Labeling Machine

A Labeling machine (also called a label applicator)can dispense and apply labels to products or containers such as bottles,boxes,jars, cans, test tube, sample vial or pouches. They can range from single side, double sides, wrap-around labeling machine, allow for manual , semi-automatic or complete automated production of label applying process.

Labeler Machine Basic Working Process

Basic working process of labeler machine is as follows: labeling objects feeding (manually or automatically)-labeling objects detecting (trigger labeling system to dispense labels)-labels dispensing-labels applying-labels pressing & smoothing-labeling objects outputting(manually or automatically)

Are There Multiple Types Of labeling Machine?

Yes, labeling machines come in various types, each suited to different applications based on the automation level, labeling objects, labeling method, and label type.

Classified From Automation Level

Automatic Labeling Machines: These model of labeler machine can automatically finsih labeling objects feeding, labeling objects detecting, label dispensing, label applying and finished products outputting. It is ideal for large-scale production (About 1500-24000BPH).

Semi-Automatic Labeling Machines: This machine requires the operator to manually feed labeling objects, press a button or activate a foot pedal to trigger labeling system and start labeling. These machines require some manual input, often suited for small or medium production scales or operations with varied labeling needs(About 500-1000BPH).

Manual Labeling Machine: In this setup, the operator has to place the container and manually apply the label by turning a crank or aligning it by hand.This suits very small scale production.(About 200-600BPH)

Classified From Labeling Objects

Bottle Labeling Machine：

Different models of bottle labeling machines can handle different types of bottles includes round bottles, square bottles,oval bottles, tapered bottles, sample vials(can not keep upright), glass jars or metal cansiter.Label applying structure will be different according to different bottle shapes.

Pouch Labeling Machine:

The pouch labeler can apply labels on top side, or top & bottom side on flat pouches includes mylar bags, premade pouches.Pouch labeling machine often work with paging machine to separate stacked pouches.

Box Labeling Machine：

It is commonly used for food plastic disposable boxes, medicine or cosmetics boxes, and electronic component packaging boxes.

Carton Labeling Machine:

It can labeling shipping marks on the corner or the side of logistics or storage management boxes.

Classified From Labeling Method

Wrap-Around Labeling Machines

These apply labels around cylindrical containers, like bottles and jars, this often requires the beggining of the label and the end of the label can nearly connected. The three roller label applicator can meet this high labeling accuracy.

Front and Back Labeling Machines

Used for containers that need two labels—one on the front and one on the back—such as laundry detergent bottles, engine oil jerry cans, this type is often found in personal care, food, and cleaning products.

Top and Bottom Labeling Machines

This kind of labeling machine can stick labels on top and/or bottom surfaces of products.And it is very common in pouch labeling, card labeling and box labeling.

Tamper Evident Labeling Machines

Tamper-evident label applicator is designed to apply tamper-evident labels on the corner of products like paper boxes, glass jar.  These labeler machine are commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, cosmetics, and electronics.

Classified From Label Type

Self-Adhesive Labeling Machine

Good for labels that can directly attached to the product surface through the machine's roller system without additional glue. This type of labeling machine is the most widely used and has strong adaptability.

Wet Glue Labeling Machine

This kind of labeler machine need liquid glue to stick labels to product surfaces. Water-soluble glue like resin glue is usually  applied to the back of label before being attached to labeling object by the labeling machine. Suitable for stacked paper label and it is commonly used for glass bottle, such as sauce,ketchup, fruit jam.

Hot Melt Glue Labeling Machine

Hot melt glue labeling machines use hot melt adhesive (usually thermoplastic glue) for labeling. The glue melts at high temperatures and adheres firmly when cooled, making it suitable for high-speed labeling, such as for PET beverage bottles.

Shrink Sleeve Labeling Machines

This type of labeling system commonly consists of a sleeving machine and a shrink tunnel. The sleeving machine cuts heat-shrinkable labels and sleeves them onto the labeling objects. After sleeving, the labeling objects are then conveyed through the shrink tunnel, sleeved labels will be tightly conform to the shape of labeling objects.This kind of labeling machine is widely used in beverage, pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries.

What Information Will Need To Be Provided When Customizing a Label Applicator?

When customizing a labeling machine, providing detailed information about your product, production requirements, and operational preferences ensures the machine will meet your needs effectively. Here’s what to consider sharing:

Product Specifications

Labeling Object Type and Shape: Describe whether containers are cylindrical, rectangular, or uniquely shaped.

Labeling Object Dimensions: Include height, width, diameter, and any unique structural elements .

Label Specifications

Label Size and Shape: Provide the label width,label height, label outputting direction and shape (rectangle, square, oval, etc.) of the labels.

Label Type: Indicate if it’s pressure-sensitive labels, self-adhesive labels,  shrink-sleeve, wet glue labels or hot melt labels.

Label Positioning: Specify whether labels need to be placed on the front, back, top, bottom, or multiple sides.

Production Requirements

Production Speed: State the number of containers to label per hour or per minute.

Automation Level: Decide between fully automated or semi-automated, depending on production volume and budget.

Accuracy Requirements: Share any specific placement precision requirements.

Integration with Existing Equipment

ZONESUN automatic labeler machine normally can work with your existing equipment like filling machine, capping machine or turntable machine. Please offer below information

• Front-end production Line Layout
• Front-end production line speed (bottles/min or pcs/min)
• Conveyor belt height (ground to conveyor belt height)
• Conveyor belt width
• Conveying direction (left in, right out / right in, left out)

Additional Features

Label Sensors: If you need specific sensors for clear labels or specific surfaces, mention this.

Printing Requirements: Indicate if you need an integrated printer for lot numbers, expiration dates, or batch codes.

User Interface and Controls: Share preferences for touchscreens, language options, or any remote monitoring capabilities.

Providing these details will allow your machine manufacturer to design a labeling machine tailored to your operational requirements.

FAQs of Label Applicator

What containers can a labeling machine handle?

Labeling machines can label bottles, glass jars, sample vials, test tube, metal cans, pouches, boxes, and other containers.

What labeling positions are supported?

Common labeling positions include front label, double sided label(also called front and back side label), wrap-around label, top label, bottom label and tamper evident label.

What types of labels can be used?

Most labeling machines support self-adhesive labels on rolls, including paper labels, PET labels, transparent labels, and printed film labels. Wet glue labels and hot melt labels need specific types of labeling machines.

How accurate is the labeling position?

Labeling accuracy typically ranges from ±0.5 mm to ±1 mm, depending on the machine model and labeling objects consistency.

Can one machine handle different bottle sizes? And What is the maximum labeling speed?

Yes, if the bottle shapes are consistent and their sizes are within the machine's adjustable range, one labeling machine can handle multiple bottle sizes through simple adjustments like labeling roller height & width adjustment.If the bottle dimensions exceed the standard working range, machine customization will be required to make it suitable for your multiple bottle sizes. However, if bottle shapes and labeling method are totally different, you may need to consider to another labeler machine to meet your production requirement.Labeling speed depends on the machine type ,automation level and product size, 200-24000BPH are available.

What maintenance does a labeling machine require?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the label sensor, checking rollers and belts, and ensuring proper label tension for stable operation.

Do you provide operation manuals or adjustment videos?

Yes. ZONESUN provide detailed operation manuals and step-by-step adjustment videos. In addition, our after-sales team offers one-on-one video support to help customers troubleshoot and resolve any machine operation issues efficiently. Paid oversea after-sales service is also available.

Does the machine integrate with other packaging equipment?

Labeler machine can be integrated with filling machine, capping machine, and sealing machines to form a complete automated packaging line.