Dedicating customized IML automation to a single molding contract inhibits the achievement of both ROI and the ability to quickly launch new products into the market.
Partnering with an IML automation supplier that provides pilot cell services is a great way to start addressing the above challenges. Product design options, including alternatives for IML automation and short run market introductions, can be quickly addressed using equipment dedicated to quick and flexible prototyping. This eliminates the costs and disruptions which would result in bringing production systems offline and using them for prototyping services.
StackTeck’s first In-Mold Labeling Container (IML) Pilot Cell was set up in 2005, which supported many of the earliest large volume IML projects in North America. After it was purchased by a US customer, a second pilot cell was initiated in 2007. Over the course of the three pilot cells built to date, StackTeck has worked jointly with ABB, CBW Automation, Husky, Machines Pages, and Netstal; as well as other leading IML automation providers who sometimes provide mandrels and magazines for specific projects.
For new product launches, the pilot cell allows for an early pre-launch simulation of how the production system will run at a later time. The current In-Mold Labeling Container (IML) Pilot Cell is a dedicated single cavity molding system, including automation for label insertion and part removal and stacking.
- Dedicated 330 US Ton Machine
- IML Robotics to handle single cavity molds
- Capable of all label types
StackTeck offers complementary services for plastic part design, label design, in addition to the following development services for new IML products:
- Prototyping and Sampling
- Label Testing
- Short Production Runs
