Multi-Color and United Silicone Team Up to Offer Advanced Heat Transfer Decoration

Multi-Color's patented technology, including ink-only and flameless have greatly expanded the market for heat transfer by offering molders and end users more decorating possibilities than ever before.

31/07/06 Multi-Color Corporation and United Silicone have partnered to provide high speed application of flameless heat transfer decoration to blow molded PET and HDPE containers. The combined technologies apply heat transfer labels to containers at rates of up to 300 per minute, and eliminate the need for flame treating containers before or after decorating.

Multi-Color's patented technology, including ink-only and flameless have greatly expanded the market for heat transfer by offering molders and end users more decorating possibilities than ever before. Ink-only is replacing conventional applied ceramic labeling (ACL) by offering expanded capabilities such as process color (for photographic reproduction) and brighter, sharper graphics. It can also produce acid etch effects without the high cost and environmental impact of the acid etch process. Since only the ink is transferred to the container, the appearance on glass and clear PET containers is exceptional.

Flameless chemistry allows end users the last point of differentiation since it no longer requires pre- and post-flaming for adhesion to the containers. Eliminating open flames in a manufacturing environment saves money and eliminates a safety hazard.

United Silicone's new Impulse-HT is the automated, servo-driven application system that delivers the desired line speed application of Multi- Color's flameless heat transfer graphics, up to 300 containers per minute. The system's dual head, multiple servo technology provides fast, accurate heat transfer labeling application to a wide variety of two-sided blow molded containers. Digital controls include transfer length adjustment to suit different container sizes. The electronically-controlled Impulse-HT features laser-guided teach-mode programming that provides for rapid changeover of jobs.

"Our combined innovations are revolutionizing the heat transfer decorating process," said Don Kneir, president of Multi-Color Decorating Solutions. "Now our customers can have it all -- the optimum no-label look, reliable high speed application, and safe, flameless operation in any environment including the filling line. It's a game-changing, cost-effective solution," he added.