How an Automatic Labeling Machine Works
Labeling machines increase production efficiency and quality while reducing the risk of human errors. This eliminates the need to hire additional employees and allows facilities to scale up production without sacrificing quality.
However, purchasing a new labeling machine is an investment and requires physical space on the production floor and staff training. Learn more about this labeling machine to decide if it’s right for your business.
The Label Applicator
When a product leaves the manufacturing plant it needs to be labeled with key details that will identify it for shipment or storage. While this can be done by hand, using an automatic labeling machine is more efficient and ensures the information is printed accurately and firmly attached to the container.
The machine takes data from a computer and prints the label for application to the product. It can be a modified industrial printer or a custom element designed by the label applicator manufacturer. There are a few different ways that this can be integrated into your system and it’s best to speak with an expert to discover which is best for your operation.
In addition to a standard print engine, an applicator can be fitted with various label or product tracing/sensing/control devices to enable it to dispense automatic labeling machine a label in response to an actual container. This may include photocells with reflector mirrors, transmitter/receivers, proximity switches, spot color readers or micro-switches depending on the application.
When choosing an applicator you should consider the labeling rates it supports, accuracy and location. You will want to find one that will work with a variety of product surfaces including flat, slick, textured and concave. You will also need to consider the speed it works at and whether or not it can maintain a consistent application rate throughout the line.
The Print Engine
The print engine is the component that performs the printing function in a labeling system. It has several components including the main roll of labels, a liner, and a label application device. The print engine also contains the printing heads that actually put ink onto the paper (either thermal or piezoelectric).
When selecting a print engine for an automated labeling system, it is important to pay close attention to several factors that are not typically listed on sales literature or specification sheets. These factors are crucial to the successful operation of your machine and should be factored into the selection process.
Print engines used in print and apply applications are vastly different “animals” than desktop printers, which typically see bursts of low volume label production with long periods of idle time. High-performance print and apply labelers operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week in a production environment, which requires robust and durable hardware components.
SATO’s A-Class Mark II print engine is designed for these demanding applications with stainless steel hardware components and a modular design for easy maintenance. The engine features an advanced firmware architecture, high-performance electronics and a wide range of industry standard communications interfaces. A-Class Mark II also supports RFID encoding at the point of print, which is generally preferred to avoid potential mismatch between printed and encoded information on the label.
The Conveyor System
Conveyor systems move materials from one point to another in a continuous flow within a warehouse or factory. They are a common part of automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) and help to streamline production and material handling. The system can be customized in a number of ways to fit the needs of the facility automatic labeling machine supplier or industry including different belts, rollers, bearings and motors. It can also be integrated with sensors to improve overall efficiency and safety.
The conveyor system can be set up to work well with AutoStore Workstations (Ports) and Grids, allowing staff to stand at their Port and pick orders from cartons that are automatically routed to a conveyor that transports them to the appropriate destination. This dramatically reduces picking time and enhances productivity. It also minimizes product damage, improves ergonomics and helps to avoid safety hazards such as falls.
To prevent accidents, conveyors are equipped with safety features such as guardrails and barriers that prevent items from falling off the conveyor or blocking the conveyor line. They are also regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and must meet government safety requirements. Regular inspections of the conveyor system ensure that these safety measures are working properly. A conveyor system can be a great solution for automating your business but it is important to thoroughly evaluate the capabilities of the system to make sure it is a good fit for your company.
The HMI
The HMI is the operating panel and monitoring screen that allows you to see everything your machine is doing. It works by connecting to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) to get real-time information about your system and display it on the HMI. This helps reduce human error by allowing you to monitor your production line in a much easier way.
HMIs allow you to increase your manufacturing efficiency and improve the quality of your products. They can provide a central location for all your data and allow you to connect with SCADA, ERP, and MES systems. They also make it easy to manage alarms and connect to cloud-based systems. As a result, they can help you lower production costs and increase your bottom line.
You’ll typically find HMIs on displays in your facility such as a desktop monitor, tablet, or dashboards integrated into other equipment. You’ll also find them in the form of an independent terminal or standalone computer. The size of an HMI will vary depending on what it needs to do and your facility’s space constraints.
The first step in designing an HMI is to decide what information you want to view and monitor, what “buttons” can be pushed, and how they should look. Next, you’ll need to design your HMI using the right software. Different manufacturers have their own version of the software, so it’s important to choose the one that fits your needs.