IML packaging mould portfolio

IML Container Moulds

Hengqi develops IML moulds for cups, tubs, buckets, pails and food boxes by reviewing the package, label, closure, machine, robot and output target as one production system.

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Two-litre IML food bucket with full-wrap label and handle
Hengqi application evidenceA large-format IML bucket is one application within the wider container-mould portfolio. Each format needs its own geometry, automation and acceptance plan.

Cup → 2L

Multiple packaging formats

Mould + IML

Tooling and automation reviewed together

DFM → Trial

One connected engineering route

Choose by package format

One IML category, several very different mould decisions.

Capacity alone does not define the right tooling. Rim geometry, label coverage, wall stiffness, handle or lid interfaces, filling conditions, robot motion and downstream stacking all change the mould architecture. Start with the application closest to your actual package.

Open multi-cavity IML packaging mould in the Hengqi workshop

Manufacturing evidence

Real open-tool reference showing the cavity layout, service space and robot-access relationships that must be resolved before production.

The system behind the label

A strong IML result starts before the robot places the first label.

The product, label and automation must be released as one system. A mould can fill plastic correctly and still fail on the production line if the label curls, the robot has insufficient clearance, the rim deforms or the part cannot stack after ejection.

01

Product and label geometry

Draft, rim, ribs, visible surfaces, label seam and overlap are reviewed together so the artwork can sit on a mouldable, repeatable package.

02

Robot access and label holding

Cavity pitch, mould opening, side-entry or top-entry motion, static or vacuum holding and take-out path are checked before steel release.

03

Filling, cooling and appearance

Gate position, flow balance and cooling are matched to the wall and label area to reduce deformation, weak corners and visible defects.

04

Closure and handling interfaces

Lids, sealing rims, handles, stacking and packing conditions are treated as functional inputs rather than changes added after mould trial.

05

Line-relevant acceptance

Label position, cavity balance, dimensions, ejection, robot stability and continuous output are reviewed together during acceptance trials.

Project definition

Define the package first; then select cavities, steel and automation.

Generic requests such as “an IML mould” leave the most expensive decisions undefined. Three input groups allow Hengqi to map a practical route and avoid comparing quotations that describe different systems.

01 / Package

Geometry and function

Share capacity, CAD or samples, product weight, resin, lid or handle, stack height, filling condition and transport requirement.

02 / IML system

Label and robot

Confirm artwork size, label film, overlap, loading direction, holding method, robot model and any downstream take-out or stacking equipment.

03 / Production

Machine and output

Machine tonnage, shot capacity, tie-bar space, injection speed, cooling supply and hourly target determine the realistic cavity layout.

A connected route from product definition to production trial

  1. 01

    Package & line review

    Translate the product, label, closure, robot, machine and output target into controlled engineering inputs.

  2. 02

    DFM & system release

    Confirm wall, rim, cavity layout, hot runner, cooling, ejection, label holding and automation clearances.

  3. 03

    Manufacture & inspect

    Machine, finish and inspect the core, cavity, mould base and assembly-critical interfaces before fitting.

  4. 04

    IML production trial

    Validate samples, label result, closure, ejection, stacking, robot motion and the agreed continuous process window.

Quote-ready inputs

Send the information that changes the mould design.

A complete drawing package is helpful but not required for the first review. A clear sample photo plus production conditions can establish the next engineering questions.

Container and matching-lid CAD or samples
Capacity, dimensions and target weight
Resin grade and filling temperature
IML artwork, film and overlap position
Cavity target and hourly output
Injection machine specifications
IML robot and label-loading direction
Stacking, packing and acceptance method
Send what you have

Buyer FAQ

Questions to resolve before mould quotation

What products are included in the IML container mould category?+

The category can include yogurt and ice-cream cups, dairy tubs, 500ml buckets, 2L food pails, cheese boxes and other round or rectangular food containers. Each format needs a separate product, closure and automation review.

Is an IML container mould the same as a yogurt cup mould?+

No. A yogurt cup mould is one application. Larger buckets, handled pails and rectangular boxes have different projected area, stiffness, lid, robot, cooling and ejection requirements.

Can Hengqi coordinate the mould with an existing IML robot?+

Yes. Provide the robot model, label loading direction, arm or mandrel dimensions, mould-opening requirement and take-out sequence so cavity pitch and access can be reviewed before the mould layout is fixed.

How is the practical cavity count selected?+

Cavity count depends on product projected area and weight, machine shot capacity and tie-bar space, injection speed, cooling, robot cycle and the required hourly output. It should be calculated rather than copied from another package.

What should an IML mould acceptance trial include?+

Review cavity-to-cavity weight and dimensions, label position and adhesion, closure fit, wall stability, ejection, robot placement, stacking and an agreed period of continuous production under recorded settings.

Mould Manufacturing Capabilities

See the connected engineering, machining, hot runner, inspection and trial system.

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Mould Development Process

Follow the controlled route from product review and steel preparation to sample validation.

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Precision Machining Center

Review real CNC, five-axis, finishing and component evidence from Hengqi.

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CMM Inspection

Understand how functional datums and assembly-critical relationships are verified.

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Packaging Application Cases

Compare five package formats and move from an application idea to a quote-ready brief.

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Start with the actual package

A drawing, sample or pack concept is enough for the first engineering review.

Ask Hengqi engineering Contact page