Do you want to develop and simplify your business operations while marketing your products? Now that you have your professional roll labels, the next step is matching what you have with the suitable applicator to make the finishing process faster.
The correct label applicator can help you automate your labeling process, cut labeling expenses, or improve uniformity in operation.
What Is a Label Applicator?
Just as the name suggests, a label applicator is a machine used to apply labels on product packages, bottles, containers, or drums. The applicators are preloaded with rolls of label materials, which are subsequently applied to the items.
There are two basic classes of label applicators. These are ones that apply preprinted labels and those that print on the labels before applying them to the products.
Professional product labels are typically created by a label maker who then integrates the label printing with an apply-only label application system.
Types of Label Applicators
Label applicators are divided into three major types, each of which may be configured to handle either a print-and-apply or apply-only system:
- Stand-alone applicators
- Integrated automated applicators
- Semi-automated applicators
Semi-Automated Applicators
The semi-automated label applicator has a jig assembly where an operator inserts a product. The label is then automatically applied using a sensor that’s in the machine or manually using a foot pedal.
Integrated Automated Applicators
New label application technologies have emerged to automate and simplify the labeling process at a lower cost in recent years. A comprehensive system has been developed in the form of an integrated automatic label applicator that is premade and incorporated into the manufacturer’s product handling system.
Products move via a transmission system in these configurations, where the applicator head then attaches the labels to each of them. They can either utilize an inline operating mode, which automatically places items on the carrier or an out of line operating mode, which places them manually on the conveyor for labeling.
Stand-Alone Label Applicators
Stand-alone label applicators are simple labeling assemblies that may be used with a current or third-party product handling system or mounted directly on a conveyor or other equipment with a mobile head mount. In addition, these applicators adhere the package label to 3 different methods:
● Air-blow
An electric fan generates a vacuum in this process, which allows the label to be correctly placed on a grid. A pneumatic solenoid delivers a regulated burst of compressed air as the product passes beneath the grid, attaching the label to the product.
● Tamp-blow
Tamp-blow applicators, like air-blow applicators, employ a vacuum to keep the label on a grid and a pneumatic solenoid to deliver a burst of air to attach the label to the product. It varies from the air-blow approach in that a pneumatic tamp cylinder is used to bring the grid closer to the product.
● Wipe-on
Wipe-on labeling is the most popular pressure-sensitive labeling application method. When the product passes the applicator’s dispensing edge, the label is applied. A brush or a roller is used to apply the label.
Important Factors to Consider While Choosing a Label Applicator
When purchasing a label application system, please make sure that it is compatible with your product and business. The following are some crucial factors to consider:
- Label location: Applicators should be able to correctly apply the label to the proper portion of your product, regardless of its form or shape.
- Precision requirements: The label applicator must meet all your label placement accuracy tolerances.
- Application rate requirements: Industrial label applicators must satisfy your production rate needs and be adaptable to accommodate output increases or decreases.
- Label materials: Your labeling equipment should be compatible with your choice of label materials, whether it is foil, film, or paper.
- Label shape and size: The applicators must all accommodate the width, length, and shape of your labels.
- Product surface: The applicator must consider the surface and substance of the product, whether it is level, convex, concave, textured, slippery, or otherwise.
