For a business with only a few products, labeling may not be that bothersome or expensive. However, as the volume of products increases, the business is forced to hire more people to carry out the labeling process, which significantly raises labor costs. On the other hand, by purchasing an automatic or semi-automatic labeling machine, not only can productivity be increased, but it ensures that labels are applied correctly, reduces errors, and helps save on labor costs. But do you know the difference between automatic and semi-automatic label applicators?
When deciding to purchase a labeling machine, you have several options: manual (which has relatively low efficiency and will not be covered here), automatic, and semi-automatic.
In this article, join us as we explore everything you need to know about these two types of machines and examine their differences.
What is a label?
A label is a type of tag that contains printed text providing important information about a product, such as its ingredients and usage instructions, to customers. Labeling refers to the process of affixing a label to a product to help identify it and provide necessary information about the product and its manufacturer.
Labeling is a subset of packaging that focuses on providing information about the product, its brand, and its industry. This information is presented alongside the product (as part of the product or its packaging) to the audience. In some products, like chips, labels form part of the packaging, where the information is printed directly on the package. Some specific products also have labels that are engraved directly on the product itself. Some products even have additional labels attached to them that are not inherently part of the product or its packaging.
How does a labeling machine work?
Before understanding the difference between automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines, it is useful to first grasp how these machines work. A labeling machine, also known as a labeler, is a device used to apply labels to products or their packaging. These machines are widely used in various industries such as electronics, furniture, beverages, chemicals, food products, and more. Both automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines play a significant role in these industries. The structure of these machines is quite interesting, and they are usually made from stainless steel, which offers high resistance to rust and other damaging factors.
The working principle of a labeling machine is that products are transferred onto a conveyor belt at a fixed speed. A mechanical fixture separates the products with a constant distance between them and pushes them along the conveyor belt.
A label applicator machine typically consists of a drive wheel, a label applicator wheel, and a spool. The drive wheel intermittently pulls the label tape so that the tape is drawn out from the spool and applied to the product by the label applicator wheel. The label applicator wheel stops continuously to allow the label to adhere to the product. The speed of the label applicator wheel matches the speed of the product movement. When the conveyor reaches a specific position, the drive wheel synchronizes its speed with the label applicator wheel, and after applying the label, its speed decreases again to a stop.
Since the label may slip slightly, there is a mark on it to ensure that each label is positioned correctly, which is read by a sensor. During the deceleration phase, the drive wheel readjusts the position of the products to ensure there are no errors in label application.
Automatic Label Applicator
An automatic label applicator is a device that performs the distribution, application, or printing, as well as the attachment of labels onto various products, including boxes and even containers, in a fully automated manner. Labels can be applied to products for various purposes, such as conveying important product information to buyers, displaying the product’s price, or printing barcodes on them to assist in inventory control.
How an automatic labeling machine works
To understand the difference between an automatic and a semi-automatic labeling machine, it is better to first become familiar with how each device works. After installing and setting up the machine, you need to perform the following tasks:
- Select the appropriate settings through the touch control panel.
- Place the labels in the correct position.
- Ensure that the containers intended for labeling are positioned correctly.
- Start the labeling process.
- Monitor the process through the control panel.
- Evaluate the products after labeling.
This is how to set up and use the machine; however, let’s examine how the machine itself operates.
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Container Transfer Stage: Automatic labeling machines use a different mechanism to transfer containers to the labeling section. Some machines utilize a vibration mechanism to help move the containers onto the conveyor belt, which then transports them to the labeling area.
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Labeling Stage: In most cases, the necessary information is pre-printed on the labels, which are cut to appropriate sizes; however, this depends on the machine’s design. Typically, the labeling section of the machine operates at a synchronized speed with the container transfer system. This coordination ensures that containers reach the labeling area at the right time, allowing the process to run smoothly and without errors.
A sensor is usually installed at this stage to ensure the correct placement of the labels.
Depending on its design and structure, an automatic labeling machine can apply labels to products in two ways:
Thermal Method:
In this method, products move along a conveyor belt. Upon reaching the labeling section, heat is used to apply the adhesive and label onto the product, which quickly dries. The machine is equipped with fans that generate the necessary heat, aiding in drying and securing the label.
Pressure-Sensitive Labels Method:
This method uses self-adhesive labels. It is not as precise as the thermal method and is therefore mostly used for labels where high accuracy is not essential.
Advantages of an Automatic Labeling Machine
Automatic labeling machines are an excellent option for ensuring accurate and precise product labeling. These machines offer numerous advantages, which are outlined below:
Performing the labeling process with precision and cleanliness
Accuracy is one of the most important factors in product labeling. An incorrect labeling process can lead to customer confusion and damage your company’s reputation. However, with an automatic labeling machine, you can be confident that each label is applied correctly. The likelihood of error with these machines is very low, minimizing confusion and mistakes.
Saving time and costs
One of the main reasons companies prefer automatic labeling machines is the significant saving in time and costs. Manual labeling machines require an operator to print and apply each label individually, which is very time-consuming. Additionally, manual machines are more expensive in the long run, as they need constant human supervision and operation.
In contrast, a key difference between automatic and semi-automatic or manual labelers is that the automatic machine only requires electricity to operate, resulting in substantial time and cost savings.
Ability to add barcodes to products
Another advantage of using an automatic labeling machine is the ability to easily add barcodes to your products without the need to purchase expensive software or equipment. This allows you to save costs and eliminates the concern of incurring additional expenses for adding barcodes to each product.
Semi-Automatic Labeling Machine
A semi-automatic labeling machine is another type of labeling device that is widely used but cannot perform all tasks automatically. Typically, the operation of these machines requires human intervention; an operator must control the machine, place the containers in the correct position, or remove the labeled containers.
In the following sections, we will explore how these machines work and their advantages in more detail.
How a Semi-Automatic Labeling Machine Works
The operation of a semi-automatic labeling machine depends on its components; however, the general steps of the labeling process with these machines are as follows:
- First, the products are loaded into the machine. It is important to note that the product feeding process must be synchronized with the labeling process.
- In the next step, the conveyor belt transfers the products to the labeling section, where sufficient spacing is created between them to prepare for label application. At this stage, the machine speed may be reduced to ensure greater accuracy in label placement.
- Finally, the products exit the machine after receiving their labels.
As you can see, the operation of this machine is not significantly different from that of a fully automatic labeling machine. However, since it is semi-automatic, the process must be initiated, and products must be fed into the machine by an operator.
Advantages of a Semi-Automatic Labeling Machine
Now that you are somewhat familiar with the differences between automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines, you can consider semi-automatic machines as an alternative to fully automatic ones. Although these machines do not offer complete automation, they significantly assist the production line in the labeling process. Below are their key advantages:
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Ease of Use: Since these machines are partially automated, they are easy to operate. In fact, the operator only needs to initiate the process, and the machine will handle the rest.
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Increased Production: Compared to manually labeling products (using a manual labeling machine), utilizing a semi-automatic labeling machine significantly boosts production.
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High Efficiency: Efficiency refers to increasing production at a low cost. A semi-automatic labeling machine ensures high efficiency and delivers a return on your investment in the long run.
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Cost-Effective: When you compare the price of a semi-automatic labeling machine with its average lifespan, you’ll realize it’s a valuable investment that will undoubtedly benefit your business.
Automatic or Semi-Automatic Labeling Machine: Which Is Better?
Now that we understand the differences between automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines in terms of operation and advantages, we can address the question: Which machine is better?
Both types of machines perform the labeling process automatically; however, they differ significantly in speed due to the way they are loaded and activated.
Both machines require an operator to manually feed the products; however, the difference lies in the loading process. In automatic labeling machines, the conveyor belt allows multiple containers to be loaded and aligned in a single row, which speeds up the loading process.
On the other hand, semi-automatic labeling machines can accommodate only one container at a time.
These two machines also differ in how the labeling mechanism is activated. To use a semi-automatic machine, the operator must press a foot pedal, switch, or sensor to apply the label to the product.
In contrast, once initially set up, an automatic labeling machine requires no operator intervention. The system automatically positions the containers correctly for label application. Many automatic machines can even reposition containers multiple times to apply several labels on them.
It is also worth mentioning that these machines differ in price, with automatic labeling machines being more expensive.
In terms of speed, some semi-automatic machines can apply up to 1,800 labels per hour, whereas a high-quality automatic labeling machine can apply up to 6,000 labels per hour.
Final Words
In this article, we explored the differences between automatic and semi-automatic labeling machines, examining the advantages and how each device operates.
The most significant differences between these two machines are speed and the ability to operate with or without an operator. Semi-automatic machines perform part of the process automatically but still require an operator for certain steps (such as placing containers into the machine). Automatic machines, on the other hand, do not need an operator and offer a much faster labeling process. However, this capability also results in a higher price for automatic machines.
Ultimately, when choosing the right machine, you should consider your budget, expectations, and production volume to make an informed decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much electricity does a semi-automatic labeling machine consume?
Typically, most semi-automatic labeling machines require between 110 to 440 volts of electricity to perform the labeling process.
What factors influence the price of labeling machines?
Various factors influence the price of labeling machines, including the machine’s size, the number of labels it can apply, its complexity, and whether it is automatic or not.
Are semi-automatic labeling machines portable?
Most semi-automatic tabletop labeling machines are portable and can be easily moved. Typically, the portability of the machine depends on its size.