3 Main Labeling Machine Parts And Their Working

Everything about labeling machine parts: what they do and how they work together to produce a good labeling result.

Different labeling machine parts ensure a successful labeling process and smooth production lines. In this particular post, you will get to know about them in detail and how they work. Different types of labeling systems use different components; so we will also be looking at what type of machine contains what parts.

Main Labeling Machine Parts

The typical electric labeling machine is composed of these major parts: an electric actuator which is a servo or stepper motor, rollers, belts, and others such as sensors and electronic control units. A manual labeler may not use most of these components and is, instead, only composed of a hand crank or hand operated-trigger, rollers, and the machine frame or body.

An automatic or semi-automatic labeler is a complex device with many components. We cannot list all these. Instead, we will focus on the main sections or stations of a typical automated labeling machine system which, depending on the device type and function, may include the following.

• Label Maker
• Label dispenser
• Label Applicator

Label Maker

Many automatic labeling systems incorporate a section to print or produce labels called the label maker. This part takes in label stock (paper, foil, or metal), prints the required graphics or text, and may even apply adhesive to the label.

The label maker can be either an integral component of the labeling machine design or a separate device which attaches to the machine’s frame. Different types of printing equipment may also be used:

For example, a thermal transfer printer or a laser printer may be used to print labels on plain paper. A thermal transfer printer offers the advantages of clear images but requires ink. An inkless, laser printer is fast and more convenient. However, only a few label materials or substrates can be laser-printed.

Label Dispenser

The label dispenser is the section of the labeling machine where labels are stored and dispensed and one of the most crucial labeling machine parts. There are many options for storing labels, from a simple tray to a fully automated feeder.

Regardless of the type of label holding device used, the process is generally the same: the label strip (or pieces) is placed in a hopper or top-loading section from where it is used as needed. During the dispensing process, the label stock typically passes by a peeler plate that serves to separate the backing stock from the label.

In some cases, the storage is actually integrated into the label maker section. This type of labeling machinery allows different-sized labels to be accessed without having to replace the stock. That can be useful when several different product labels are required or when many different barcodes, graphics, and text need to be printed within a small period of time.

Label Applicator

The label machine applicator is the section where labels are applied to items or products. Of all labeling machine parts, this is the component that’s directly concerned with applying labels. In an automatic labeler, the parts include sensors and several other instruments such as robotic arms and vacuum or a compressed air system.

The applicator is one of the most important labeling machine parts. It’s concerned with attaching the labels, which must be done flawlessly. A labeling applicator machine may use one of these two methods to attach labels: wipe-on, air blow, and tamp blow.

Wipe on label Applicator

The wipe-on label applicator is the most popular of all. It uses a roller to contact the label with the product and apply pressure, ensuring that the label sticks firmly. This type of applicator is used for a wide range of products, including those with curved surfaces. Labelers with wipe on applicators are cheaper to operate since no vacuum or air systems are required.

Air Blow Label Applicator

An air blow label applicator uses a vacuum to hold a label before applying compressed air, from a compressor, to push it toward the surface or product to be labeled. Because there’s no contact with the item, these labelers are best used with fragile items or those with irregular shapes

Tamp Blow label Applicator

A tamp blow label applicator is similar to the air blow type in that it’s a contactless applicator. The only difference is that it uses a “tamp” to advance the label toward the product before a gust of air forces it onto the intended surface. Tamp blow labelers offer higher levels of accuracy and are mostly used for uneven surfaces.

Other Labeling Machine Parts

The above labeling machine parts or sections are found in most types of automated labelers. This is not an exhaustive list but just the main components found in typical labeling machinery. Some versions of the device will have hundreds of parts.

It’s good to note that a good number of these machines do not include a label maker. Instead, they’re fed with labels that have been pre-printed. These are mostly manual or semi-automatic labelers. When using an automatic label applicator, the machine is generally capable of handling multiple product lines simultaneously.

For example, a machine may be built with lines to apply different-sized labels to various products. This allows for many product lines to be served in a short period of time, or it can allow a single labeling machine operator to oversee a number of lines.

Conclusion

Different labeling machine parts perform specific functions. The components or sections discussed above ensure a smooth process as the labels attach to items or products. While there are other parts or components that can be found in a labeling machine, the ones listed here represent the stations or section of a typical labeler today. As technology advances and businesses strive for efficiency, more changes will likely come to labeling systems.