Choosing The Right Bottle Labeling Machine
A label does more than identify a container’s contents — it’s the consumer’s first impression of your product, ultimately responsible for you making the sale or not. Choosing the right bottle labeling machine improves quality while keeping your production line running smoothly. Learn how to pick the right containers, labels, and bottle label applicator for your production process.
Labeling Machine Configurations
Bottle labelers can be broken down into basic configurations depending on how the label is applied. Three of the most common labelers are vertical wrap, horizontal wrap, and front/back wrap-around labels.
Vertical Wrap Labelers
Bottles pass upright through a vertical wrap machine. This option works well for bottles that have a slight taper or square/rectangular design. These machines can apply both partial and full labels.
Horizontal Wrap Labelers
Bottles pass through this type of machine while lying on their sides. Horizontal wrap machines work well for unstable, round containers, including bottles or vials with rounded bottoms.
Front/Back Labelers
This type of machine applies labels on one or more sides and works well with a wide variety of bottle styles, as long as the container can remain stable while passing along the conveyor.
While most labelers fit within these three categories, custom-built semi-automatic labeling machines can handle all types of unique applications. For example, some label applicators have multiple labeling stations to apply wrap-around labels and a second label on the top.
Manual vs. Automatic Labeling Solutions
Choosing between manual, semi-automatic, and fully automated label applicators depends on the specifics of the packaging line, such as production volume, efficiency needs, and budget considerations.
Manual Labeling Machines
Some machines can be set up for a variety of sizes and shapes, giving you the ability to use one machine for multiple product lines. Others have fixed parts, saving on purchase costs and maintenance.
Semi-Automatic Labeling Machines
Your machine must handle your chosen label material, and rollers, tensioners and other parts will differ depending on whether you use paper, foil, film or Mylar. Pressure sensitive labels require a mechanism to push the label onto the bottle after application. After the bottle passes the label applicator, the label is wiped to ensure that it’s laying flat and wrinkle-free on the bottle. The time and amount of pressure varies depending on the label, adhesive and bottle material.
Full Automation Labeling Machines
Machines are rated in products per minute (ppm/min), but there’s more at play here than pure speed. Some machines are built to handle fluctuations in production speed, and can even communicate with upstream operations. This way, the labeler can halt the line if there’s a backup (like if the machine runs out of labels or if there’s an equipment failure).
Bottle Orientation for Label Placement
A packaging’s look sets the tone within its market, making precise label application a critical aspect of branding. Even a simple horizontal wrap has as little as an ⅛-inch margin for error. To get this level of accuracy, the bottle (not the label) is moved into position for application. So how do you choose the right labeling system? It’s a balancing act between accuracy, speed, and cost.
Every situation is different. With a single label on a round beverage bottle, the only location factor is height. By comparison, labels on oval or square bottles need to be oriented horizontally and vertically. And, if labels are placed in an unusual spot (like the corner of the bottle), a more complex machine may be needed to get the placement correct.
Most round bottle labeling machines use a single feed screw to separate bottles and push them toward the labeler at a specified rate. For non-round bottles, two screws are used before label application to make sure it’s in line.
A “spin-in-place” design can orient each bottle individually before applying the label. The machine may use a pair of short screws or a spinning platform with sensors to check for proper alignment. Although this design takes longer than standard machines, it’s more accurate.
Choosing the Right Label Roll for Your Label Applicator
Each bottle labeling machine feeds labels in a specific way so that they’re placed in the correct area of the bottle. Ideally, a new machine should use the same label style as other machines on-site (for compatibility), but there are many roll label attributes to consider.
Outside Peel vs. Inside Peel
Outside peel labels face away from the core while inside peel labels face the core. This way, the backing paper is visible when looking at the outside of the roll.
Printing Orientation
Orientation is the direction of print as seen from the outer end of the roll. It can be top, bottom, left, or right.
Label Material
A wide variety of stocks are available, including paper, vinyl, foil, and UV coating.
Other Features to Look For When Choosing a Labeling Machine
Are you mainly concerned with labeling speed? Are you looking for an applicator that adjusts to a variety of shapes and sizes? There are a few things to consider to help find the right labeling solution.Flexibility
Some machines can be set up for a variety of sizes and shapes, giving you the ability to use one machine for multiple product lines (i.e. switching from beer bottles or wine bottles to beer cans). Others have fixed parts, saving on purchase costs and maintenance.
Material Compatibility
Your machine must handle your chosen label material. Rollers, tensioners, and other parts differ depending on whether you use paper, foil, film, or Mylar. Pressure-sensitive labels require a mechanism to push the label onto the bottle after application. After the bottle passes the label applicator, the label is wiped to ensure that it’s lying flat and wrinkle-free on the bottle. The time and amount of pressure vary depending on the label, adhesive, and bottle material.
Rate of Application
Machines are rated in products per minute (ppm/min), but there’s more at play here than pure speed. Some machines are built to handle fluctuations in production speed, and can even communicate with upstream operations. This way, the labeler can halt the line if there’s a backup (like if the machine runs out of labels or if there’s an equipment failure).
On most machines, labeling has to be paused to replace label rolls. However, a redundant unwind can hold two rolls, causing minimal downtime when switching to a new roll after the old one runs out.
Core and Roll Size
The core is the cardboard or plastic insert on the inside of the roll. The larger the roll, the more labels it can hold, thus reducing the frequency of replacing rolls during production. Like label orientation, the main concern is to make sure a new machine can use the same roll labels as other machines on-site.
Coding
Printing of production dates and internal codes is usually handled by a separate machine. However, some manufacturers offer the option of adding a hot stamp or laser printer. This allows information to be printed in an exact position on the bottle.
Hot stamp printers are limited to a physically-set character limit. For this reason, their use is usually limited to lots or production dates. The machine must be shut down temporarily to swap in new characters. Laser coders can print lines of text at extremely high speeds, making a different print for each bottle, which can narrow coding down to individual serial numbers or the time and date the bottle rolled off of the machine.
Picking the Right Labeler for Your Production Needs
Getting the right bottle labeling machine depends on three things:
- Type of bottle/label used
- Label orientation (Using complex labels and odd-shaped bottles may require a slower, more expensive machine.)
- Flexibility/compatibility needed (Will multiple products utilize the same machine? Do you have other bottle labeling machines in use?)
With in-house manufacturing and engineering capabilities, CTM Labeling Systems has the unique ability to customize labeling solutions to address your specific needs and requirements.
Whether your product requires a 3 Roller Indexer System, a Front / Back Wrap for challenging applications, a Tabletop Vial Wrap System, or our cost-conscious 360a WR Wrap System, our commitment to cutting-edge versatility will ensure you receive the finest bottle labeling machines available on the market.
We’re happy to help you find the right labeling system for your specific needs. Reach out today or download our FREE GUIDE, 7 Engineering Secrets to Stress-Free Labeling.
