Automatic Labelling Machine

Automatic Labelling Machines: An Overview of Their Operations, Types, Technology, Effectiveness & Applications

Whether it is food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or even industrial products the addition of a label not only provides brand recognition but also help with regulatory requirements and supply chain considerations. In the current competitive world, every company wants their packaging or labelling tasks to be done with high accuracy, efficiency and speed. One technology that allows for having excellence in this is the Automatic Labelling Machine.

What is an Automatic Labelling Machine?

An Automatic Labelling Machine is industrial machinery that has been developed to apply a label to a wide range of products, containers, packages or surfaces with no human intervention. An Automatic Labelling Machine can apply a label at high speed without compromising accuracy or consistency throughout batches of production.

They can apply labels, depending on the design of the machine, to flat, round, oval, and irregularly shaped containers and products. Some machines will be a stand-alone unit while others will have a place in an existing production line.

How Does It Work?

Automatic labelling machines use a variety of mechanical and electronic systems to dispense and attach labels accurately to products. Typically, the process flow would look something like this:

• Product Feed-in: Products are automatically fed into the labelling area through a conveyor or rotor.
• Label Dispensing: The machine receives label information from a label roll or printing system. The label is peeled off and now ready to be placed.
• Label Application: The machine places the label onto the product by applying pressure, a roller, or an air-blowing mechanism based on the type of machine used.
• Product Discharge: The labelled products are sent on to the next stage of the packaging process or to the inspection area.

More advanced machines may also include vision systems to confirm the presence of the proper label, printing modules to include variable data, and sensors that auto-detect the sizes of the products being labelled and the speeds at which they are moving through the labelling machine.

Types of Automatic Labelling Machines

There are many different types of automatic labelling machines that can be selected, depending on what packaging work is required:

• Wrap-Around Labelling Machine: Wrap-around labelling machines are specific to cylindrical containers. Wrap-around labelling machines work by applying a single label that wraps around the entire circumference of the product.
• Front and Back Labelling Machines: Front and back labelling machines apply labels to the front and back of a container and are usually for bottles, jars, and boxes. Container applications typically lie in the food, beverage, and personal care industries.
• Top and Bottom Labelling Machines: These machines apply product labels, designed for flat products such as boxes, pouches or trays, on one of the flat surfaces, either on the top or bottom.
• Print and Apply Labelling Machines: These machines print a label "on-the-fly" in real time, and apply it immediately after printing. Shipping labels, barcodes or batch information labels work great on these machines.
• Rotary Labelling Machines: These are used for high-speed production line applications; a container is rotated in the machine and the labelling is completed with the product still in motion. These are common applications in the beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Top Benefits of Automatic Labelling Machines

• Increased Efficiency: In comparison to manual labelling, automatic labelling can greatly increase speed of production. Depending on the type and model of the labelling machine you purchase, the machine may label hundreds, or thousands, of products per hour!
• Consistency and Precision: They provide consistent and precise application of labels, ensuring that you do not have discrepancies and/or errors; ultimately improving the overall appearance of your finished product.
• Money Savings: For all the automatic labelling machines you need to look at the initial investment, you will find savings in labor costs, and also reduce the amount of labels wasted, which helps your long-term financial savings.
• Improved Branding and Legality: Proper labelling is critical for branding, legal requirements, and full traceability. An automatic machine will make sure that the information printed is clear and in the right location.

Industries Using Automatic Labelling Machines

Automatic labelling machines are used in many industries, including:

• Pharmaceutical: The labelling of tablets, syrups, and medical devices will necessitate tamper-evident labels and batch labels.
• Food and Beverage: Bottles, cans, jars, and packaged foods are a few items that need labels.
• Cosmetics and Personal Care: Products like perfume, lotion, and shampoo may require labels.
• Logistics and Retail: Printing bar codes, shipping labels, and tracking information.
• Chemical and Industrial Products: Oils, paints, and industrial solvents will require discrete labelling.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. Label misalignment

Solution: Use superior sensors, routinely calibrate the machine, and ensure consistent product feeding.

1. Label curling or peeling

Solution: Use quality labeling stocks, ensure the label material matches product surface, and the dispensing tension at the time of application.

1. Inconsistent speeds

Solution: Ensure that labeling speeds align with the feeding rate of the conveyor and the product feeding speeds.