Automatic Labeling System
We are looking for a way to automatically label our product boxes on our assembly line. If it could also incorporate a date stamp on the label as well, that would be awesome.
Any help is greatly appreciated!!!
Are the labels preprinted or are you printing inhouse?
get a print and apply - if you want to create your own case labels as well. probably the simplest solution.
You can get case label applicators that also have an embosser or laser to print lot codes.
If you want more flexibility you could get a label applicator and add a "video jet" type case marker for a lot code elsewhere on the case.
It just takes a print and apply system and the software to produce the label elements. I would suggest the "wipe-on" type as they are typically more reliable and there are less moving parts than the tamp on style. They also offer you the ability to label 2 sides of every master case with a corner type label. There are a several stand alone systems out there to choose from. Ours are mounted to the sides of our conveyors just after our case sealers. Just need to direct the cases to the location where the labels are applied. Labels can be generated in many different configurations with any information you want: Time, Date, machine information, even personnel if you set it up. Ours print bar code information as well as customer and item numbers and information. Many newer printers can print in color but we just use a thermal system (black and white)
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We were just talking with a rep from Markem Imaje yesterday. They have a program that can print directly onto boxes for packaging.
We're having a free demo in a couple weeks. So far, it looks great and will cut down on label costs.
We were just talking with a rep from Markem Imaje yesterday. They have a program that can print directly onto boxes for packaging.
We're having a free demo in a couple weeks. So far, it looks great and will cut down on label costs.
Used this system in a past role and it worked very well. If you need to print logos etc. there are not the clearest option, however you can configure any number of sizing, print types, & barcodes. We had our case labeler on the lines networked in so we could use the software (CoLos) on any computer with the software and control the the labels used on each line. Was easy to push the files out to the lines and make adjustments as needed once you have a solid template to work off of.
If logos or fine print is needed have always gone with pre-printed labels as the quality is better.
Best of luck!
Just make sure to do a thorough price comparison of ink vs label supplies. We looked at it and it was less expensive in the long run for us to go with thermal labelers, less to troubleshoot too. Corrugated tends to absorb and diffuse so different coverage might be needed. There can be some distortion with printing directly to the case. The thermal guys will tell you they're cheaper and the ink guys just the opposite! They are sales people after all! Again, if you want a label on 2 sides, the thermal wipe on systems give you a simple solution for that.