How do label applicators work?

Answered by Michael Blake

Label applicators are essential tools in the packaging industry, as they play a crucial role in applying labels to various products. There are two common types of label applicators: tamp and wipe-on applicators. Let's take a closer look at how each of these applicators works and their applications.

1. Tamp Label Applicators:
The tamp label applicator is a small device that uses a tamp pad or a tamp blow mechanism to push the label onto the product's surface. This applicator typically consists of three main components: the label dispenser, tamp pad, and the tamp cylinder.

A. Label Dispenser:
The label dispenser holds the roll of labels and feeds them to the tamp pad. It ensures a continuous supply of labels for the applicator to use.

B. Tamp Pad:
The tamp pad is the part of the applicator that comes into direct contact with the label and transfers it onto the product. It is usually made of soft material like foam or rubber to ensure a gentle but firm application of the label.

C. Tamp Cylinder:
The tamp cylinder is responsible for the downward force applied to the tamp pad, pushing the label onto the product's surface. It can be pneumatically or mechanically operated, depending on the specific applicator design.

To operate a tamp label applicator, the product passes beneath the applicator, and the tamp pad moves down, pressing the label onto the product with sufficient force. The label adheres to the product, creating a seal between the label and the surface.

Tamp label applicators are commonly used for flat product labeling, such as on boxes, cartons, or flat surfaces of bottles. They can handle a wide range of label sizes and shapes, making them versatile for various packaging requirements.

2. Wipe-On Label Applicators:
Wipe-on label applicators, also known as brush applicators, are used for applying labels to both round and flat product surfaces. These applicators utilize a brush or a roller mechanism to sweep the label onto the product's surface.

A. Brush or Roller:
The brush or roller is the key component of the wipe-on applicator. It rotates or moves across the label's surface, applying pressure to ensure proper adhesion of the label onto the product.

To operate a wipe-on label applicator, the product moves along a conveyor, and the brush or roller comes into contact with the label, which is dispensed from a label dispenser. The brush or roller sweeps over the label surface, pressing it firmly onto the product as the label and the product move together.

Wipe-on applicators are suitable for a wide range of products, including bottles, jars, cans, and other cylindrical or flat surfaces. They are especially useful when labels need to be applied to products at high speeds, ensuring efficient production lines.

Label applicators, whether tamp or wipe-on, are essential tools in the packaging industry. Tamp applicators use a tamp pad and downward force to push labels onto flat product surfaces, while wipe-on applicators utilize brushes or rollers to sweep labels onto round or flat surfaces. These applicators enable efficient and accurate label application, ensuring product identification and branding.