Injection Molding Provider Müller Helps Create New IML Packaging

Müller, the Swiss specialists for injection molding and IML automation, worked with Uniplast, a provider of PP packaging for dairy products, on the product development of the ‘SKET cup.’ Müller cooperated closely with the engineering department of the Knauer Group in Dettingen, the German region of Swabia. In the Engineering Center of the Knauer Group, the SKET was implemented on a Müller Multiflex Pilot Cell. The SKET application will be demonstrated at Fakuma 2014, where Müller will be at the Arburg stand (booth 3101, pavilion A3).

The company claims that the recently developed SKET cup sets a “new” high standard regarding the manufacture of PP packaging using injection molding. Up to 50% of PP material can reportedly be saved versus a conventional cup. These savings are achieved due to the thin wall thickness of the cup, only 0.22 mm thick. Spiral grooves in the walls of the cup assist in flow and ensure that the plastic material reaches the upper sealing rim (0.7 mm thick) fast enough, filling out the cup completely, before the flow front freezes off. In addition, due to the angle of the incline of the spiral grooves in the wall of the cup, the material flows uniformly into the very thin cavity wall, completely filling it.

Depending on the wall thickness of the cup, cardboard labels of various thicknesses are placed on the side wall and at the bottom to ensure the cup’s stability. The cardboard labels can also be removed, which helps with recycling the packaging.

“Such revolutionary successes can only be achieved with elaborate and ingenious product development, along with an intensive pilot phase,” said Guido Pöhls, co-owner and managing director of Uniplast. “Müller provides systematic support within the complete supply chain regarding the creation of new injection molding products, providing full-service from under one roof.”