Three Roller Labeling Machine vs Side Belt Labeling Machine: Which One Fits Your Production Line?

Labeling machine plays an important part in every packaging process. Choosing the right automatic labeling machine can greatly improves product presentation and efficiency for brands.Two of the most commonly used models in production lines are the three roller labeling machine and the side belt labeling machine.

Although both type of these machine serve the same purpose—applying labels on labeling objects accurately, they differ greatly in structure, working principle, and best-fit applications. Let’s learn more about how these two types compare and which one is right for your production needs.

Working Principle of These Two Labeler

Three Roller Labeling Machine

The operation of three roller labeling system involves two idle rollers and one drive roller.The working principle is using transition roller to guide the label liner over a sharp peel plate, which causes the self-adhesive label to separate and present its adhesive. The exposed label is then sticked slightly to a cylindrical container or bottles pass through. At this time, two idle rollers will be pushed forward to clamp product container due to the air cylinder,followed by the drive roller executing the application.This structure design provides  360° coverage and high accuracy.

Side Belt Labeling Machine

Bottles are delivered onto the main conveyor belt from an upstream machine or manually. a spacing device (such as a separating wheel or screw) ensures equal distance between bottles to prepare for smooth labeling. Two synchronized side belts—positioned vertically on both sides of the conveyor—lightly clamp each bottle.Label sticker will be separated from the backing paper by the labeling head. As the bottle moves forward, the label sensor detects its position and triggers the labeling head to apply the label precisely at the programmed location.While the bottle passes the labeling zone, the label adheres smoothly to the surface due to the pressure from the applicator roller or pressing sponge. this ensures firm and bubble-free contact.

Structure and Performance Comparison

In short, the three roller labeling machine provides higher accuracy and more labeling type for round bottles, while the side belt labeling machine offers faster speed for multiple bottle types.

Application Scenarios

When to Choose a Three Roller Labeling Machine

If your production line mainly handles round bottles that require high precision and various labeling types—such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, or beverages, the three roller labeling machine is the ideal choice.

Typical applications include:

•  Essential oil bottles
•  Beverage bottles
•  Serum bottles
•  Glass or PET round containers

When to Choose a Side Belt Labeling Machine

If your products are manufactuered in a variety of bottle shapes but just with simple single side label type, and you need higher working capacity, the side belt labeling machine offers greater flexibility and efficiency.

Typical applications include:

• Shampoo and body wash bottles
• Cleaning product bottles
• Square food containers
• Household chemical packaging

What we need to pay attention to is that side belt labeling machines are not ideal for wrap-around labeling — meaning the label must be fully adhered from the start edge to the end edge. Their labeling accuracy is not as precise as that of three-roller labeling machines. below is a comparison image.

*Left bottle is labeled by the side belt labeling machine while the right one is labeled by the three roller labeling machine

Pros and Cons Summary

Three Roller Labeling Machine

Pros:

✅ High precision labeling (±1mm)

✅ Stable and consistent performance

✅ Ideal for front and back side labeling, full-wrap labeling

Cons:

❌ Limited to round bottles and tapered bottles

❌ Slightly higher cost and setup time

Side Belt Labeling Machine

Pros:

✅ Compatible with multiple bottle shapes

✅ Faster labeling speed

✅ Easy to adjust and maintain

Cons:

❌ Slightly lower labeling accuracy

❌ Not suitable for very small or irregular round bottles

How to Choose the Right Labeling Machine

When selecting between these two type of labeling systems, consider the following factors:

Labeling Accuracy:

If your product requires precise label alignment , choose the three roller type.

Bottle Shape:

Round bottles or tapered bottles → Both of these two labeling system are good.

Flat or square bottles → Side Belt Labeling Machine

Labeling Type:

For single side labeling of round, square, flat or tapered bottles, side belt labeling machine will be the better choice.

For font & back side labeling or wrap-around labeling on round bottles, please choose the three roller labeling machine.

Speed & Precision:

For higher speed, multi-format production, side belt labeling machine is more efficient.

For precise, consistent labeling, three roller labeling machine is superior.

*This article discusses the best choices based on these two types of labeling systems according to different production needs. In practice, when purchasing a labeling machine, opting for a customized solution can help you achieve optimal production performance.

Conclusion

Both three roller labeling machines and side belt labeling machines have their unique strengths.The three roller type stands out for precision and stability on round bottles.The side belt type excels in bottle diversity and labeling speed.There’s no “one-size-fits-all” solution—only the best match for your production needs.

If you’d like expert guidance or want to test your bottles with these two labeling machine, ZONESUN technical team can help you find the perfect labeling solution for your line.

Explore Our Labeling Systems:

Three Roller Labeling Machine ZS-TB260R

Side Belt Labeling Machine ZS-TB821