Product labels are more than just a marketing tool. Labeling system is practiced by manufacturers to provide accurate information about the product’s contents or instructions on how to use it. Let us view the use of a labeling system in packaging products and discuss different types of bottle labeling machines.
What are Product Labeling Systems?
A product labeling system is an automated or semi-automated process to apply product labels. Many labeling system options are available for companies to consider, like the size of their product, surface material, and industry use. They are an essential feature on every product to help customers to identify the product, its ingredients, features, directions of use and more.
The most common labeling types are –
- Pressure-sensitive labeling systems
- Shrink sleeve labeling systems
- Print and apply labeling systems
History of labeling systems
Back in the early 1970s, machine shops supported local factories and industries by developing tools customized for the needs of manufacturing businesses. A decade later, most custom machine designing tool shops began to make label applicator machines as manufacturers started to brand their products using labels. The demand for these grew in many industries.
They designed and developed custom solutions specifically for the packaging industry.
- The first label applicators, made in the 1970s, ran on DC and stepper motors.
- The next generation of applicators made in the 2000s used brushed servo motor drives, creating a faster line of labeling machines and systems. An example is the LM1501 made by LabelMill, which is used extensively for industrial labeling.
- By the 2010s, custom design tool makers built faster microprocessor-driven brushless servo technology labeling machines. These even had a remote operator interface for ease of use.
- By late 2017s, further innovation had led to a fully integrated touch-screen control system with an optional ethernet service.
Thus, labeling systems are easily adapted for latest technologies to enable improved manufacturing and production.
In the following section, let us discuss a special type of labeling machine, the bottle labeling machine.
Bottle Labeling Machine
A bottle labeling machine is essential for industries that use bottles, containers, or jars. These machines routinely label fragile glass, fiber, or EPF containers and jars in different shapes and sizes, like wine bottles, jam and preserve containers, and more. The advantage of bottle labeling machines is that they apply labels quickly and accurately to ensure every product is labeled correctly before shipping to customers.
Several bottle-labeling machines are available for industrial use. The common types are-
1. 3115-150 High-Speed Rotary Labeling System
This machine is ideal for high-speed labeling of round-shaped bottles at speeds of 400 bottles in a minute. It is used in the application of transparent and opaque labels,
2. 625 Front and Back Labeling system
This versatile machine can apply labels on the back and front of bottles, containers, jars, and bottles. It can handle tags of every size and shape and is ideal for most product varieties
3. Roll-Fed Labeling System
Bottles and cans use a roll-fed labeling process in this labeling system. On average, these machines can apply 700 labels in a minute.
4. R310 Rotary Labeling System
This labeling system is mainly used in applying labels to cylindrical containers at an average speed of 500 bottles per minute. The uniqueness of this labeling system is that it can be used easily on pressure-sensitive labels.
5. Wraparound Labeling Machines
This variety of labeling machines is ideal for applying wraparound bottle labels at an average speed of 600 bottles per minute. The maximum width these machines can accommodate is 130 mm.
These are a few examples of bottle labeling machines available for manufacturers and the packaging industry. The accuracy, speed, and types of labels the machine can handle become important factors to consider when choosing these machines.
