Print and apply is as easy as the name implies. The technique creates labels and then affixes them directly to products, packages, or pallets. This method can range from semi-automated labeling to completely automated, high-speed applications.
The data on the labels can be in various formats, including text, barcodes, QR codes, and pictures. In addition, they transmit crucial information about the product to which they’re affixed once they’ve been applied.
Labeling must be accurate and efficient for manufacturing and logistics to be successful. When performed correctly, it can ensure a smooth production process, but it can cost a company time and money. Even though users have various options, print and apply to label is unmatched in terms of ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and efficiency.
Fortunately, there are several quick and accurate ways to automate this procedure. This article will discuss the best printer applicator options available today, as well as their multiple benefits.
Common Types of Label Printer Applicator Systems
Several labels cater to the unique needs of different products or packaging solutions. Strategic system selection necessitates a deep awareness of the available options and speed, accuracy, and synchronization preferences. The following are some of the most typical label printer applicator methods:
Tamp Blow Technique
By creating a vacuum, this contactless approach allows the label to be sucked and held in place until applied. When an item is ready to be labeled, the tamper moves, and the vacuum is turned. This quickly increases the pressure and presses the label into position. In addition, the tamper applicators provide plenty of space between the pads and the product areas.
Tamping blow procedures are typically preferred when it’s challenging to maintain synchronization between printing and application operations. In addition, these solutions are incredibly adaptable, as they can accommodate objects of different heights.
Wipe-On Technique
This contactless approach creates a vacuum, sucking and holding the label until it’s time to place it. Next, the tamp moves, and the vacuum goes off when an item is ready for labeling. This results in overpressure that can force the label into place. In addition, tamp applicators provide a large gap between the pads and the product location.
While tamp blow techniques are beneficial in several scenarios, they’re favored when printing and application are difficult to synchronize. Moreover, these solutions are pretty adaptable since they can hold goods of various heights.
Blow-On Technique
Blow-on solutions, frequently utilized as an alternative to the merging process, provide outstanding precision while accommodating various materials requiring labeling. The label is propelled to its destination by a blast of air via this method. Therefore, adjusting the speed and angle of the applicator should not be an issue.
Swing-Arm Applicator
In some systems, labels are applied to the product’s front and back panels simultaneously, while others label the product’s front and back panels at different times. Swing-arm applicators are used to place labels on the product’s front and rear panels.
It’s possible to set a smooth and flat application to either the leading or trailing panel since the pneumatically controlled arm extends. In most situations, swing-arm applicators are used to mark cases and pallets, and they’re capable of applying labels for a variety of sizes.
Benefits of Automated Printing & Applying
Automated printing offers a substantial possibility for optimizing processes and significantly increasing long-term earnings in a competitive market where every second saved is crucial. But this is merely the beginning. Automated systems have several other benefits, listed here below:
Improved Efficiency
Automated printing systems are, above all, cost-effective. As an alternative to placing things before peeling and adhering to labels, all products or pallets can be sent through a fully automated process that works flawlessly. As a result, the staff has more time to focus on other critical responsibilities.
Decreased Downtime
Manual labeling methods are prone to bottlenecks. When a slowdown develops in one area, it might have a cascading impact, reducing efficiency in other areas. As a result, even minor issues might cause significant downtime throughout a printing or labeling job.
Eliminating Human Error
While efficiency and uptime are critical, accuracy is essential. Human error, a common side effect of manual operations, is reduced by labeling machines. Proper placement might be difficult for even skilled laborers to achieve at peak speed.
Compact Design
Although they provide significant benefits, automated printing and application technologies can take little space. In addition, their small designs provide much-needed flexibility, allowing them to be quickly integrated into practically any storage scenario. Corner wrap applicators, for instance, may fit into unexpectedly small areas.
Large Label Size Capacity
Automated systems can accommodate several different label sizes. Hence, the procedure becomes more flexible without compromising the ability to place labels of various sizes quickly and properly.
Durability
The durability of automated printing and application systems is demonstrated by their ability to withstand heavy use. Their long-lasting construction ensures they’ll continue to function long after being installed. This leads to a significant return on investment over time. Additionally, the labels themselves are more durable because of their specific functionality since they’re less likely to be broken during the application process.
Reduced Labor Costs
One of the most significant advantages of automating labeling procedures is the same as most other types of automation; it lowers labor costs. Depending on the operation particulars, a print and apply system may be capable of securing up to 15 labels per minute or more (per device). With human labor, that would be the equivalent of labeling approximately one package every three seconds, just impossible to accomplish. Increasing the labeling speed provides greater throughput and, consequently, more profit and lower costs.
Branding
Businesses must maintain a professional demeanor if they intend for their customers to remember them, and automated labeling and packaging can help them do so. In addition, print and apply automation promotes client satisfaction and loyalty by ensuring consistency and uniformity in the company’s image.
The extent to which these advantages are realized depends, in part, on the type of applicator used. Some systems are more adept at minimizing downtime, while others provide higher accuracy or adaptability in their operation. Plus, all can eliminate errors while speeding up processes that might take longer. The advantages of these products can be enhanced further through skillful application by experts who know which applicators are most appropriate in various locations or scenarios.
