What Is a Label Applicator Machine?

A label applicator machine makes it easy to apply pressure-sensitive labels to a product. They work with front of pack, wrap around, and tamper-evident labels.

The labeling method determines how the applicator will be used. The most common methods are Wipe-On and Air-Blow.

A wipe-on labeler uses an electric roller to touch the label onto a vacuum pad. This allows high accuracy and can position labels around corners, but has slower application rates.

Wipe-On

Wipe-On label applicator machines apply labels by wiping the adhesive onto the surface label applicator machine of containers. These pressure sensitive labeling machines are a great fit for many applications, especially those that require a high level of accuracy and repeatability. They can also save you time compared to hand labeling, making them a smart investment for businesses that need to turn out large numbers of units each day.

One example of a wipe-on labeler is the Mini-Con TB, which uses a center conveyor to feed products to the labeling heads for a fast, accurate application. This table top machine is easy to use, requires no special operator training or tools for product or label changeovers and features a digital touch screen panel with 5 programmable presets and a dwell setting that ensures consistent label placement. It also features a product and target counter, an 11 1/2 inch wide high friction conveyor that makes it perfect for most applications and extra large roll capacity.

Another option is the ALS 2x Series standalone labelers, which are designed for simple labels on flat or slightly curved surfaces. These modular machines can be integrated into existing packaging systems or used as a pair to eliminate downtime for label roll changes. They are also washdown-rated, making them ideal for use in harsh environments, like protein processors. These labelers dispense 30-40% faster than standard tamp-style models.

Air-Blow

Label applicators stamp pre-printed labels onto products, such as box containers, bags, and drums. They are often automated and integrated into existing conveyor lines. They are designed to handle both flat and curved surfaces. They can also add a tamper-evident seal or additional information to the products.

Label-Aire’s high-speed air-blow pressure-sensitive labeling machine is designed for demanding applications that require versatility. It can be set up to label the front, back or top of products as well as side and wrap-around labels. It has a digital stepping motor drive that improves speed, increases reliability and reduces wear parts. It can also be used to print and apply labels for cording, compliance, pharmacy, cross-docking and other unique data labeling.

A new standard system, the PLC controlled Label-Aire Inline Series 6200, can be outfitted with any of Label-Aire’s 3100/3000 series applicators (wipe-on, air-blow or tamp-blow). The 6200 features a stainless steel cabinet based system and can be set up for heavy duty front/back/side panel or wrap labeling. It can also be configured with a label dispense station for two-side labeling of cylindrical products such as bottles, tubes, jars and clamshells.

Optical sensing bottle labeling is another feature available on some models of these applicators. This enables the machines to accurately position and dispensing label on even the most challenging of products. This is important for achieving maximum efficiency and accuracy in bottle labeling.

Roll-On

There are many label applicator machine models to choose from, depending on the size and shape of your products. LabelPack print and apply systems handle cold-glue, hot-melt and self-adhesive labels for round products or custom shapes, offering both semi-automatic and fully automatic options to help you move away from hand labeling.

The HC8XL is an efficient labeling machine for small or light products like jars, pre roll tubes, exit bags and boxes. It has an adjustable weighted roller designed to sit atop the product. This ensures that a label is always correctly aligned with the container. It can also save you time and money by storing calibration settings for multiple product runs.

This labeling machine is easy to use and is perfect for boutique and startup manufacturers who want to delete labor hours. It can accommodate a wide range of label widths and diameters and can accurately label both front and back labels at speeds up to 710 containers per hour. Its servo motor-driven label head provides precise positioning and a speed adjustable label separation component for correct bottle timing.

Krones modular labeling systems handle a wide variety of materials including cold-glue, hot-melt or self-adhesive labels for all types of bottles of glass and PET. They also offer a combination of different labeling techniques for the same container, helping you to find the most efficient and cost-effective solution. Whether you need to add a tamper-evident seal or add a graphic label, they can provide the perfect solution for your application.

Wrap-Around

Suitable for cylindrical products, this labeling machine applies a label applicator machine wholesale wrap-around label that covers the entire circumference of the product. It can be used to label bottles, jars, and tubes made of glass, plastic, and metal. It is also a good choice for products that need to be tamper-evident. This labeling machine can save money and time by eliminating the need for manual labeling.

When choosing a wrap-around label machine, it is important to consider your production volume. The machine should be able to handle the number of labels you need to apply per minute or hour, and it should also be compatible with your bottle sizes and shapes. It is also important to choose a label machine with an intuitive control interface and user-friendly design.

You should also ensure that the labeler you select is properly integrated into your bottling line. Obvious factors to consider include the overall labeler length, the working height of the conveyor, and upstream and downstream machine communications. Lastly, it is vital to have enough space for bottle accumulation before and after the labeler. Insufficient bottle accumulation can create a number of problems, including frequent stops and starts during production.

The labeling machine should be equipped with a printing system that prints product information such as barcodes, use-by dates, and batch numbers. In addition, you should look for a machine that has an adjustable product fixture and cradle for different-sized products. It should also be able to support multiple label sizes, including front and back labels.