Labels are an important aspect of packaging, identification, presentation, and product tracking. They serve as a means of communication between the manufacturer, customers, and other parts of the world. Labels promote the brand of the product’s maker and provide consumers with essential information. They also make product tracking in the supply chain possible. But have you ever wondered how these labels are printed and applied to products? Since the labeling process in the production lines of medium and large companies is very time-consuming and costly when done manually, various types of labeling machines are used for this task.
In this article, stay with us as we explore how these machines work and introduce you to their various types. We will also cover the applications, advantages, and technical specifications of labeling machines.
What is a labeling machine and what does it do?
A labeling machine refers to equipment used for printing and applying labels to products. These machines have a wide range of applications, as most products require a label on both the product itself and its packaging. Labeling machines can attach labels to various products with any type of packaging, including cartons, boxes, and containers. Industries that use these machines include food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, household and office goods, electronics, agriculture, and many more.
The applications of labeling machines are diverse and numerous. These machines can print text and graphic elements, including simple barcodes, 2D codes, expiration dates, images, and company logos on labels and apply them to products. Labeling machines are categorized based on the functions they perform in the labeling process: printing, dispensing, and applying. Most labeling machines typically offer a combination of these functions.
What are the types of labeling machines?
Labeling machines are generally classified into three main categories based on automation: manual, semi-automatic, and automatic. Let’s take a closer look at the features of these machines:
- Manual labeling machines specifically require an operator who knows how to use the device. These machines don’t have very high efficiency, but they are suitable for small businesses and home-based production workshops.
- In semi-automatic labeling machines, some steps require setup and assistance from an operator. For example, the operator places the product on the labeling platform and activates the applicator to start the process. Once the machine detects the product, the rest of the steps (such as cutting and applying the label) are carried out automatically. After the label is applied, the operator manually removes the product from the platform. These machines are typically used in small industries and businesses with limited production. They are cost-effective, but occasional errors may occur.
- In automatic labeling machines, all labeling steps are carried out by the machine with minimal operator involvement. These machines typically have a conveyor system that moves the products. When the product reaches the labeling section, the machine applies the label, and the conveyor moves it to the next stage. Automatic labeling machines are ideal for high production volumes and industries where labels must be applied accurately and without error.
Now that we are familiar with the different types of automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines, it’s beneficial to dive deeper into their classification. If you need more information about the differences between automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines, click on this link. Next, we will explore the various mechanisms of labeling machines.
✅ Desktop Labeling Machine
If your business produces at a low or medium scale, or if you’re just starting out and can’t invest in automatic equipment, this machine is suitable for you. Its price is lower than that of fully automatic machines, and it will help you achieve your goal. The desktop labeling machine typically runs on single-phase 220V power and is available in two different types: one for round containers and one for rectangular containers.
This machine has a suction system that removes the label from the roll and applies it to the containers. An important point to note about these machines is that you must use roll labels with adhesive backs, as sheet labels cannot be used. The operation of this machine is very simple, and due to its compact size, it takes up little space and operates quietly.
✅ Dual-purpose Adhesive Labeling Machine
The dual-purpose labeling machine is used for applying labels to both sides of a product (usually flat bottles). These machines have two labeling lines that simultaneously apply adhesive-backed labels to both sides of the bottle. This machine can also be used for multi-faced, square, or rectangular containers.
✅ Adhesive Labeling Machine for Round Containers
This machine is suitable for applying adhesive-backed labels to round containers and operates fully automatically without the need for operator intervention. The round adhesive labeling machine typically has one labeling line, but depending on the customer’s needs, it can also be equipped with one or two additional upper labeling lines on the machine.
✅ Top Adhesive Labeling Machine
This is another type of labeling machine used for applying labels to flat products or the tops of containers. The operation of this machine is fully automatic, and one or two upper labeling lines can be added to the machine based on the requirements.
✅ Top and Bottom Labeling Machine
The operation of this machine allows it to simultaneously apply labels to both the top and bottom of a product as it moves through the system. As you can imagine, the top and bottom labeling machine has two labeling lines, one at the top and one at the bottom, which work in sync and automatically. To operate this machine, the operator only needs to guide the containers onto the conveyor belt.
Multi-purpose Adhesive Labeling Machine
This machine can apply multiple types of labels (for example, flat and round labels) to different parts of a container. The multi-purpose labeling machine typically has an adjustable conveyor belt at the top of the bottle, which helps stabilize the containers while the labels are being applied.
✅ Multi-faced Labeling Machine
This type of labeling machine is used for applying labels to multi-faced containers. It typically has two labeling lines that apply labels from the left and right sides of the product.
The application of a labeling machine
Now that we are familiar with the different types of labeling machines, we can examine their applications and advantages. Labeling machines can apply labels to various products and packaging materials, including aluminum, glass, steel, plastic, and more.
Since in many businesses the volume of labels that need to be applied is very high, labeling machines are integrated into the existing production lines. One of the most widely used labeling machines is the automatic labeling machine, which operates without the help of an operator. This machine consists of a labeling applicator, a conveyor belt for transporting products, and a control system.
The application of labeling machines is visible in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, cosmetics and hygiene, postal services, electronics, construction, and telecommunications. Label printers, label applicators, printer-applicators, and labeling systems are among the equipment used to apply labels to different products and packaging.
These machines are an integral part of the industrial production process. Labeling machines can be used to apply labels to glass bottles, cylindrical plastic bottles, DVD cases, and other products with unique shapes.
Features and Advantages of Labeling Machines
The various types of labeling machines can be used in different industries to achieve benefits such as high efficiency and speeding up production lines. Below, we will further discuss the features and advantages of these machines:
- High efficiency, low cost: The automatic labeling machine is a modern electromechanical product that can replace manual labeling (which has low efficiency and a high potential for errors). Using a labeling machine not only guarantees high-quality output products but also significantly reduces input costs.
- High efficiency and cost-effectiveness: The automatic labeling machine not only meets the work requirements but also offers features such as high speed, precision, and long service life. The typical lifespan of these machines is around 8-10 years, making them a cost-effective and valuable option for businesses when considering their price.
- Wide usage and versatility: Automatic labeling machines meet labeling requirements across various sectors such as chemicals, food, pharmaceuticals, beverages, electronics, hardware, cosmetics, and other industries. The labeling mechanisms and functions of these machines vary depending on the type.
- Easy and reliable management: One of the biggest advantages of labeling machines is their high precision and cleanliness. With such a machine, you no longer have to worry about labels easily coming off your products. Additionally, labeling machines simplify management: for many small and medium-sized businesses, one or two automatic labeling machines are sufficient. Compared to managing human labor, labeling machines are undoubtedly easier to manage.
Technical Specifications of Labeling Machines
To become more familiar with the various types of labeling machines, we will discuss the technical specifications of some of the best-selling machines produced by Radan Machine. For price inquiries and purchasing these machines, you can contact the company’s sales consultants through their phone number:
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OPP Labeling Machine
- Suitable for glass, HDPE, PET, steel, and aluminum round bottles and containers.
- It has a labeling capacity of 60 to 200 labels per minute
- No need to clean the nozzles or adhesive unit before starting production
- It has the ability to adjust the adhesive thickness on the label to save adhesive consumption
- It features a touch HMI monitor for easy operation and settings adjustment
- It has the capability to change bottles in the shortest time
2. Double-Sided Flat Adhesive Labeling Machine
- Suitable for various flat and oval bottles and containers
- It has a labeling capacity of over 100 labels per minute
- It is capable of working with a wide range of labels, including paper, foil, transparent, and others
- It features a touch HMI monitor for easy operation and settings adjustment
- It has the ability to add a row separator to create space between containers and organize the bottles
3. Dual-Purpose Labeling Machine
- Suitable for various round, flat, and oval bottles and containers
- It is capable of working with a wide range of paper, foil, plastic, and transparent labels
- It has the capability to label transparent labels using a specialized sensor
- It has a labeling capacity of over 60 labels per minute
- It features a touch HMI monitor for easy operation and settings adjustment
- It has the capability for labeling in place (high precision, low speed) and on the move (acceptable precision, high speed) for round containers
Final Words
In this article, we discussed the various types of labeling machines, their applications, and advantages. Labeling machines are essential and highly versatile equipment in all manufacturing industries. These machines can generally be categorized into three types: automatic, semi-automatic, and manual, with the automatic and semi-automatic types being more suitable for large businesses with high production volumes. To order a labeling machine tailored to your business needs at an affordable price, you can contact the sales experts at Radan Machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
✅ What is the working capacity of different labeling machines?
Depending on the type of machine (automatic or not), labeling machines can apply from 20 to 6,000 labels per hour.
✅ On which surfaces can a labeling machine be used?
These machines can be used on various flat, smooth, round, or square surfaces made of plastic, PET, aluminum, and more.
✅ What type of labels can be applied using a labeling machine?
Depending on the type of machine and its technical specifications, it can be used to apply various types of paper, foil, plastic, transparent, and other labels.