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█ IML Technology (In-Mold-Labelling) for Food and Non-Food Applications

Beck Automation at theNPE2018

Biocompatible PLA meets In-MoldLabelling (IML)

Innovative IML-Concept: Beck Automation presents four-cavity IML machine for PLA coffee capsules
North and South American Premiere of a high-performance Single Serve CapsuleIML machine on NPE 2018 in Orlando
New approach: Visually appealing packaging with IML gets biocompatible
Ultra-lightweight parts in injection molding:

IML meets environmentally friendly PLA

Oberengstringen(Switzerland), February 14,2018: Fresh coffee straight out of a coffee capsule has been one of the most popular ways to make a good cup of coffee for years. The classic disposable coffee capsule’s job is actually quite varied: the coffee aroma has to completely develop even though the capsules have a long shelf life. The capsule has to convey the feeling of lifestyle and luxury you get from enjoying a good cup of coffee. It should also ensure brand recognition and provide information about the contents. Once used, the packaging should be disposed of easily while demonstrating that it is environment-friendly, both during manufacture and when in use.

The brilliant print quality of the In-Mold labelling not only serves to effectively staging the product, but also has a concrete boost in sales: the customer can get an accurate picture of the content. Especially in the sensitive food industry, this fact can decide whether a product is purchased or left on the shelf.What might seem straightforward at first glance is becoming increasingly difficult to communicate to consumers – a good example of this is conventional aluminium capsules. The environmental awareness of consumers has noticeably been on the increasein recent years. A Polylactide(PLA)injection molding solution with IML decoration could be just the right answer. This saves resources and gives the packaging a premium look. Nick Lewis, Beck Automation Americas: “Visually appealing packaging with IML gets biocompatible.”

Biocompatible Strength of PLA material

IML, when combined with environmentally friendly PLA material, a synthetic polymer, offers a new way to reposition disposable coffee capsules and to enhance the appearance of the product.PLA is obtained from renewable sources, such as corn starch. This makes PLA a biocompatible raw material.This approach is also a contribution to better achieve the sustainability goal of the providers.The sweetish smell is more reminiscent of the cornstarch contained in it than molten plastic. Low moisture absorption ensures easier storage and high UV resistance, as well as severe flammability are practical properties for a variety of applications. In general, PLA has mechanically good properties such as high surface hardness, rigidity, and high modulus of elasticity (tensile strength), but only moderate impact resistance.

American premiere at the NPE 2018 in Orlando

With this increasing demand in mind, Beck Automation set about developing an IML machine for high-quality plastic coffee capsules.The new machine shall premiere in the US when it is presented to the public at the NPE 2018. Nick Lewis, Beck Automation Americas: “The result is a highly dynamic, precise and operator-friendly machine for IML decoration. This way, the disposable coffee capsules are both more environment friendly and look more premium, too.”

Single Serve CapsuleIML Machine in Detail

The exhibit at the NPE 2018trade fair in Orlando is a four-cavity IML machine. The machine architecture shows that machines with much larger numbers of cavities are also possible for higher output rates. For example, in 2016 Beck Automation successfully commissioned several solutions for 32+32 stack molding machines, followed by a 32-cavity IMLSingle Serve Capsule machine in 2017. Nick Lewis, Beck Automation Americas: “With such small packaging sizes, the challenge lies in label inserting precision, as well as an operator-friendly concept. We are talking about very small labels and ultra-lightweight components with extremely high production volumes.”

Strong global Partners of Beck Automation

The coffee capsules shown are inserted into a four-cavity mold from FostagFormenbau in Switzerland. Nick Lewis from Beck Automation Americas states a target cycle time of 6-7s. The Polylactide(PLA) labels are produced by Verstraete, the Belgian IML label specialists. The IML-system also includes a quality assurance module to perform barrier checks from IMDvista. This turnkey option opens a high level of quality and improved added value. Ahigh-precision and fast Netstal ELION 1200-250/55 serves as the injection-moldingsystem. It is fitted with servo-electric drives for all components and is absolutely clean and quiet in operation. Its compact design, high shot weight precision, rapid closing speed and reproducibility, makeit a perfect match for Beck Automation's IML machines.

First References are promising

In the US, which is a huge market for disposable capsules, the trend towards environment friendly products is already well-established. It is more than a trend, which also attracts attention in South America. Suppliers are therefore looking for alternatives to the high quality, yet environmentally problematic aluminium capsules or simple plastic solutions, which are unable toconvey the lifestyle aspect of the product. Beck Automation solutions have been very well received by the company’s first customers in the USA and Switzerland. These pilot customers are pleased with the functionality, look and environmental performance of the capsules,which they believe suit market demands. The output of a high-performance IML machine from Beck Automation also enhances added value.

Reprint permitted – copy kindly requested

● ● ● Beck Automation at the NPE 2018: South Hall Level 1, Expo Hall, booth S35146 (SWISS Pavilion)●● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

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Picture caption 1(title picture):Swiss-made 4-cavity pure performance: IMLSingle Serve Capsule machine from Beck Automation for coffee capsules

Picture caption 2: High Speed Take Out Handling from Beck Automation

Contacts ███████████████████████████████████████████

Beck Automation AG

Neugutstrasse 19

CH - 8102 Oberengstringen

Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0) 44 751 84 44

Web:

Beck Automation Americas

Nick Lewis

Phone: +1 905 315 0541

Email:

Managing Director:

Nicolas Beck

Email:

Press Officer:

Nino Zehnder

Email:

IMD AG

Moosweg 1

CH-2555 Bruegg BE

Switzerland

Web:

Contactperson: Martin Gerber

Phone: +41 (0) 32 366 80 67

Verstraete IML

Vliegplein 20

B-9991 Maldegem

Belgium

Web:

Email:

Netstal-Maschinen AG

Tschachenstrasse

CH-8752 Naefels

Switzerland

Phone: +41 (0) 55 618 6111

Email:

FOSTAG Formenbau AG

CH-8260 Stein am Rhein

Switzerland

Phone: +41(0) 52 7422555

Email:

Web:

IML technology – the reference class

Since IML is a very dynamic process, operational efficiency is the sum of all the machine’s high quality components.

First, the labels are sucked out of the label station. In the second step, the labels are placed on the cores and held in place by a vacuum. The cores move into the cavities to transfer the labels. In this phase, the labels are blown off against the vacuum, electrostatically charged and thus positioned in the mold, mapping the cavities as closely as possible and held in place.

The level of process design and the quality of the labels are decisive for process reliability, reproducibility, part quality and cost-effectiveness. A high-quality automation system, which is equally convincing in terms of availability, process reliability, stability and longevity, is crucial for return on investmentand the level of added value.

AboutBeck Automation ███████████████████████████████████

Beck Automation AG based in Oberengstringen, Switzerland, is one of the leading manufacturers worldwide of automated solutions for IML labelling (in-mould labelling) for injection moulding applications. As a trendsetter, pioneer and “hidden champion”, Beck Automation’s core business is the decoration and labelling of lids, tubs, trays and buckets for a wide range of both food and non-food applications.

With a strong approach to demanding customer-specific requirements, Beck Automation creates highly reliable and cost-effective robotic systems, which are in use around the world. Systematically focussing on the IML area of application guarantees users the very best technology in terms of quality, profitability, effectivity and long life.

Building and maintaining long-term relationships with market partners through future-oriented, predictable company policy determines the management approach of what is still a family-run company now in its second and third generation. This strategy secures the jobs of dedicated and experienced staff. In the interests of all partners, customers and employees, the preservation of traditional structures, an established network of partners and far-sighted adaptation to change form the basis for continuous development and inspiration of the company.

Beck Automation, established in 1934, celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2014.

More than 700 reference systems underline the global significance of the company. Some 55automated systems are produced each year at the Swiss headquarters in Oberengstringen near Zurich. Beck Automation generated sales of CHF14m in 2017 with 60 employees.

Beck Automation …. moves labels ████████████████████████████

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