Essential And Exciting Facts About Labeling Machines!

What Is A Labeling Machine?

Labeling machines come in a range of designs, from high-production devices designed for automation to simpler dispensers designed for manual use. Basically, labeling machines are devices that use printing and label application methods to apply a label on a product. Automated systems can do little or no human intervention.

What Are Labeling Machines Used For?

A labeling machine is used to apply a label to a product. It consists of at least a label printer and a dispensing unit. A number of options are available for applying the labels, such as pneumatic, electric, by airjet or by traveling. The machine applies the labels using either a direct printing process or a combined print-and-apply process. A dispensing mechanism is used to rotate the label around a rotating stationary labeling die. Labeling machines are used to apply labels to products, individual packages, cartons, boxes and pallets in order to mark these unique objects and later to identify them clearly.

What Is A Fully Automatic Labeling Machine?

With a fully automatic labeling machine, which finds its use in all industrial labeling tasks, the labels are automatically applied to the products during the packaging process. Fully automatic labeling machines can optionally be equipped with a separator, aligner, stabilizer, verifier and rejector.

What Is A Semi-Automatic Labeling Machine?

Semi-automatic labeling machines can be used to label a wide range of items, including products, packaging, etc., with different types of self-adhesive labels. For labeling small quantities and batch numbers, they are by far the best solution. In areas where manual labelling is not feasible, semi-automatic labeling machines are often used to provide labeling with minimal human labor. It only takes a few steps to insert the product into the machine, and labeling begins manually. Afterward, the product is then removed by hand. Semi-automatic labeling machines can work at a faster rate than semi-automatic label dispensers.

How Does A Labeling Machine Work?

Labels on rolls are first inserted into the labeling system. If they are preprinted than they only have to be dispensed onto the product or packaging. Otherwise, you will need an integrated print engine, which prints the labels before you applicate them onto the product or packaging. A carrier film holds adhesive labels, which are then detached via a dispensing edge. All semi-automatic and fully automatic labeling machines handle the dispensing process by themselves. The label may need to be supported by compressed air when peeling off the label roll to prevent it from slipping or wrinkling. An extendable dispensing arm, roller, or brush are used to apply the label finally to the surface after it has been applied. Here are some options for application methods:

• Motion labeling or travelling adapter for a labeling in a continuous flow
• Pneumatic adapter or electrical adapter for an application at standstill
• Air jet adapter for a contactless labeling in a continuous flow

What Does A Labeling System Consist Of?

A labeling system consists of hardware, a so-called labeling machine, and the labeling software.

To label a product, hardware is the first component. Typically, this is a labeling machine that is integrated into the manufacturer's product line to make the labeling process more effective. Of course, fully automatic labeling machines that operate completely independently are also available.

The second component of a labeling system is the labeling software. Labeling software is used to create and design labels. With professional labeling software, users can create a variety of labels, including barcode labels and QR codes. For this, the labeling software is used to enter information. To encode the information, the software converts it into the format chosen by the user. Apart from uploading images, the labeling software also allows you to customize the shape and size of the label.

What Types Of Labeling Systems Are Available?

Labeling systems can be divided into printing and application systems, dispensing systems and direct printing systems.

Labeling systems that allow labels to be printed and applied are usually referred to as print and apply systems. This is a labeling system equipped with a printer and a dispenser.

The dispensing system consists solely of labeling machines capable of applying labels to products. After the labels are pre-printed and placed in the labeling machine, they are automatically applied to products. This is where the label dispenser comes into play.

Direct print systems, are labeling machines that do not require automatic production of labels. These systems are able to mark the products directly. These products are printed with thermal transfer foil direct printers, ink jet printers or a hot stamping machine.

What Is A Wrap Around Labeling System?

Wrap-around labeling systems can apply labels to cylindrical products by rolling them onto the surface of the container. It is less complex than many other alternatives and the results are quite comparable. Wrap-around labels dominate the bottle market, but this type of label can be applied to almost any container. It maximizes the printable space by wrapping the label around the container. When labeling beverages, you can fit all the product information you need on a single label. The label is applied in a single operation, saving you time and money.

What Use Cases Are Available For Wrap Around Labeling Systems?

Round Bottles

Wrap-around labeling systems are most commonly used for round bottles. These labels can be found practically anywhere, from medicine bottles to wine bottles.

Vials

Wrap-around labels increase the surface area of small injection vials, allowing you to add enough information despite their small size.

Pharmaceuticals

With a wrap-around labeler and print engine, you can print and apply custom labels to prescription pharmaceutical bottles.

Beer cans

Special labels allow you to produce cans with a wrap-around labeler with a similar appearance to printed cans with reduced volume and equipment costs. This makes wrap-around labeling a great option for seasonal and limited edition products.

What Is A Corner Wrap Labeling Machine?

Corner wrap labeling systems are used when a single label needs to be applied to adjacent surfaces.

This method is highly accurate when you need, for example, a label for the front face and a label for the adjacent side faces or, for example, a label for the side faces and the back. Corner wrap label applications are great for marking outer packaging and pallets. This makes them the ideal solution for a range of industries. In production, you can print crisp labels to mark your products, including pallets used for delivery to retail stores, for example. With this print and apply system, you'll increase your efficiency without sacrificing quality, giving you a better return on investment.

How Does Corner Wrap Labeling Work?

• A product detect sensor is able to track your case or pallet as it travels on a conveyor.
• Once the product is detected, the label is distributed to a 90 degree vacuum grid to wait for the product to contact it.
• The label is applied to the front edge as it runs into the applicator
• The applicator rolls around the corner as the product moves, adhering the remaining label to the side.
• In order to protect the label's complete application, the label is then transferred over a secondary roller system.

What Is Pallet Labeling?

Pallet labeling is the process of applying labels on pallets in order to make them labeled. The barcode according to SSCC-GS1 specifies automatic labelling of logistics and transport units such as pallets, shipping cartons, reusable transport containers, etc.

How Does Pallet Labeling Work?

With automated pallet labeling systems, filled pallets are labeled in many different ways. A label is created, it is printed, and it is applied to the pallet. Given the distance from label print source and a pallet load, these machines are usually equipped with arms that extend toward the pallet film. Each label is printed by a label printer and held by a vacuum pad on the arm. The pad is firmly attached to the pallet's film surface in order to move to its proper position, usually by chain drive. The vacuum pad receives a printed label, which is then applied by swinging out to the pallet load.

Nowadays, complete traceability of products is essential, which is why smart pallet labeling is of great interest.

What Is A Label Dispenser?

With label dispensers pre-printed labels are applied to a product precisely and quickly during the run or at standstill. Label dispensers are robust and can be used for many labeling tasks. Labels can be applied from the top to the bottom, front, and back. For example, a label dispenser is useful if the label is to be printed with a consecutive number.

What Is A Label Printing Dispenser?

Label printing dispensers print labels and dispense them, so they are a combination of label printer and label dispenser. After you print the label, it is applied to products, boxes, or other packaging. Label dispensers make it possible to applicate variable data in a simple way. Because of their design, they are flexible enough to be used in any production situation.

With the modular design, numerous printing modules can be integrated into the labeling system. With the wide range of applications available to us, almost every labeling requirement can be met. It is possible to convert your previous labeling task into a new one in a few simple steps.

What Is Cross Web Label Labeling Machine?

Cross web labeling machines are popular among those who require high-speed and high-accuracy labeling on thermoformed packaging. The labels on these types of thermoformed packaging can be precisely applied on the top or bottom of the package. Cross web labelers can work with a variety of labels, so you choose the type and format you want. Cross web advanced labeling machines fit medical and food industries, making them a popular choice.

What Are The Benefits Of Cross Web Labeling Machines?

• Easily integrated with existing packaging machinery.
• Super hygienic, easy to clean, and water resistant.
• Labels can be printed quickly on any packaging and roll changes can be made rapidly.
• Label positioning and accuracy are exceptionally precise.
• Robust and durable, minimal maintenance and downtime required.

How Much Does A Labeling Machine Cost?

Although a labeling system can be run manually as well, most of the machines are semi-automatic and the most expensive ones are fully automatic.

Semi-automatic labeling machines start at around 10 thousand Swiss francs and range further to several hundred thousand Swiss francs for fully automatic labeling systems.

What Factors Affect The Labeling Machine Cost?

Everything depends on the requirements that your future labeling system should fulfill.

• Manual, semi-automatic, fully automatic, based on the mode of operation
• The production rate: the number of labeled products per hour or minute
• The size of the labels or tags
• Label position: on the bottom, top, or sides of the product

Likewise, the shape of the surface to be labeled can affect the choice. Labeling machines with semi-automatic operation allow labels to be applied without wrinkles in cylindrical and conical products such as bottles and jars. Semi-automatic labeling gives you not only the most efficient labeling speed, but also the most precise labelling. With no manual labels applied, your finished product looks elegant and aesthetic.

Using fully automatic labeling machines saves companies money in workshop space because of the small size and footprint. Compared to manual labeling, automatic labeling machines require less human resources to perform uninterrupted work, and they produce high returns and are more efficient. Additionally, the automatic labeling machine labeling accuracy is also very high, therefore, no errors are encountered. Easy to operate and easy to clean, the automatic labeling machine is also simple to use. Machines that are labeled automatically are corrosion resistant, durable, long service life, and robust. The emergence of fully automatic labeling machines, according to industry insiders, has radically simplified the production process.

Where Can I Buy High Quality Labeling Systems?

It's all about maximizing the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of complete production lines. In order to ensure this, it is necessary to mark large quantities precisely at high cycle rates.

WILUX PRINT has been developing and manufacturing labelers and labeling systems to Swiss quality standards for over 40 years. WILUX offers a wide range of standard and customized machines. Industry, logistics, or trade companies - we optimize workflows, shorten processes, simplify handling, and save costs with our labeling solutions. Our self-adhesive label application systems are guaranteed to meet quality, flexibility, connectivity, and support requirements. Having a long history of consulting, implementation, service, and the ability to do things with success, we provide substantial value.

Get in touch with us!