This article was originally posted on the Panther blog and discusses cycle time when printing and applying labels to the top face of varying height products for logistics applications.
Introduction
Speed is critical when considering print-and-apply label automation systems for a top-applied label in shipping or e-commerce operations. Manufacturers of these systems are often asked to qualify their “cycle time” – the process by which the system prints a label, stages it for application, applies it to an item and then returns to repeat the process, ad infinitum.
But how is the manufacturer’s system cycle time being qualified, or how is its speed being promoted?
In direct relation to this, how will the label be applied to your items? There are two standard methods of label application during the cycle time process – direct contact (the label applicator contacts the item to apply the label) and passive contact (the label is blown onto the item via compressed air without the applicator contacting the item).
Both are effective methods to apply a label, but each approach has pros and cons in a shipping and e-commerce environment. This document will discuss both application methods and any critical aspects as they relate to cycle process time. Furthermore, the direct contact application method is assumed to be an all-electric solution, whereas the passive contact application method utilizes both electricity and compressed air.
Cycle Time Stages
Understanding the stages of overall cycle time in conjunction with the two methods mentioned above of label application can provide you with the knowledge to decide which system you will want to integrate into your operations.
The four basic stages that comprise the cycle time of a labeling automation system are as follows:
1. Print/Feed
2. Applicator Stroke
3. Application of Label
4. Applicator Return
Data Transmission and Processing
It is important to note that before (or concurrent within) those four stages of cycle time, data is being transmitted to the print engine of the labeling automation system. This data is then processed within the print engine before the label is printed.
During this process, there are variables: how this data is transmitted (from a local host or outside source), the type of data that is needed to be processed (image, text, or a combination of both), the processing speed of the print engine, and when this data transmission/processing occurs.
Cycle Time Stage 1 – Print/Feed
The Print/Feed stage sees the print engine of the labeling automation system (manufactured by a third-party provider and integrated into the labeling system) taking the data that has been presented/processed and printing a label. Once this label is printed, it is then fed onto the label applicator. The printed label is now staged and ready for application to an item.
Direct Contact Labeling
Once a label is printed and fed to the applicator, the staging time for this type of labeling automation system is essentially zero. The label simply resides on the applicator and awaits application.
Pros
Label fed to the applicator is stationary, staged, and ready for application.
Cons
The label has to travel a longer distance when the applicator is triggered to apply the label.
Passive Contact Labeling
Once the label is printed and fed to the applicator, the applicator physically moves into a staging position prior to applying the label (shown below). This requires time for that staging movement to occur.
Pros
The applicator is closer to the item before it arrives, reducing the distance the label travels when the applicator is triggered to apply the label.
Cons
The applicator’s movement and stoppage before application of the label introduce an opportunity for label movement or repositioning.
Compressed air is required to keep the label in place on the applicator unit until it is triggered to apply the label.
The extended applicator is vulnerable to contact by an errant item. This may require a collision sensor on the applicator, adding variables to the process.
Cycle Time Stage 2 – Applicator Stroke
The label applicator accelerates towards the item being labeled. Some labeling automation system manufacturers view this stage as part of their Print/Feed process, thereby creating differences when an end-user is comparing times of “applicator speed.”
An important clarification is that any label applicator system accelerates/extends to the item being labeled. Whether that occurs in advance of the application of the label or during the actual label application process is irrelevant – the applicator needs to approach the item in order to apply the label.
Direct Contact Labeling
Movement of the label applicator is initiated at the exact time the label needs to be applied to the item. The applicator accelerates towards the item, then decelerates just prior to application of the label so it is applied with a soft touch.
Pros
The applicator extends at the time the label is to be applied.
For operations with items of varying heights in motion, spacing between items may be tighter, increasing overall throughput.
Cons
The applicator stroke is triggered later in the cycle time process than a passive contact approach. As a result, items are further upstream when triggered, creating a “point of no return”. Any slowing or stoppage of the conveyor may see the applicator missing the intended label placement position, or the item altogether.
Passive Contact Labeling
Movement of the label applicator is initiated immediately after the Print/Feed stage, positioning the applicator slightly above the height of the item receiving the label. It then waits for the item to be in position to apply the label.
The labeling system needs to be aware of the height of each package and that information is usually provided by the warehouse management or control software.
Pros
The applicator is already in place above the item at the time it is to be triggered and the label is quickly applied to the item.
Cons
Additional verification controls are required to verify the applicator is at the correct height above the anticipated item to be labeled.
Operations with items of varying heights in motion must account for the applicator extending prior to the label application process. This may require additional space between items, thereby reducing overall throughput.
Cycle Time Stage 3 – Application of Label
This stage is simply that – the label is applied to the item presented. This can be handled through direct contact with the item or by passively contacting it (typically, the label is blown on to the item).
Direct Contact Labeling
This process occurs at the exact transition between the Applicator Stroke and Applicator Return stages. The applicator accelerates to the item, applies the label during contact with the item, and then retracts.
Pros
Conceivably faster application time, as it occurs at the transition point between the stroke and return stages (essentially zero time).
Only requires electricity (no compressed air).
Cons
Label applicator makes physical contact with the item to be labeled.
Passive Contact Labeling
When triggered, the label is typically blown onto the item with compressed air.
Pros
No contact between label applicator and item.
The applicator is closer to the item prior to the time it is triggered to apply the label.
Cons
The labeling application system requires both electricity and air to apply the label.
The system requires more parts for utilizing both electrical and pneumatic functions of the applicator.
The label requires spatial travel between the applicator and the item.
Cycle Time Stage 4 – Applicator Return
Lastly, the Applicator Return stage occurs to complete the cycle time process. Since the label has been applied to the item, the applicator returns to the home position to repeat the process.
Direct Contact Labeling
The applicator returns to the original Print/Feed position to repeat the process.
Pros
Faster return speed from applicator stroke.
Cons
None.
Passive Contact Labeling
The applicator returns to the original Print/Feed position to repeat the process.
Pros
None.
Cons
None.
Summary
When evaluating the stated times and benefits of various print-and-apply labeling automation systems, every manufacturer’s cycle time comprises these four stages.
However, the times and metrics communicated can be confusing or incomparable depending on how each manufacturer qualifies what occurs (and when) during those stages.
By understanding these basic components, an end-user can evaluate holistically and make a more informed decision on which solution is best suited for integration into their own operations.
If you want to learn more about how the cycle time of print apply labelers can affect the output of your own operations, contact panther.sales@promachbuilt.com or call today at 303-703-9876.