In-Mould Labeling with the COBOT from CN Automation.

There are many aspects that influence the decision to buy a product. The product quality is probably one of the main differentiators for a brand. As the product quality standards rise, high quality packaging material also becomes also more important. We talk with MR. Arshad Nathani, Partner of CN Automation LLP, about his In-Mould Labeling (IML) machine for plastic packaging material.

Mathias Witt: Mr. Nathani why is #In-Mold-Labeling or #IML on the rise in India?

Arshad Nathani: The #In-Mold-Labeling process enables the producer to utilize the entire surface of the packaging material. Further, high quality graphics can be printed on the label which becomes a part of moulded article, e.g. the container. It cannot be removed or copied. This prevents brands of high-quality goods from counterfeiting since the consumer can easily identify the real product by its packaging material. Also, it adds a lot of aesthetic value to the article. Since the label is a homogeneous part of the article, it adds more strength to it.

Mathias Witt: That sounds interesting. I guess there is some other motivation for #IML in India than in Europe for example.

Arshad Nathani: Yes, indeed. India is a big country with many distributors, thousands of hardware stores, all selling oil or paint for instance. The local brands want to ensure also with their packaging material that they are the only one able to produce it. And #IML is an answer to that.
In fast-moving consumer goods #FMCG, especially food and beverage industries, cosmetics etc., brands are more conscious about aesthetics values of the packaging of their products. #IML can give them lead to the market.

Accuracy of 0.10 mm or better!

Mathias Witt: What is the main advantage of using your COBOT for the #IML process?

Arshad Nathani: Primarily, the accuracy of picking up label from the stacker and then placing it in to the Mould with accuracy of 0.10 mm or better, is the main requisite of the process. Secondly, as there is no secondary process needed, we can avoid contamination of the label. We directly pick the label from the stacker and insert it into the Mould. Since the Mould may be more than 200°C hot, this task cannot be done manually. Currently the degree of automation around injection molding machines in India is on a starting point and it kicks off especially in #IML applications. Because of this, we need to provide our customers an intuitive approach of programming the machine. Simply teaching new positions and inserting them in the cycle allows the operator to switch easily between product batches. All these things are achieved by COBOT, uses innovative Siemens products SIMATIC and SINAMICS.

Mathias Witt: How did Siemens support you in the development of your machines?

Arshad Nathani: We are a Siemens Solution Partner and have long history in using Siemens products. Engineers from Siemens have been continuously supporting us in development of our products. It is key to us that together with a partner like Siemens, we can fulfill our customer requirements and be innovative. The open solution gives us the chance of quickly inserting new functions if needed, like some adjustments in the user interface and many more.

Engineers from Siemens have been continuously supporting us in development of our products.
Arshad Nathani, CN-Automation

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