Introduction
Label applicator manufacturers produce a variety of models. These are the semi-automatic and the automatic print-and-apply machines. The latter are further customized for specific industry needs. The primary model is altered to make a wide range of label applicator variants.
A slight variation of the basic print-and-apply model is the no-print option. In the fourth variety, label applicators blend into the conveyor systems. A fifth variety is the JET label machine with a traversing component. A variant of this model is the scanner match code box. The sixth type of applicator machine is the custom-built variety. Most manufacturers support design customization and build label applicators that manufacture labeling applicator machines as per requirement. In the below sections, let us review the types of label applicators.
Types of label applicators: An overview
Most custom-design manufacturers and small tooling companies have great expertise in building label applicator. The common types of label applicators are as follows:
- Semi-automatic label applicators.
Most manufacturers make a diverse range of semi-automatic applicator machines to meet the needs of every packaging and manufacturing industry. In the semi-automatic applicators, the sub-categories have specialized models called round modules, flat labeling, and loose loop varieties. More specialized applicators include the round product, the flag module, the tamp module, and the table-top print-and-apply system.
- Automatic print-and-apply applicators
The forte of the print-and-apply machines is printing the labels first; before applying them on the desired package or product surface. Commonly manufacturers offer the following varieties of print-and-apply devices.
- Smart tamp print-and-apply apparatus.
These machines digitally stamp the labels. This variant of label applicator is ideal for individual palettes or a collection of palettes.
- Specialized corner-wrap print-and-apply machines
These applicators print the label and wrap it across the edges of a carton as a tamper-proof seal. Product details are displayed better with this type of applicator machine. These machines can be custom-built for the exact measurements of the cartons.
- Automatic label application
The advantage of using automated label applicators is the ease of use, accuracy, and efficiency in the labeling process. The different types of automatic label applicators are-
- Synchronous Feed applicators
- Tamp applicators
- Wipe-on applicators
- The vertical frame synchronous feed applicators
- Label applicator Conveyor Systems
Manufacturers of label applicator machines offer a wide range of conveyor system applicators. These machines adapt to every type of conveyor station and back feed system. These machines support top and bottom labeling systems and panel applications. These machines are compatible with synchronous feed conveyors and corner-wrap label conveyor systems.
- JET Label applicator machines
The JET label applicator machine is available in two varieties. The first is the traversing JET system, and the second is the Scanner match code Box.
- Traversing System
These label applicator machines are perfect for small-character inkjet print heads. The different models in this category are machines with integrated inkjet and the Leibinger CU. Another model variant is a wash-down traversing system.
- Scanner match code box
This model is a variant of the core JET applicator ideal for barcode presence and verification. Many JET Scanner-MatchCode-Boxes are available in multiple user modes and are compatible with laser and vision-based scanners. Standard serial ports feed data into such scanner-based label applicators.
- Customized solutions
Precision machine manufacturers and customized tool designing manufacturers are adept at building label applicators for a specific product size or packaging material. Aluminum-made custom-built applicators are light and easy-to-operate devices. They also have optional features for customized programming and an audible alarm. Analysts recommend buying label applicators from approved manufacturers as they are compliant with quality and safety standards. The price of the label applicator, should not be the only consideration when buying such machines. Quality, technical excellence, brand reputation, and price should be the factors considered when investing in labeling applicators.
