LabelOn™ Labeler Machines

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Keeping Your Old Bottle Labelling Machine – Is it Worth It?

Labelling Machine for Bottles – Old VS New

As belts tighten, there are plenty of product manufacturers who choose to hold onto old-line labelling equipment thinking to get the best performance they can out of it. Some would choose to pick up old bottle labelling machine from auctions or simply hold onto their existing equipment well beyond their use-by date. 

old bottle labelling machine
old bottle labelling machine

Although there are some instances when good quality bottle labelling machines can be picked up for good value at auctions and fire sales, there are many more times when these become money pits or bottlenecks to business operations. It is wise to remember that in a packaging line, it can take only one piece of machinery to diminish the value and capacity of all the other working pieces of production. 

Whereas many parts of the production line, e.g., packaging equipment, are effectively not electronic in their nature, bottle labelling machines are. If with the former, it is alright to use older equipment as these are close in function and performance to newer models, this is not the same with labelling machinery. Good automatic bottle labelling machines have electronic speed control, speed synchronization and advanced electronic control menus for storing job parameters and making fine performance adjustments. All of these aspects may be compromised, or not included at all, with older machines.

 

The LabelOn™ Range

Labeler Machine CostThe LabelOn™ range of bottle labelling machines is a good example of what these current machines can incorporate. When a LabelOn™ labelling machine is compared with a machine six years or older, these machines’ operators quickly realize the cost in production time and efficiency that the older models have caused. The operators may even notice the significant increase in precision in label application and the final products’ appearance accomplished by the newer machine. And with any job requiring good labelling equipment and competent operators, there will most definitely be an increase in staff confidence when they are provided with good, well-functioning label equipment that can meet the expectations of the workload. 


Cost of Maintaining Old Labelling Machines

Another important aspect to consider is that, like old cars, packaging equipment becomes less reliable and more expensive to maintain the older they get. If you find yourself being quoted hundreds or thousands of dollars for equipment parts for your old labelling machine, it may be your wake-up call to determine the more cost-effective measure: release yourself from the shackles of the old machine. 

Another dilemma you may also find yourself in with using older, no-longer-functional models are when your old bottle labelling machine causes a big traffic jam in your line. This could result in your overall production and throughput being lowered. Once you find that hopeful emails and calls for technical support come by more and more frequently as you try to salvage your old labelling machine, it may just be high time for you to look into some newer, more decent equipment. 

Modern bottle labelling machines like our LabelOn™ Range make use of today’s more advanced technology. We are able to set your machinery for a large range of different shapes and sizes of products while still retaining that feel as if every job it does has been accomplished by a machine perfectly tailored for that specific job. 

 

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Labeler Consistent Product Movement

Labeler Machine

A labeler machine can be a masterpiece of forethought and engineering. Although two machines can look very similar to one another, the difference lies in the engineering and evolution of the machine’s development. One of the aspects in which this “character” shines through is with one of the more critical and challenging functions of the label applicator: orientation of the products prior to labeling.

This begins with the labeler machine’s product sensor. From the point of product sensing to label application, there is a programmed delay before the label is fed. This ensures that the label contacts appropriately with the surface of the product. Two identical bottles can end up with very different label placements if they enter and move through the machine with different alignments or a slight tilt.


Flat Bottle Labeling

Flat-sided bottles are usually the easiest to initially align. Label applicator machines that cater to this type of bottle have guide rails on either side of the conveyor to provide near-identical alignment for the bottles. These rails are also placed to allow for a brush to wipe on the self-adhesive labels on the bottles. The wiping action can retard or knock a bottle over especially if it is empty or lightweight, so having these guide rails prevents any mishaps from occurring.

Flat Sided Containers
Flat Sided Containers

If two labels (front and back) are applied to a flat-sided bottle, any disruption to the smooth and continuous flow of the bottle as they pass both heads can result in significant label placement variation and possible label creasing. This is another reason for the guide rails. They maintain smooth product flow through the label applicator and align the bottles as they move through the conveyor. These bottles are then clamped from the main conveyor onto an overhead one for the remainder of the labeling process. 

If you were to compare different jar labeler machines, you may think that they all do identical jobs with their main and overhead conveyors and guide rails, but as the “characters” of labeler machines and the ingenuity behind them, there are nuances that must be considered depending on the size and dimensions of the product. With our range of LabelOn™ machines, these variations as well as the specific designs needed to accommodate them, are all taken into account.


Oval Bottle Labeling

Oval Bottle Labeling MachineUnlike flat-sided bottles, oval bottles need more than just guide rails to align them for consistent passage passed the labeling heads. With only one point of contact on the radius of each side of each bottle, these oval-shaped containers are quite free to pivot to one side or the other. This can result in significant variations in label placement and possible label creasing during the wipe down. To align such oval bottles, there are a number of options available:

The method most commonly employed is using Aligning Chains, as these supply a module that can align a significant range of oval products without the need for changing parts each time you switch the product you’re working on.


Round Bottle Labeling

Wrap LabelerWhile it may appear less critical how a round bottle is oriented prior to its labeling, in most cases the bottle will need to enter into an area where it is spun while a label wraps around it. The round bottle has to commence this spin smoothly to allow for precise labeling. This action will also need to be predictable from bottle to bottle. 

For round bottle labeling, guide rails are also employed for alignment purposes but one also needs to take into consideration the speeds of the two conveyors involved. The issue of mismatched speeds is remedied however because the geometry of the round bottle is such that if you spin its surface at twice the speed of the conveyor it sits upon, the base of the bottle will continue to move at the same speed as the conveyor. 

It is these little subtleties that differentiate good labeler machine designs from subpar ones. When you contemplate purchasing a label applicator machine, consider how it is designed for straightforward intuitive adjustments to guarantee highly consistent product movement through your labeler machine.

 

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Questions Labeling Machine Supplier Would Ask Before Giving You a Price

Your Labeling Machine Supplier

Whenever a labeling machine supplier or representative would quote you for a job, it is only responsible for them to find out all that they can about your work and then quote you a fair price depending on the speed you need to have this work done for you, along with what is known as a “contingency factor”. These factors are unforeseen and cannot be accurately predicted. If all goes to plan, then you get a good labeling machine delivered at a fair price. 

A more experienced labeling machine supplier is able to approach a job properly, with enough knowledge of possible contingency factors which may arise. This experience ensures that you—the client—get a fair price without you nor the supplier needing to compromise at a later time. Such experienced labelling machine suppliers are even able to minimize the unknowns in a job. 

labeling machine supplier

Supplying your company with self-adhesive labeling equipment requires this experience, as well as good communication between the supplier/manufacturer and the client. It is important to keep in mind that the first step in the process is – identifying your needs and what issues may arise, even before moving on to the quotation and the eventual supply phase. This will decrease any contingency factors in the future. The less information your potential supplier “requires” before they provide you with a quote, the more likely is the possibility of higher contingency factor pricing added to your initially agreed upon price. 

This is why we at LabelOn™ pursue a thorough process with our clients. We help you by identifying your needs prior to giving you a quote for the labelling machine you need. Those looking for a fast budget figure from LabelOn™ will be given a realistic pricing range that will be narrowed down at the time when a formal quotation process can be commenced. 

So what will your self-adhesive labeling machine supplier need to know about your product?

  • Bottle Shape – For self-adhesive labeling machines, the shape of the bottle is one of the first things your potential labeling machine maker will ask. Bottle shapes are classified into flat-sided, oval, and round. Within the round classification, there are cylindrical and tapered bottles, and some even need an orientation feature. This feature allows for the labeling of the products even in the presence of handles, flat panels, or markings on the bottle.

Bottle Quality Issues Image

  • Bottle Size – Bottle sizes are defined by their height, length, and thickness. For round bottles, size is usually determined by height and diameter to better describe the bottles’ dimensions.

 

  • Bottle Label – With labeling machines, bottle labels are dispensed in rolls which should fit with the machine you will purchase. The range of label roll diameters and heights is important information needed in any machine proposal.

 

  • Label Panel – Label panels are the areas on the bottles where the labels are expected to be placed. Some panels are recessed on the bottle’s surface—an important factor to consider especially for round bottles. These panels also need to be noted to understand if there is enough room left for label placement for the bottle shape even when typical variations in bottle dimensions are encountered.

 

  • Number of Labels – This factor is especially important for round bottles. Some bottles require only one label but depending on your product, it may be necessary to have more than one. For round bottles, a wrap-around configuration may need to be determined early on in your inquiry process.

Product Labels

Product Labeling

Product labeling does involve more than just understanding the products and their labels. The process also requires an understanding of the production environment and its requirements. An experienced labeling machine supplier will also inquire about the available space in your production line, the height of your existing conveyors, and the speed of any other inline equipment. Even the skill of the operators is assessed as this can affect the minimum level of equipment that can be offered. 

Labeling Machine Manufacturer

Before you approach a labelling machine supplier about their labeling equipment range and options, it is a good idea to obtain a quick budget range of pricing. If the price range proposed works for you, then ensure that most of the above-listed considerations are thoroughly covered in your labeling machine manufacturer supplier’s price quote. Based on the information presented, you will then be ready to make the best decision for your business.

 

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Label Machine – The First Step to In-Line Manufacturing

An increase in demand for your product will most definitely mean a need for an upgraded label machine for bottles to cater to your labeling needs. For growing businesses, these labeling machines are often the first piece of in-line machinery purchased to increase production output. 

The most common steps in manufacturing a product ready for retail generally include filling the container, capping, sealing, labeling, and finally, packaging the products for distribution. In cases necessitating a boost in production, having even just one of these steps automated can significantly impact your manufacturing productivity and output. Maximizing results through automating where you can certainly help you meet your production goals.

Bottle Label Machine

Labeler MachinesWhile all of these steps can technically be done by hand, one of the most cumbersome and often frustrating tasks is applying self-adhesive labels to the products by hand. Sometimes the shape of the product, coupled with the aggressive nature of the label adhesive can make this task even more daunting. This is why employing the prowess of a good bottle label machine can be the difference between an efficient, smooth-running production line and one which is constantly plagued by lackluster performance.

Depending on the expected growth of your production, semi-automated labeling may already be enough. If however, you expect growth to be more rapid or production numbers to soar, skipping semi- for a fully automatic labeling machine for bottles can move your product’s performance to a more professional level of packaging consistency as well as augment production times and lower labor costs per unit. 

Semi-Automatic Bottle Label Machine

As with any significant change in the production process, there are pros and cons to first using a semi-automated labeling machine for jars and then eventually opting for an upgraded version in the future.

Some of the advantages of fully utilizing the semi-automation phase first include the following:

  • Choosing to invest first in semi-automation allows a slower, easier-to-digest way of understanding the workings and variables of each manufacturing step before you decide to spend more on full automation.
  • Once you decide to upgrade to full automation, you will still have your semi-automated labeling machine for bottles as a temporary backup in case of in-line equipment problems.
  • You will have a much-needed label applicator that can be set up for small runs faster, without interrupting larger jobs being accomplished by your future in-line equipment.

On the other hand, here are some disadvantages of using semi-automated labeling machines first:

  • You will need to shell out extra overall capital to upgrade to the in-line phase of packaging.
  • Implementation of automated production will take a longer time.

Getting The Label Placement Just Right

During the growth phase of your product, getting the label just right is of utmost importance. During this process, a good self-adhesive labeling machine will have the most impact on the look of the product, so it is a vital area to focus on. After all, first impressions are everything when competing to present your product. This is why using an automatic round bottle label machine is important, as wrinkled, crooked, or misplaced labels or even those with bubbles can be very hard to avoid when not using a label applicator. 

The LabelOn™ Modular Range of labeling machines were specifically built to give manufacturers versatility to do their jobs with minimal change parts and, in most cases, no change parts at all. This range of label machines for bottles provides you the feeling that these machines were designed specifically for each and every job you have—a feat not many label machines are capable of delivering. 

With LabelOn™ ‘s wide array of equipment, you have the accuracy and confidence you will need to address all of your labeling needs. 

 

label machine

 

 

 

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Small Label – Video Games Labelling Solutions

Label Applicator 

LabelOn™ machine technology is designed to cater to a variety of our clients’ needs. One specific application is LabelOn™ capacity to adapt and rise to the challenge of small-label applications for video game labelling. 

For our client’s specific needs, a LabelOn™ Top and Bottom Labeler Machine with some special features were adapted to meet the production needs and overcome hurdles in handling international goods—a challenge many businesses face. 

 

Small Label Applicator_Top and Bottom Labeling

This labelling machine was equipped with both a top and bottom labeler, as well as a side labeler placed in-line along with the two. A pneumatic magazine-style feeder was attached to this for automatic product feeding. 

The specific system was designed to place up to four labels onto video games and DVDs, providing a solution for the client’s predicament of needing to replace the rating labels on imported video games. With this system in place, the client was able to place local data and the rating labels they needed onto the video games without compromising the integrity of the products. The system made the client’s process more efficient, allowing them to buy the video games from large overseas suppliers and take advantage of high volume pricing without worrying about disruptions in the processing of the materials once they arrive in the client’s facilities. 

The client no longer needed to have the supplier make special label production runs for the video games. Instead, the client was able to merely “over-label” the overseas stock with labels that complied with local regulations. Based on the client’s estimates, the return on investment (including time and labor savings) on the purchase of the LabelOn™ labelling machinery was under 6 months. 


Labelling Machine Installation

LabelOn™ Labeler Machines were designed to be very easily understood. In the case of the client and their new machine, unpacking and setting up was a breeze even without automated machine knowledge or a manual. 

Capabilities of The Labeling Machine

  • Auto Label Flag Set Function

This intelligent feature of LabelOn™ technology ensures labels start and stop on the label station at the same place each and every time. It does this by accurately measuring the length of the label automatically. Where many older machines simply look for a gap between labels and then stopping there (a process that can lead to many erroneous results), the LabelOn™ machine both looks for this label gap and “knows” what it is looking for. 

  • Adjusting the Gap Sensor

The standard LabelOn™ Gap Sensor is auto-adjustable. This is the component that can automatically tell where the gap is between the labels. For this client, a custom gap sensor was made to deal with labels as small as 10 mm x 10 mm. The sensor was impressive in that it also had an auto-teach function. 

  • Short Production Runs—Multiple Labels

Our LabelOn™ Label Applicator Machine is impressive in its versatility. Depending on your production needs, it can provide anywhere from 500 to up to 20,000 pieces each time. This machine has fast change-over capabilities, thereby augmenting your production process without you worrying about time wasted on changing parts. 

  • Ticking All The Boxes

Our LabelOn™ label machines are not only accurate and precise but are intuitive to operate and are reliable enough that they can run production the same day the machine is delivered. You need not rely on testimonials from our satisfied clients; today is the day to try the LabelOn™ Top and Bottom Labeler Machine.

DVD Label Applicator

DVD Small Label Applicator

Earlier, we delivered a machine system comprising a Side Labeler for very small labels and a Top and Bottom labeler. The side labeler was placed in line with the top and bottom labeler.  The top and bottom labeller had two stations to label from the top and one station to label from the bottom.  A pneumatic magazine-style feeder was attached to the side labeler for Automated Product Feeding.

This system was designed to place up to four (4) labels on Video Games and DVDs. The client, one of Australia’s largest video game retailers, needed a solution to help them place local data and rating labels onto imported video games.

The client production runs vary from 500 pieces to 20,000 pieces each time. The LabelOn™ machine is designed for easy and fast product changes. Most people would think setting up four label heads and a magazine feeder to label only 500 pieces could not be worthwhile. After only a few hours of running their new equipment, this LabelOn™ client understood that it was both easy and worthwhile to change the machine over for their smallest production runs.

When a new LabelOn™ machine is installed it is good to know that it ticks the following boxes:

1.    Good looking machine
2.    Intuitive to operate
3.    Accurate
4.    Fast change-over
5.    Running production the same day it is delivered
6.    Satisfied clients willing to give a testimonial

 

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Label Applicators LabelOn™

LabelOn™ Automatic Label Applicators 

The importance of a label applicator machine for bottles cannot be overstated. The increase in demand for a product means a necessary increase in the product’s production — a fact that could overwhelm the production line if it is ill-prepared. A significant part of this process is the labeling of the commodities. A good label applicator machine can speed up production without compromising precision. With LabelOn™ ‘s lineup of Label Applicators, the ever-increasing demand for your production can be met, thanks to the impressive reliability of our labeling machines.

Label Applicator Machine for Bottles

When it comes to these label applicators for bottles, it only makes sense to use a machine capable of speed, efficiency, and accuracy. This accuracy stems from the label applicator machine’s core components and how they correlate with one another. From label feeding to product control, to product sensing and label control, once these factors are in tune with one another, then the label application process will be a success time and time again.

The LabelOn™ Label Applicator for bottles uses five-phase stepping motors to give the best combination of smooth label feed and high-resolution label-positioning control. Other label application machines only have two-phase motors; with their old design, it is no wonder that these equipment gets very hot and very noisy. They also have far fewer stop positions as they turn to dispense a label.

One of the primary hurdles that label applicators must surpass is variation in label placement. In the case of our label application machine, this variation is due to the variation in the products to be labelled themselves. Our machine can recognize these product variations easily because LabelOn™ ‘s label applicators are built to deal with instances like these with efficiency. 

LabelOn™ Modular Label Applicators

We have labeler machines of a modular type and can cater to a wide array of product shapes and sizes. When dealing with flat or oval bottles, the label applicator employs an Overhead Hold-Down Conveyor that goes beyond the design of most other equipment. This conveyor synchronizes with the main conveyor as well as the five-phase motors in the initial label feeding phase. The overhead conveyor itself is motor-driven and allows for accurate speed control with smooth, quiet, and cool operation. 

Label Applicator

The conveyor also has multiple independent spring-loaded plates positioned behind its belt. This allows for greater bottle or height variation of the products which pass through the label applicator machine for bottles. Without this important feature, even one slightly taller bottle on the conveyor belt could mean a reduction of the hold-down pressure needed by the bottle next to it. This could invariably affect the label accuracy of the succeeding bottle as pressure sensitivity is critical for smooth automatic label application when the label meets the container at the controlled and synchronized speed of the conveyor belt. 

This other aspect that LabelOn™ ‘s label applicator for jars delivers is its ability to adapt as the conveyor belts adjust their speeds. The labeling machine exhibits fine control over the speed by which the products are labeled—an important feature, especially for oval-sided bottle applications or high-angled surfaces. This is also especially important in conditions wherein bubbles of air tend to get trapped under the label and a wiper solution needs to be applied to dispel the bubbles. In most cases, the machine’s label feed is set to the optimum default ratio and speed, but you always have the option to exude control over the label application when needed. 

The LabelOn™ Labeling Systems

The LabelOn™ Label Applicator is a self-adhesive labeling machine that brings together experiences from around the world. The designers for LaberlOn™ have placed self-adhesive labeling equipment in facilities around the globe.

 

Easy Label Applicator Machine Set-Up

The ease of setting up the LabelOn™ label applicator machine is not an afterthought – it is a design target.  With the LabelOn™ Modular Labeling machine the label applicator can be configured to cater to one or two labels onto a round bottle or onto a flat bottle or onto a LabelOn™ or an oval sided bottle.  There is no point to have this versatility unless it is quick and easy to change versatility. The LabelOn™ labeler machine achieves fast and easy product changes with an insightful and efficient machine design.  Other labeler machines can take hours to change from one size to another whereas the LabelOn™ Modular can safely boast that it takes minutes to change from one job to a totally different shape and size label application.

Easy Labeling Machine Service

The ease of servicing a LabelOn™ Modular label machine is also a design target.  None of the electronics is “hard-wired” in place, all of the electronics are clearly labeled, modular, and can be removed with minimal tools using normal or even large-sized hands (not tiny hands on the end of impossibly thin arms).

The support of the LabelOn™ Modular label applicator is something that can be achieved from around the world or next door thanks to the records kept on each machine.  Prior to manufacturing, any updates are added to three-dimensional records which can be recalled in moments by our team.

Our records enable problems initially relayed over the phone to be quickly narrowed down to an area of the label applicator machine where the assembly components of that area can be individually or collectively manipulated on a screen to pinpoint parts or adjustments that are needed to get the most out of your machine and its accuracy.

 

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