Arcweb IM 220 In-Mould Label Coating, Blow Moulding
An in-mould label coating for extrusion blow moulding, where the longer heat contact and greater stretch at the label edge than in injection work make edge lift and print distortion the main risks. It holds a tighter surface resistivity window than IM 110.
Grade Arcweb IM 220 | Range Label and Shrink Sleeve Coatings | Technology Charge-retaining in-mould label coating; UV-curing acrylate for flexo, water-based dispersion for gravure
Technical Data Sheet
Arcweb IM 220
Issue 2026.09
1. Product description
A higher-specification in-mould coating for extrusion blow moulding, where the label is set into the open mould, the parison is extruded between the mould halves, the mould closes and the container is then blown against the label, giving longer heat contact and more stretch at the label edge than injection work. It holds a tighter resistivity window than IM 110 and resists edge lift and print distortion as the polymer flows. It is the grade specified where the container geometry is deep or the label wraps a shoulder.
2. Features
- Tighter surface resistivity window than IM 110
- Resists edge lift and print distortion as the parison is blown against the label
- Tolerates the longer heat contact of blow moulding
- Specified for deep containers and labels that wrap a shoulder
3. Recommended uses
In-mould labels on BOPP and PE stock for extrusion blow-moulded HDPE and PP containers, particularly deep containers and labels that wrap a shoulder.
Substrates. BOPP and PE in-mould face stock for HDPE and PP containers
4. Typical properties
| Property | Typical value | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | Charge-retaining in-mould label coating; UV-curing acrylate for flexo, water-based dispersion for gravure | Formulation |
| Appearance | Clear liquid curing or drying to a clear film | Visual |
| Non-volatile content | 98 to 100 per cent by weight, UV version; 30 to 40 per cent by weight, water-based version | ISO 3251 (water-based version); ASTM D5403, Test Method A (UV version) |
| Supply viscosity | 200 to 500 mPa.s, rotational, at 25 °C, UV version; 20 to 35 s, 4 mm flow cup, at 23 °C, water-based version | ISO 2884-1 (UV version); ISO 2431, 4 mm orifice (water-based version) |
| Surface resistivity | Held within one decade inside 1 x 10^12 to 1 x 10^14 ohm per square, positioned for the customer's placement system; confirm charge hold and single de-nesting at the humidity of the customer's moulding hall | ASTM D257, after conditioning at 23 °C and 50 per cent relative humidity |
| Coefficient of friction, coated face to reverse face | Static 0.20 to 0.50, kinetic 0.15 to 0.45, set within this window for de-nesting on the placement system | ASTM D1894 |
| Rub and scuff resistance | 200 to 400 cycles under a 2 lb, 0.91 kg, weight without pick or print removal | ASTM D5264 |
| Block resistance, stacked labels | No picking or transfer after 16 h at 40 °C under 10 kPa | ISO 4622 |
| Behaviour in the mould | No edge lift or print distortion under the customer's parison temperature, blow pressure and cycle time | Customer or supplier protocol |
Typical values, not a specification. Values for each batch are given on its Certificate of Analysis.
5. Application
| Parameter | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Application method | UV flexo (UV version) or gravure (water-based version) |
| Surface preparation | Corona treat BOPP and PE stock in line where it is not top-coated; confirm wetting tension to ASTM D2578 |
| Dilution | UV version supplied ready for use and not diluted; water-based version adjusted only with small additions of water where needed |
| Applied dry coat weight | 1.0 to 2.0 g/m² |
| Drying or cure | UV version cured by mercury or UV LED lamps; water-based version dried with hot air. For the UV version, state the lamp type, and for UV LED the peak wavelength, when ordering, because the photoinitiator package is matched to the lamp; confirm surface cure at the die on the lamp in use. |
| Placement | Label set into the open mould before the parison is extruded and the mould closes, held by applied charge, vacuum or both |
| Qualification | Edge hold, seating and print distortion are confirmed on the customer's blow moulding line and container before the grade is released to a specification |
Process. UV flexo or gravure; extrusion blow moulding with in-mould placement
6. Storage and handling
Store in the original closed container at 5 to 25 °C, away from direct sunlight; keep the water-based version clear of frost and the UV version away from UV light sources. Shelf life is stated on the label and Certificate of Analysis. Handle and use the product in line with its Safety Data Sheet.
7. Safety and regulatory information
Read the Safety Data Sheet before use. Safety Data Sheets and regulatory declarations are issued by our technical centre against the product and batch supplied, so they are sent on request rather than published. Request a Safety Data Sheet or declaration.
This Technical Data Sheet is published for on-screen reference. The information is given in good faith from laboratory and application experience and describes typical values; it is not a specification and does not replace a trial on your own substrate and line. Arctic Materials may revise this sheet without notice. Issue 2026.09.
Technical Data Sheets on this site are for on-screen viewing. For a controlled copy, write to tech@arcticmaterials.com.
Other grades in this range
Need a Safety Data Sheet, a regulatory declaration or a grade specified to your line? Contact our technical centre.