The Label That Was Crooked
We labeled a product (a label on a box, a labeling machine). On the floor, the label was crooked (it was applied at an angle). The problem: the product (the box) wasn’t positioned (it came in at an angle). The label applicator (a tamp, or a wipe-on) applied the label to the box (at the box’s angle). The label was crooked. We added a guide (to square the box, before the label). The box was squared (aligned). The label was straight. The mistake was not squaring the product (the label followed the box’s angle).
Labeling machine applies the label (straight, on the product). This article covers the basics.
The Label Applicator
A labeling machine has:
- The label roll: The labels (on a roll, with a backing). A feeder peels the label off the backing.
- The applicator: A tamp (a pad, presses the label on) or a wipe-on (a brush, wipes the label on).
- The product: The box (or part) to label (on a conveyor, article 121).
Step 1: Square the Product
The product must be squared (aligned) before the label. A guide (a side rail, article 123) squares the box (it’s straight). The label is applied to a straight box (the label is straight). If the box is at an angle, the label is crooked.
The labeling rule: Square the product (before the label). The label that was crooked was on an angled box. Add a guide (square the box). The label is applied to a straight box (it’s straight).
Step 2: The Trigger (Article 108)
A sensor (photo-eye, article 108) detects the product (on the conveyor). When the product is under the applicator, the sensor triggers (the label applies). The timing (the sensor’s position) is set (the label applies at the right spot on the product).
Step 3: The Tamp (or Wipe)
A tamp (a pad) presses the label on (for a flat product). A wipe-on (a brush) wipes the label (for a moving product). The tamp is for a stopped product (the product stops, the tamp presses). The wipe is for a moving product (the conveyor moves, the brush wipes).
Step 4: The Label Position
The label’s position (on the product) is set (the applicator’s height, the sensor’s position). The label is on the right spot (e.g., the center of the box). For a consistent position, the product is squared (step 1) and the sensor triggers at the right time.
| Step | Method |
|---|---|
| Square the product | Side guide (article 123) |
| Trigger | Photo-eye (article 108) |
| Apply | Tamp (stopped) or wipe (moving) |
| Position | Set (height, sensor) |
A Labeling Checklist
- Is the product squared? (Guide?)
- Is the trigger right? (Sensor? Article 108?)
- Is the tamp (or wipe) working?
- Is the label position right? (Test?)
- Is the label roll loaded? (Backing?)
- Is the label straight? (No crooked?)
- Is the timing right? (Spot on?)
- Is the conveyor speed right? (Article 121?)
- Is the label readable? (Barcode?)
- Is the waste (backing) wound? (Recycled?)
The Bottom Line
Labeling machine applies the label straight. The label that was crooked was on an angled box. Square the product (guide). Trigger (sensor). Tamp (or wipe). The label that was straight wasn’t the best applicator — it squared the product.
