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Components of a Labeling System

A labeling system will include several different components, many of which are explained below:

Labeling Head – Applies the label to the product.

Web Unwind Reel – This is the component onto which you load your 12 to 13 inch diameter roll of labels. If you have a roll that is a larger diameter you will probably also require a power unwind.

Dancer Arm – There are several functions performed by the dancer arm, including keeping web tension and allowing for even label starts. The dancer arm also stops the web unwind from overfeeding the labels by acting as a brake.

Label Sensor – A label sensor is comprised of either an electro-mechanical switch, capacitive sensor, or a photoelectric sensor. No matter which type of sensor it has its job is to find the 1/8 inch space between the labels so that is can begin a label stop command. Electro-mechanical switches are outdated and not installed on most new machines, with the exception be small semi-automatic models. Photoelectric sensors are the new standard on most machines. Capacitive sensors are usually used will clear label stock.

Peel Plate – This is a device that removes a label from its backing paper. The label will continue in a straight line as the web breaks over the peel plate.

Drive Roller – This is the real power house behind a labeling system. It works in connection with the pinch roller to start and stop each labeling job. There is very little difference in the dive rollers among various machines. You can find a difference in quality, however, in the method by which the roller is stopped and driven. It is a good idea to review the pros and cons of the various drive systems in more detail.

Clutch/Brake Systems – This was originally the way to move each label forward. There are two electro-magnetic coils as part of a clutch/brake system, one to engage the clutch and one to engage the brake. While these were the first method used to move a label forward, they are not used as often today in the production of modern labeling systems, in part because you can not use a clutch/brake system as part of a really automatic labeling system. Clutch/brake systems utilize a timing system as they switch from one mode to the other which makes it less than fully automatic. Additionally, clutch/brake systems need to operate at about half the speed of stepper or servo systems because of heat generated with multiple cycles and label presentation errors. Machines utilizing the clutch/brake system are not recommended by this web site.

Stepper Motors – Stepper motors come in two types, alternating current (A.C.) and direct current (D.C.). D.C. stepping motors can be purchased in either 2-phase or 5-phase models. A.C. stepper models are not used very often, although they do have the benefit of being inexpensive when compared to D.C. models. Some of the disadvantages of the A.C. stepper motor come as the result of their 12 degree step angle, which leads to slower speeds and a larger degree of errors than you see with D.C. stepper motors. The only application that we would recommend using an A.C. stepper motor for is small desktop labeling systems.

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