What are the most important factors to consider when looking for a new system for print apply labeling cases trays, and pallets in your secondary packaging operations?
Maybe, you are looking for new equipment to comply with customer mandates, G1 barcoding complying with Walmart or other retail companies’ requirements, for example.
Perhaps your goal is to improve productivity and efficiency on your packaging line. Maybe your old equipment is creating too much downtime and struggling to keep up with production requirements.
It’s also possible that your existing labeling equipment is struggling because of difficulty handling your products and presenting them consistently to the labeling equipment.
Another reason for looking at new labeling equipment could be to improve safety.
Many traditional print and apply labelers have reciprocating tamp pads and other parts that create pinch points where an operator could get hurt.
Of course, you will also investigate your potential vendor for this equipment—the level of support offered in your area and their track record of successful installations.
Here at ID Technology, we are the leader in print and apply labeling systems in North America. Over the years, we have produced a portfolio of labeling systems for many applications.
One of our latest solutions is the new 265 labeling system with CarbonFlex™ applicator module.
The 265 print and apply labeling system is designed for all-electric operation, and it incorporates Allen-Bradly controls with enhanced communication protocols.
When configured with the CarbonFlex applicator module, the 265 is an excellent solution for printing and applying one or two labels to shipping cases, shrink-wrapped trays, and pallets.
Barcode Mandate Compliance
Each of the cases and trays you ship to customers is usually expected to comply with appropriate GS1 standards and specific customer requirements.
The 265 with CarbonFlex is specifically designed to meet these needs.
Printing the barcodes at a lower speed than competitive systems and printing them in the best orientation for print quality means you get an excellent quality barcode to start.
The unique flexible carbon fiber applicator blade of the CarbonFlex then transfers the label to the product – ensuring it is placed accurately every time.
Productivity and Efficiency
The 265 with CarbonFlexs is engineered to maximize efficiency on your packaging line.
It is often installed in an orientation that allows the label to feed in the short direction (for example, a 4×2 label with a web width of 4 inches and a feed length of 2 inches),
Using labels oriented this way doubles the number of labels per roll compared to wipe-on or direct apply labelers, dramatically reducing the number of stoppages for label roll replenishment.
It also allows the printer to operate at lower print speeds, reducing wear and producing the best barcode quality – an essential factor when customers issue chargebacks for poor barcodes.
To further improve efficiency, a pair of 265 systems can be configured as a zero-downtime solution, avoiding the need to stop for label roll changes completely.
The 265 and CarbonFlex system also ensures the labels are in the correct positions on the product each time. In addition, the carbon fiber applicator blade is more forgiving of inconstancies in product handling than other application techniques.
While good product handling is obviously still important, you’ll find the CarbonFlex applicator is an excellent solution when things are not ideal.
Safety
Ensuring your employees are safe is a crucial responsibility for any manager.
The CarbonFlex applicator doesn’t use reciprocating parts – reducing the risk of pinch points. In addition, the advanced servo control means that if an object (such as a person) gets in the way of the swinging blade, this is instantly detected, and the motion is reversed.
How CarbonFlex Works
When a product is detected approaching the labeling area, the label is printed and feeds onto the carbon fiber applicator blade. It is held in position by airflow created by a fan – note that compressed air is not needed for this machine.
The applicator blade swings towards the product at the correct time and applies the label, either to the leading face or the side, as required.
As soon as the blade comes in contact with the product, it returns to its home position after an adjustable delay.
If the application calls for two labels on the shipping case, the front face label is printed and applied first, followed by the side label – all at production line speeds without stopping the product.
Most Common Applications
265 print and apply labels with CarbonFlex applicator module are often found handling these jobs:
- Printing and applying two labels (on adjacent faces) of corrugated shipping cases.
- Printing and applying a label to the side of shrink-wrapped trays – usually one machine to allow for labeling on each side.
- Printing and applying labels to two sides of a pallet – note that the pallet doesn’t need to stop for this operation. If you need to apply labels to pallets at varying heights, the 265 can be used with our servo-stand for auto height adjustment.
ID Technology Labels
Do you know that ID Technology is one of the leading converters of labels for use in secondary packaging?
With no less than seven production plants in North America, we offer national coverage with local support and production – ideal for keeping shipping costs under control.
We provide both direct thermal and thermal transfer labels to a wide range of customers, from small businesses to some of the largest multinationals. In addition, we also have extensive capabilities for flexo and digital prime labels too, for your product labeling.
Using ID Technology labels with our labeling equipment will often qualify you for our lifetime limited equipment warranty as well – just ask your ID Technology representative for details.
Do You Want To Learn More?
How can ID Technology help with your labeling operations? Contact us at IDT@ProMachBuilt.com or call 817-626-7779 to find out! You can also download the 265 spec sheet here.
Labeling & Coding News is the online industry insider from ID Technology, EPI , Panther, Greydon, and Code Tech Labeling & Coding product brands of ProMach.
