Industrial Labelling Systems

Industrial labelling systems are used to apply pre-printed labels to products, individual packages, cartons, cases and pallets to identify those unique items for traceability. They are also often used to apply labels to products in order to promote the manufacturer’s brand identity. The content of these labels can vary from a simple black and white barcode, 1D or 2D code used for identification, to a complex multicolour product label carrying eye-catching brand logos.

What types of Labelling Systems are available?

Labelling systems are available in a variety of designs and configurations, each suited to applying labels that meet a specific need. Semi-automatic label printer applicators are set up to manually supply labels to be applied on individual products. Fully automatic labelling machines are integrated into the production process, applying labels to passing products and boxes at production line speeds.

These labelling solutions include print-and-apply label applicators that produce labels individually that are then applied to packages or shipping loads, and case labeller systems that record contents of the case. In addition to identifying products, to meet the requirements of distributors and retailers these labelling solutions can also place labels that record product ingredients, the temperature at which products have been stored, the brand owner’s image, shipping address, etc. They can also print the size type the customer requires, as well as ensuring clear, readable characters and barcodes.

What is Industrial Labelling?

On industrial production lines labelling systems are integrated with other line machinery and automatically receive the products or packages that are to be labelled. Hand-held manual labelling machines apply a new label on command, which is then applied to the package or product to be identified.

Some labelling solutions and the labelling machines that activate them are a critical element in the need to supply products, packages and pallets with unique identifiers and/or shipping information. These labels are critical to moving products successfully through distribution channels. Pallet loads of products, for example, that arrive at retailers’ docks without complete and accurate labelling may be rejected and returned at the manufacturers’ expense.

Similarly, those labelling systems and label machines that apply brand labels to individual products and packages must be able to apply those labels very precisely, since a wrinkled or off-centre label tends to reflect negatively on the product’s brand image. In some cases, these labelling systems also incorporate vision inspection systems that confirm the proper placement and the condition of the applied labels.

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