With photorealistic in-mould labelling, case manufacturer W.AG offers an innovative process for the colour printing of its cases and boxes, which is becoming increasingly important for the customer- and product-specific individualisation of plastic containers.
However, while it was previously reserved for the visual refinement of the outer case surfaces, it can now also be for the functional upgrading of interior surfaces use. This opens up W.AG offers its customers even more options for the targeted decoration and labelling of cases.
With in-mould labelling (IML), PP films previously printed using offset technology are inserted into the open injection mould in a fully automated process and bonded to the case half-shell synchronously with each mould shot. (Image: W.AG Funktion + Design GmbH)
The German company W.AG now produces all its container collections from a single material, without exception. recyclable polypropylene or the innovative Bio-Compound Arboblend from Tecnaro. It also offers its customers a wide range of options for customising cases and boxes to suit target groups, industries and products. In addition to a wide range of colours, this includes not only various solutions for the design of custom-fit inlays (foams, thermoformed inserts, etc.), but also a broad spectrum of processes for colourful decoration, printing and labelling of the case surfaces.
In-mould labelling, one of W.AG's core areas of expertise and currently the most important area in terms of quality, forms the pinnacle here. Probably the most innovative technology for optical refinement injection-moulded case and box housings. In contrast to traditional printing and labelling methods, labelling is carried out directly in the injection moulding machine with this foil printing process.
(Image: W.AG Funktion + Design GmbH)
"PP films previously printed using offset technology are inserted into the open injection mould in a fully automated process and bonded to the case half-shell synchronously with each mould shot. The result of this technically demanding method is impressive. The four-colour photo print is brilliant, scratch-resistant and forms a solid unit with the case shell after cooling." Björn UllrichW.AG Development Manager
Ideal solution for high-quality branding
IML photo printing is generally insensitive to moisture and temperature influences and is highly resistant to UV radiation and mechanical abrasion. It also eliminates the usual disadvantages of conventional adhesive labels; there is no peeling, no yellowing, no slipping and no reflective surfaces. The in-mould labelling gives the cases and boxes from W.AG a unique look. durable and bright colour print of the highest quality. It is therefore the ideal solution for realising high-quality product branding. Brand and advertising messages can be displayed expressively, in intense colours and with sharp contrasts; safety and application information is inextricably linked to the case.
IML photo printing can now also be used on all sides
For process-related reasons, the use of in-mould labelling was previously reserved solely for the visual finishing of the outer surfaces of the cases. The development engineers at W.AG have now overcome this limitation, so that from now on The inner surfaces of many case half-shells also feature high-quality colour prints can be provided.
The realisation of high-quality imprints in customer-specific pastel or special colours is also easily possible with in-mould labelling (IML). (Image: W.AG Funktion + Design GmbH
This enables the company to offer its customers in almost all B2B and B2C sectors offers a wide range of additional options for the functional enhancement of many cases and boxes. While the outer surfaces can primarily be used for branding and advertising, the inner surfaces can be used for detailed product, assembly, application and safety information in the form of images, text or pictograms.
If the cases are used for the presentation and storage of coded colour samples, unique collections, laboratory samples or similar, the corresponding value, name or parameter tables can be "captive". label the inside of the case lid. The possibilities offered by in-mould labelling W.AG is now available for almost all of its case and box collections.
