Print and apply labeling equipment is part of manufacturing and has the sole purpose of printing and attaching labels to products and packaging. The process varies with the type of labeling. However, the term "print & apply" generally refers to labels affixed with a glue substrate. Print & apply labels are used for barcodes (UPC), shipping labels, content labels, and graphic images.
Printing
Different printers use different print methods, but the basic print & apply process remains the same. Blank labels are feed into the printer. Software on a computer details what is to be printed. Direct thermal printing uses a special label stock into which the label details are burned. Alternatively, printing by thermal transfer produces a label by heating and melting a special wax, resin or hybrid ribbon. The melt area form the label image.
Application
Technology allows the finished label to be applied at any angle, including tapered bottle necks. Applying the labels is achieved by one of several methods. Tamp, Tamp-blow, or air-blow. As the name suggests, the tamp method of attachment involves a roller or similar devise pressing the printed label into position. The air-blow method uses a vacuum to hold the label ready to apply until the product passes by. The label is then blown onto the product. The tamp-blow method uses a combination of techniques, first blowing the label into place, then a secondary tamper presses the label securely into place.
Handling
A role of labels is mounted and threaded into the printer. When the labels are lifted from their backing for attachment to the package, the backing material is collected and rewound on a spindle. Sophisticated systems incorporate a system of reserve label loops which allow seamless reel changes without having to stop the labeling process.
Label-Aire's complete line of printer applicators can print & apply labels at any angle using tamp, tamp-blow, or air-blow technology.
All models are designed for rugged use and virtually maintenance-free operation and of course, are compatible with all O.E.M. print engines.
Check out our Print & Apply Labeling Equipment Videos to see products automatically machine (mechanically) labeled.
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