell time is possible with SwingChutes that rotate into position as the mold opens to simultaneously place labels and pick molded parts. The mechanical actuation of the SwingChutes allows them to be interlocked with the clamp movement, which prevents any mechanical interference. A side-entry robot, on the other hand, would require the clamp to reach the open position before entering the molding area, increasing cycle time by at least 0.4 seconds.

The system is designed to ensure optimum label integrity via precise injection control, valve-gated hot runners, positive label placement and repeatable clamp positioning. The label transfer from the SwingChute mandrel to the mold cavity is done entirely with vacuum for transfer speed and reliability. Using vacuum allows full freedom of label printing method, inks, colors and surface finish as the label does not need to hold an electrostatic charge.

http://www.husky.ca

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