International Appliance Manufacturing 2007

In mould labelling for the appliance industry Mike Sullivan, VP R&D and International Projects, Rosti Technical Plastics, UK With a strong heritage in the development and deployment of injection moulding processes for the manufacture of domestic appliances (DAP) worldwide, leading international company Rosti Technical Plastics has invested substantially in the exploration of new production techniques, to deliver viable, competitive advantages for global OEMs seeking distinctive, high-quality end-user products. This paper explores the variety of IML – In Mould Labelling – techniques being offered to deliver highly finished, cost-down manufacturing solutions across an ever broader range of consumer brands from the company’s sites in Europe, China and the Americas. In a marketplace that offers a plethora of choice for consumers, product design is an important consideration for appliance manufacturers, and fundamental to making a distinctive statement of quality and progress. However in such a highly competitive marketplace, OEMs must also find ways to add value while reducing the costs associated with supply chain and manufacturing – to find commercial viability across all market segments, and a balance between achieving the desired quality of optical and aesthetic outputs and standards, and brandrelated distinction in the style, performance and operability of their products. In recent years, IML has presented just such an opportunity. The ability to apply logos and design features, for example, concurrent with the production process, rather than elongating that process with costly serial production techniques, represents a major field of exploitation for OEMs and their suppliers. And the value of IML is far from restricted to the application of visual devices, offering a range of options to create specialised finishes and leverage design innovations. With a global footprint, Rosti has directed substantial energies to sourcing and deploying the most viable of these techniques – culminating in joint exploitation with German technology company Schuster Kunststofftechnik GmbH (www.schuster-de.com). The resulting IML technologies will be deployed through Rosti’s production facilities in Europe, China and the USA - for the benefit of a global OEM customer-base frequently concerned with the assurance of cost effective manufacturing for volume production into global markets. IML for design and visual impact IML technology connects decorative film with plastic parts during the injection moulding process. The PC, PMMA or polyester-based films are usually screen printed, which allows for the use of an almost infinitely variable range of graphics and colours, including metal- and carbon optics, art and photo realistic designs, chrome and chameleon (sometimes called ‘flip-flop’) effects. Depending on the print set-up, effects such as piano paint and hidden optics (secret ‘til lit), ie. printed symbols that can only be seen when backlit, are also possible. Films may be over or back moulded in the injection mould. And depending on the geometry of the part – films may also be preformed in an additional process prior to injection, if required. IML also enables the realisation of depth in design and physical appearance – either by preforming or by pressure punching the films. One of Schuster’s latest developments in screen printing technology for IML applications includes the use of a special lacquer that can be processed into unique, graduated finishes. 18 International Appliance Manufacturing 2007 http://www.schuster-de.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of International Appliance Manufacturing 2007

Contents White Goods- made out of Germany Customer Benefits from Coil Coating Products with “Metal Looks” In Mould Labelling for the Appliance Industry Only Pay for What You Need with Trimmed Concept for Appliance Manufacturers New Lighting Trend in the Oven Innovation in Light and Design- An Introduction Influence of Recycled Material on the Mechanical Performance and Stabilization System of GB355WG Why Choose a Fast Diode Mosfet in a Three-Phase Inverter Topology Providing Six-step Current Commutation Appliance Motor Control Made More Efficient, Cost- Effective Through Sensorless FOC Control Save, Bright and Spotlessly Clean Stainless Steel Strip is Stepping Out with the Launch of Sandvik Decorex New Hot Melt Silicone Sealant Technology Reduces Time, Costs for Appliance Manufacturers IR Touch Controls- The 4th Generation Coil Coating Ensures White Goods at Leading Edge Design Coil Coating Ensures White Goods at Leading Edge Design New material Solutions That Help Satisfy Consumer Wants, Producer Needs and Regulatory Musts for Tomorrow’s Appliances Welcome to the Chinese Century Multibase PPμ Talc Switches and Sensors Rise to the Challenge Development by SKF of Value Added Solutions (VAS) for Washing Machine Applications Silicon Adhesives for Display Cabinet Construction Instantaneous Hot Water for Beverages A Very Small Real Time Scheduler for Both Cost Effective Home Appliance Controllers and Higher Level Firmware Development Dishwasher Circulation Pump Evolution Nucleated PP Opens the Door to Improvements in Design and Productivity of Molded Appliance Articles Energy Saving Solutions for Home Appliances Sensors Sensors Sensors and No Way Back An Integrated Driver for LED Panel Renders the Traditional MCU Obsolete Integrating Hall-effect Magnetic Sensor Technology into Modern Household Appliances High Efficiency, Low Cost BLDC Evaperoator Fan Motor with a Soft Magnetic Composite Stator and Bud TM Controller Household Dishwashers Energy Consumption Reduction- A Success Story Novel fan Design Offers Energy Savings to Refrigeration Market

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