A complete in-mold labeling system mainly includes an injection system (including injection molding/blow molding machines, molds, dryers, chillers, etc.) and a robotic system (including a label library, robotic arms, and conveyor belts). The typical process flow is as follows: the robotic arm retrieves printed labels from the label library, accurately places them into the mold cavity using vacuum or electrostatic methods, then the mold is closed for injection or blow molding. After mold opening, the robotic arm removes the finished product.
The entire cycle time varies from 4 to 8 seconds depending on the system. With technological advancements, various innovative in-mold labeling processes have emerged, such as thermochromic in-mold labels (changing color when exposed to cold or hot water), lenticular effect in-mold labels (achieving 3D dynamic visual effects), naked-eye 3D effect labels (combined with anti-counterfeiting functions), and embossed texture effect labels (achieving a three-dimensional tactile feel through process layering). In-mold label materials are becoming increasingly thinner (reducing costs and facilitating recycling), with adhesive-free backing coatings (eliminating webbing and improving printing quality), fully transparent (achieving a "label-free" visual effect), and diversifying in product variety. The technology has expanded into the field of functional integration, such as developing in-mold tags with radio frequency (RFID) functionality, embedding RFID chips and antennas inside the tags, so that while retaining the advantages of traditional in-mold labeling, it also adds functions such as item tracking and data reading and writing.