ILLIG at Interpack 2017: Variable and attractive IML in thermoforming – packaging development by ILLIG

ILLIG; the systems provider for thermoforming solutions, will be showcasing state-of-the-art packaging systems at this year’s Interpack, Düsseldorf, May 04 to 10. The machine manufacturer will present its new sector of packaging development as brand. The Heilbronn experts will demonstrate their expertise by the great potential provided by in-mold labeling in thermoforming (IML-T) combined with clean and hygienic filling and packaging of dairy products.

In live demonstrations ILLIG will show the production of rectangular cups out of PP on
the IML-T production line IC-RDM 70K, forming area 680 mm x 300 mm, together with the compact IML unit RDML 70b. The 18-up mold produces cups with 3 different labels at the same time with an hourly output of 17,280 cups. Decoration is performed in brilliant photo quality on all four side walls of the pack and also on the bottom directly during forming. Currently, ILLIG is the only machine manufacturer from which IML-T can be obtained from one source with all required and optimally synchronized technology modules. IML-T lines integrated in form, fill and seal lines (FSL lines) are also realized for clean and hygienic production, especially in the dairy industry.

IML thermoforming developed by ILLIG is more favorable with regard to cost aspects than IML injection molding, for example, which is also used for decoration of plastic packs. The IML-T system allows flexible decoration of most cup shapes with labels. Moreover, investment amounts for molds and maintenance costs are cheaper than in injection molding. Thermoformed articles can be manufactured with thinner walls and they are thus more lightweight than injection molded part. Lower energy consumption during processing is a benefit in addition to the substantially lower material consumption. Economic benefits are provided by IML thermoforming, particularly because multi-cavity molds can be employed.

The FSL 48 form, fill and seal line developed by ILLIG is suitable for requirements by the food and especially the dairy industry. The filler with CIP (cleaning in place) and SIP (sterilization in place) functions can be equipped technically in such a way that it meets the different hygienic demands by the food industry, even through to hygiene class IV according to VDMA (hygienic filling machines). All standard materials suitable for FFS lines can be processed on FSL 48, such as PS, PP, multilayer materials (e. g. PS/EVOH/PE), APET and even materials made of the biopolymer PLA (polylactic acid).

Every pack is unique. From the customer’s first idea through to an excellent pack which meets all recent requirements. There are numerous development stages in between and many technical questions that must be answered. ILLIG can meet these requirements thanks to its expertise in mold making and machine manufacturing and its knowledge of the markets – worldwide. The Heilbronn company with its new sector of packaging development can offer practical solutions and designs for thermoforming. ILLIG shows the great potential of thermoforming.