Labels are vital to advertising, and therefore sales. They convey important product information to customers and tracking information to manufacturers. Finding the right type of label applicator will help you achieve your labeling needs. Product type and volume will help determine whether a semi-automated or fully automated label applicator is best.

Placement of a semi-automated label applicator or manual label applicator is usually flexible; there are even tabletop models. However, for high-volume or high-speed production, fully automated industrial label applicators are usually the most cost efficient.

A fully-automated label applicator consists of a control system and a head or application device incorporated into a conveyor system. Some automated label applicators print labels themselves, while others require pre-printed labels produced by a separate label printer.

An industrial label applicator may be any one of these types:

1. Tamp label applicators consist of pneumatic or electric cylinders that extend out and press, or tamp, adhesive paper labels onto products.

2. Blow label applicators use a burst of air to blow an adhesive paper label onto products.

3. Temp-blow label applicators combine technologies by using both extension and blowing methods.

4. Ink or laser printers apply codes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Gauge what label application is worth to your business

Label printing and application systems do not all cost the same, nor do they get the same results. Figure out what you're willing to spend before you start shopping. If you are labeling for tracking purposes, shop for simple systems that are reliable and consistent. If advertising is part of the scenario, make a careful decision. Label applicators will have a major effect on how your product looks on the shelf. Opting for a more expensive labeling system, or one that requires more employees to operate, may be worth the investment if it produces a more attractive finish.

I recommend: Ace Label may spur ideas on how to best use the advertising space right on your products.

Shop appropriate label applicator manufacturers and sellers

Since labeling applications are diverse, there are big differences between sources.

I recommend: ALTECH is a standout among label applicator manufacturers. Their industrial label applicators are state of the art. To apply bar codes, or for other code applications, go to Matthews Marking Products. For manual label applicators, try Pinewood Label Systems. MGL offers rotary label applicators, shipping label applicators and tape applicators.

Be prepared to calibrate and maintain your label applicators

Good stand-alone and manual label applicators are not much trouble, but automated industrial label applicators incorporated into production lines can be complicated and touchy. In some industrial production lines, workers are employed for the sole purpose of monitoring the quality and consistency of label application. Make an effort to achieve an optimal initial setup, then monitor your label applicator as needed. A poor initial setup that requires repeated recalibration can slow or halt production.

I recommend: Equipment from the Numina Group features promising production management software, and the company also provides label applicator services. Many manufacturers provide such label applicator services, so take advantage when setting up your equipment.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The shape of your product packages may help you determine what type of label applicator capabilities you need. Vertical wrap is used for square or near-square packages, while horizontal wrap is good for round objects. Top labeling applies to soft packages. For applications that require labels on multiple sides, use top/bottom labeling for flat objects and front/back labeling for tall objects.