Types of Automatic Labeling Systems

Types of Automatic Labeling Systems, Tips and Determining Production Requirements

Nothing can be more frustrating (both for you and for us) than to discover that the newly delivered labeler on your plant floor will not run a product that someone forgot to mention as part of the specifications. The first and most important step in the purchase of labeling equipment is to gather samples and/or specifications for the products and labels you plan to run. Our interest is to sell you machinery that fits your needs. In most cases we will accommodate special requirements at no, or very modest, additional charge.

Types of Labeling

Vertical Wrap Labeling - For straight walled round, or very slightly tapered bottles (with taper adjustment option), and smaller square or rectangular shaped bottles that are stable enough to run on a conveyor and make transfers without tripping. Labels can wrap on the bottle completely (full wrap) or partially (semi-wrap). This type of labeling accounts for the majority of our sales. (Click here to see CVC-300) or here for the high speed servo-drive model CVC-302.
Horizontal Wrap Labeling - For unstable round products, like round bottomed vials. In this instance product is placed on horizontal rollers which feeds through the wrap station. (Click here to see CVC 350)
Top Labeling - This versatile labeler has many uses ranging from cassettes to soft bakery goods. It places a spot or panel label on product that passes below the labeling head. Other examples include: round label on lid of round jar, UPC label on box. (Click here to see CVC-200)
Top and Bottom Labeling - For labeling flat products where a top and bottom label is required. Example, tray that has product label on top, UPC on bottom. Ask for Model # CVC-220 (no information on the site) Call: 800-840-9573 for more information
Front and Back Labeling (Single Side or Two Sides, also 3 panel) - For placing labels on one side, two sides or, with slight modification, three sides of flat, oval, rectangular, and round bottles (maximum of 1/3rd panel on round) which are stable enough to run on a conveyor and make transfers without tripping. (Click here to see CVC-400)
Combination Front, Back, Wrap - Does it all on one machine! (Click here to see the CVC-430)
Label applicators - Great for promotional stickers or labeling boxes where highly accurate placement is not required.. These heads are simply placed adjacent your existing conveyor and are available as top, side or bottom configurations. (Click here to see CVC-100)
Print and Apply - Many types of print and apply configurations are available for labeling bottles, cases, cartons, pharmaceutical clinical trials. Some are direct print and apply while others can be integrated with our CVC Self Set automatic labeling systems for higher speed or accuracy requirements. (Click here for Print and Apply)
Custom Configurations & Designs - If your project cannot be done on the standard line of labelers, let us show you how we can reconfigure those machines or build you a custom design. Our skills include special parts handling, sorting, mono-block, conveyors, and Systems Integration.

Types of Labels
Labels are now printed on a wide variety of materials. Unfortunately not all of them perform the same on labeling machinery. For instance, our label sensor is a very sensitive photocell which detects small changes in the gain of light as the gap in the label passes through. This works well on paper, foil, and plastic labels, but not on clear plastic labels. For clear plastic labels we use a special capacitive sensor (extra charge) which also works well on paper and other plastic labels, but does not work reliably on foil labels. It is therefore very important to know the materials you will be working with in your labeling application.

Bottle Taper

Round Bottles

It is very important to check your bottles for tapers! Oftentimes customers have tapered bottles and don't even know it. The most common tapers that escape notice are the 1oz., 2oz., and 4 oz. round cosmetic jars. If you attempt to label these bottles with a straight cut label on a wrap machine, without a taper adjustment option, you will find your label starting square and centered and finishing up over the cap! Even with a taper adjustment option, you should realize that the label will start high, work down towards the bottom of the jar at the center of the label, then work back high on the trailing edge (like a smile). If you are in this situation be sure to order the taper adjustment option and keep your label height as narrow, and label length as short as possible. Your other option is to have your labels printed and die cut in a smile shape with the leading edge squared.

Flat and Oval Bottles

Many flat and oval bottles have tapers and even reverse tapers. When the label feeds from a squared labeling head it would hit the bottom before it hits the top, causing the label to skew. This can be easily overcome by ordering the tilt adjustment option which allows the labeling head to adjust to the angle of the taper.

Accurately Determine Production Requirements

For us to help your selection of a labeling machine that will best fit your needs and pocketbook, it is very important that you determine your line speed requirements as accurately as possible in bpm (bottles per minute). Overstating, or understating this number can cost you big time. Fortunately, our machinery has a pretty wide range of speed capabilities but we still find these estimates very useful in assisting your selection.

Hot Foil Printer Option

We also offer C-60 Hot Foil Printers which can be mounted on all our machine models. Use these to print Lot #'s, Batch Codes, or Expiration Dates on line while you are labeling. 3 sizes of type are available, 1.5mm, 2mm (most popular), and 2.5mm. Maximum Print Area is 1.25" X 1.25". Please be aware that a slight decrease in maximum labeling speed capability will occur when utilizing the printer.

Label Web Size

Determine the size of the labels you intend to run from smallest width (height) to largest width, along with the length of the label. Below find the Label width chart for the various sized label width capabilities on our labeling heads. Standard length is 10 inches, although our new gallon wraparound labeler will be able to take up to an 18" long label. Models that are generally in local stock are noted and are available for immediate shipment. However, if you can wait 5 to 6 weeks for delivery, the larger or smaller sized heads are available, with commensurate pricing. The head size designation is simply added to the model number for ordering purposes. (Example: Your widest label is only 2" tall and 5" long and you want a wrap labeler, order the CVC 300A, if you can wait 6 weeks for delivery, you save about $1,000. If you need immediate delivery, order the CVC 300C, which is good in stock and will still run your product, with excellent results and still a terrific value!

Label Head Width Capacities

Type "A" = 3 1/8"

Type "B" = 4 3/4" CVC 100, CVC200

Type "C" = 6" CVC 300, CVC400

Type "D" = 7 1/16

Type "E" = 8 11/16"

CVC-300 Vertical Wrap