Being a complete supplier of stamping foils, tools, machines and know-how, KURZ is continuously working to optimize the plastics decoration processes. We have developed innovative solutions for injection molding, establishing standards for a trouble-free decoration process. KURZ' foilfeeding units for Inmold Decoration attest to this. KURZ has been the industry leader for many years now and is known in the market for the speed, precision and process stability their foils and stamping machines exhibit.

The requirements on injection molding production are always increasing, for example in the telecommunications industry. This industry demands ever increasing production quantities and shorter cycle times - without diminishing quality or process reliability. For this reason, KURZ has further developed its tried-andproven, high-performance IMD-MK/P series of foil-feeding units. The foilfeeding units of the new IMD-MK/S series are ideally equipped for these growing demands.

In continuously improving the units, the developers paid particular attention to optimizing the foil transport speed. Whereas the previous machine series allowed a foil advance of up to 270 mm/s, the new unit allows - depending on the particular

application, part geometry and the foil used - a maximum transport speed of up to 500 mm/s! This can substantially reduce the injection molding cycle times and the time required to produce the finished, decorated part.

IMD-MK/S is the next generation of the IMD-MK/P series of single-image

foil-processing units distinguished by the highly precise orientation of the foil they can achieve both in the feed and lateral directions. Despite the substantial increase in achievable transport speeds, the IMD-MK/S retains a high positioning accuracy of +/- 0.07 mm in the x and y directions. It is important to note that, to achieve precise positioning of single images in a mold cavity, a suitable, accurate injection mold, very low pressure tolerances of the foil being processed, and precise registration marks are required. KURZ foils and tools are matched to these requirements, and we are a complete supplier for achieving reliable design positioning.

The foil-feeding unit is equipped with a programmable logic controller (PLC) that guarantees precise foil positioning when setting up a mold. It also monitors the positional accuracy of designs during production. Should inaccuracies arise as a result of process fl uctuations, positioning can be adjusted, either manually or

automatically via an optional vision system linked to the foil-feeding unit, while decoration is in progress. Realignment of the foil occurs without interruption to the injection molding cycle further increasing productivity.

The effi ciency of the Inmold Decoration process is not only achieved by the high transport speed but also the positioning precision of the KURZ foil-feeding units. The foil can be so precisely positioned in the mold that it is even possible to

produce injection molded parts in a four-cavity mold. This advantage is being used in the telecommunications industry in the area of cell phone displays. KURZ feed units are used in conjunction with four-cavity molds in series production.

KURZ foil-feeding units are characterized by their foil transport speeds and positioning accuracy as well as  their excellent functional reliability. A large number of sensors monitor the correct passage of the foil from the foil-supply reel to the foil winding axle on the foil rewinder side. Detection of foil tears, recognition of foil-adhesion points (when using continuous designs), and monitoring foil take-up are all standard features. The unit also checks the pinch and transport roller pairs to ensure they are in the correct state. A three-way signal lamp display unit rounds out this feature set. With foil-feeding units confi gured in this manner, the standards for trouble-free Inmold Decoration are assured.

IMD-MK/S is even easier to operate than its predecessor, has an especially

compact design and can be easily integrated into a wide variety of injection molding machines. KURZ can supply machine-mounting plates exactly tailored to individual customer requirements. The foil-feeding units of the IMD-MK/S series

are available in standard widths of 200, 300 and 400 mm. Accessories including additional foil cleaning stations at the foil take-up round out the overall product offering.

KURZ' product range of foil-feeding units is complemented by a product line for processing continuous foils, which have also been improved. The new IMD-W product line is based on the IMD-MK/S product line and comes with almost all the same equipment features and functions (apart from the ability to process single-

image designs). The product line is especially easy to use since the process parameters can be set via a cable remote with a clearly laid out display. Additionally all connections between the control cabinet and the foil-feeding unit can be plugged in at either end.

The IMD-W units are also available in standard widths of 200, 300 and 400 mm. KURZ offers custom solutions, and "TWIN versions” for processing dual foil tracks.

Data sheets on the IMD-MK/S and IMD-W units, providing all the relevant technical details, are available from KURZ.