Warehouses and distribution centres handle very high-volumes and often various shaped packages, so precision and efficiency are paramount, therefore the importance of reliable labelling cannot be overstated. Every box or package that travels along a conveyor belt must be identified clearly and accurately with shipping labels and customer order details. This is where automatic print-and-apply label applicators play a crucial role. These systems ensure that the right label is applied to the right package, at the right time, optimising the flow of goods while minimising errors and delays.
Dynamic Labelling Needs: Handling Different Packages and Label Placement
One of the core challenges in logistics labelling is the variety of packages and sizes that must be handled. Each package or box will require a label with different information, based on the shipping destination, order details, or handling instructions. Moreover, packages quite often arrive on the conveyor in different orientations, requiring labels to be applied in varying positions, such as the top, side, or even around corners.
This is where the versatility of print-and-apply systems becomes invaluable. These systems can be configured to apply labels in multiple positions on the package, regardless of its size or shape. Whether the label needs to be applied flat on top of a box, along the side, or wrapped around a corner, the automatic applicator ensures that each label is perfectly positioned for optimal readability and scannability.
Choosing the Right Applicator: Air-Blow, Tamp, Tamp-Blow, Swing or Corner-Edge Systems
To accommodate the diversity in package sizes and shapes, different types of applicators are used, each suited for specific scenarios. For example, air-blow applicators use a burst of air to apply the label onto the package, which is ideal for fast-moving conveyors and lightweight packages that are difficult to reach with other methods or have an inconsistent surface.
For more precise placement, tamp applicators physically push the label onto the surface of the package. This method ensures that the label is securely attached, making it suitable for packages that require a more controlled application. In certain cases, a tamp-blow applicator combines both techniques, offering a hybrid approach that is useful for packages that may need to be handled carefully but still require high-speed application.
Where space is restricted, labels can be applied by mounting the labeller above the line and using a 90° swing applicator, place the label onto the leading edge of a pack as it travels underneath. The applicator arm collects the label and holds it on a vacuum pad which swings down over the line in front of the pack. The pack makes contact with the label and the arm is then immediately swung rapidly back without hindering the pack's progress.
A corner-edge applicator module is required when a double-length label is needed on adjacent front and side faces. This is where a label is printed and fed out onto motorised o-ring bands, held by vacuum, created by fans. The applicator arm is shaped and lightly sprung so that the pack can push into the first part of the label and then carries on moving the arm to wipe down the side portion of the label. The arm then returns into position ready to accept the next label.
Each of these methods ensures that labels are applied consistently and correctly, reducing the risk of misapplied labels or labels that might peel of during transit.
The Importance of Scannability: Ensuring Smooth Logistics Flow
Once the labels are applied, the next crucial step in the logistics chain is scanning. Modern logistics rely heavily on barcodes or 2D codes for tracking and identifying packages as they move through the system. The ability to scan the newly applied label quickly and accurately is essential for efficient package identification, sorting, and delivery.
If a barcode or 2D code is poorly printed or misapplied, it may be impossible for scanners to read, leading to delays, misrouted packages, and potential failures in delivery. This makes it critical to ensure that every label is applied with precision and that the printing process maintains high quality.
A faulty or unscannable barcode can disrupt the entire logistics operation, causing delays in shipments, incorrect deliveries, or the inability to trace packages for returns or customer support. This is why the reliability of automatic label applicators, along with the accuracy of the printing process, is integral to a smooth-running logistics system.
Conclusion
Logistics companies operate in a high-volume, fast-moving industry where automatic print-and-apply label applicators are a critical component in ensuring that packages are labelled accurately and efficiently. These systems can handle a variety of packages, applying labels to different surfaces, and are equipped with various applicator types; air-blow, tamp, tamp-blow, swing-on or corner-edge, to suit specific needs. With the added importance of scanning barcodes and 2D codes for accurate tracking and delivery, high-quality label application directly impacts the success of logistics operations. For businesses aiming to stay competitive in the logistics sector, investing in reliable and precise labelling solutions is not just a matter of efficiency; it’s a matter of maintaining operational integrity and customer satisfaction.
Click the link below to view the different, standard applicator modules available from Advanced Labelling Systems:
Contact Advanced Labelling Systems Ltd today to learn how we can help ensure your products are labelled with precision, verified with confidence and delivered with compliance.