Labeling Machine
A labeling machine applies labels to containers with accuracy and consistency, ensuring products meet both aesthetic and regulatory standards. These machines handle various container types including glass, plastic, and metal in cylindrical, oval, rectangular, or irregular shapes.
Labeling machines are positioned after the filling process. Bottles enter and rest on support plates while heads lower to keep them stable, allowing one or more labels to adhere perfectly to the body or neck.
Types of Labeling Machines
Linear vs. Rotary Configuration
Machine configuration depends on production speed and available floor space:
| Configuration |
Speed Range |
Best Application |
| Linear |
Low to medium volumes |
Compact footprint requirements |
| Rotary |
Up to 100,000+ BPH |
High-speed industrial production |
Labeling Technologies
Self-Adhesive Labeling Machines
Self-adhesive labelers represent the most common and versatile technology, suitable for different container types and shapes.
Operating principle:
- Labels mounted on a reel with special adhesive backing
- Reel installed on a dispensing unit
- Labels release at the precise point of bottle passage
- Adhesive separates easily from paper support
Advantages:
- Medium-high speed production capability
- Minimal format conversion and maintenance
- Labels containers of any size, material, and shape
- Multiple label groups can apply different labels to the same container
Hot Glue Roll-Fed Labeling Machines
Roll-fed labelers are widely used for cylindrical PET bottle packaging, offering high productivity and cost-effectiveness.
Operating principle:
- Continuous plastic film with printed labels
- Automatic cutting mechanism separates labels precisely
- Hot glue applied to label backs
- Labels wrap around the bottle
Advantages:
- Production speeds up to 100,000 applications per hour
- High performance with multiple materials: OPP, PET, PVC, OPS, paper
- 360° coverage on cylindrical or rectangular containers
- Vacuum drum system transfers labels without grippers
- Automatic reel joining enables continuous operation
- Compatible with ultralight containers and thinnest labels ("green packaging")
Considerations:
- Requires more cleaning and maintenance
- Not suitable for non-cylindrical geometries
- Longer format change times
Hot Glue Pre-Cut Label Machines
Pre-cut label machines use hot glue to apply paper or plastic labels from a storage magazine rather than continuous reels.
Operating principle:
- Pre-cut labels placed in dedicated storage
- Glue maintained at constant temperature for optimal adhesion
- Independent glue groups — one for container dispensing, one for label overlap
- Synchronized steel roller distributes glue
- Excess glue collection tank included
Specifications:
- Production speeds from 130 to 1,200 BPM
- Suitable for cylindrical and shaped containers with straight vertical surfaces
- Mixed labeling capability at same production speed
Cold Glue Labeling Machines
Cold glue labelers use pre-cut labels inserted in dispensers with storage magazines. Glue is taken from a tank and applied directly to labels before container application.
Characteristics:
- Economical solution for low to medium volumes
- Suitable for rectangular or square containers
- Works with metal, cardboard, PET, PVC materials
Sleeve Labeling Machines
Sleeve labels (shrink or heat-shrink) represent advanced labeling technology increasingly popular in beverage and food industries. These labels narrow around products, adapting to container shape and utilizing the entire surface for marketing and information.
Sleeve Types
| Type |
Description |
Application |
| Stretch Sleeve |
Elasticized cylindrical tubular film; pre-cut labels detached from lower tab |
Cylindrical containers; bulk packaging for product grouping |
| Shrink Sleeve |
Heat-shrinkable film; shrinks at ~100°C via steam |
Complex shapes; 360° decoration; 10-color printing |
Sleeve label advantages:
- No adhesive glue required — shrinks by heat
- Works on any container type: plastic, glass, metal
- Full-body or partial application (including cap-only for tamper evidence)
- 360° decoration on complex shapes
- Barrier protection against light, abrasions, perforations
- Film thickness 30-70 microns (materials: PVC, PET-G, PP, PLA, OPS, PE)
- 25% higher cost than traditional labels but potential 150%+ ROI
Labeling Process Steps
Automatic labeling follows a precise sequence:
- Bottle feeding and positioning — conveyor belt with mechanical guides or optical sensors ensures correct spacing
- Bottle detection — optical or mechanical sensors synchronize label release with bottle movement
- Label dispensing and application — labels applied via rollers or pressure applicators
- Securing and finishing — additional rollers or heat systems (for sleeves) eliminate air bubbles
- Quality control — sensors verify correct position and detect defects; irregular bottles automatically rejected
- Output — labeled bottles proceed to packaging or palletizing
Label Application Positions
Labeling machines can apply labels in various positions:
- Front label
- Back label
- Side labels
- Neck label
- Wrap-around (full circumference)
- Cap sleeve (tamper-evident)
Labeling Machine Benefits
- Versatility — handles glass, plastic, metal containers in various shapes
- High productivity — thousands of bottles per hour with continuous flow
- Precision — consistent, error-free application via advanced sensors
- Lower operating costs — automation reduces labor requirements
- Flexible configuration — programmable label positions
Purchasing Used Labeling Machines
Used labeling machines offer savings of 35% to 60% compared to new equipment. Key evaluation factors:
- Container type — glass, PET, metal compatibility
- Container shape — cylin
