Consumers don’t generally purchase a bottle without knowing what is inside it. Adding a label to a bottle identifies the contents.
A bottle label can carry an array of other information, such as the manufacturer name, logo, ingredients, conservation instructions, and more. All these details can be printed on a label, which then needs to be stuck to the bottle.
A bottle label applicator takes the printed label and ensures it is correctly adhered to the bottle. It’s a modern alternative to adding each label by hand and offers an array of advantages.
Key Components Of Bottle Label Applicators
Before investing in a bottle label applicator, you should be aware of the parts inside the machine and how they make automatic label application possible.
Printing
Modern label applicators incorporate printers. This allows you to design your own label and tell the machine what should be on it and how it should be printed.
The label applicator will then start the process by printing the label.
Applicator
Every machine has an applicator. This is the part designed to collect the label and press it firmly against the bottle, securing it in the right space.
It does this by either wiping the label while pushing it against the bottle or by blowing it into position with compressed air.
Label Spools
Naturally, for a machine to successfully fasten the label in the right position it needs the label lined up with the bottle. More importantly, the label should be fixed to the bottle in exactly the same position every time.
Label spools hold the printed labels and move them in front of the applicator, helping to ensure the positioning is perfect.
Drive Wheel
The drive wheel is controlled by the electric motor. It spins, allowing the labels to move onto the label spool. Once the label has been applied to the bottle, the spool moves again, allowing the next label to move into position.
Control Panel
The control panel is where you input what you want the bottle label applicator machine to do. You’ll be able to dictate the label size, position, operation speed, and several other criteria.
When you’re ready, you can start the mùachine from the control panel, and stop it if necessary.
Types Of Bottle Label Applicators
Bottle label applicator machines can print a label on one side, wrap a label around the bottle, or print one on each side. The question is which type of machine do you purchase?
Fully Automatic
The fully automatic bottle label applicator takes up the most space. It is also the fastest option, allowing it to label more bottles than other types of machines.
The biggest appeal of a fully automatic machine is that you don’t need an operator to do anything. Once the program is set, it will produce the label, collect the bottle, position the label, and make sure the bottle is ready for packing.
It’s even possible to add a packing unit, allowing the labeled bottles to be packed, ready for shipping.
It’s worth noting that fully automatic bottle label applicators can save label templates, making it easy to switch between bottles and labels.
Semi-Automatic
The semi-automatic bottle applicator offers many of the advantages of the fully automatic version. However, some elements of the process will need to be done manually. For example, feeding the bottles into position.
This means it takes longer to label bottles. However, you will probably only need one operator to keep the machine running. It’s good for smaller businesses, especially those trying to look more professional and efficient.
Manual
Very small businesses, those with little space or budget, and start-ups may select to complete the process manually. This means physically taking every bottle and adding a label or labels to it.
This approach is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and far less efficient. The manual option is generally viable in the short term, allowing your business to raise the funds for a semi or fully-automatic machine.
Benefits Of A Bottle Label Applicator
Investing in an automatic, or even a semi-automatic bottle label applicator will be one of the best investments your business ever makes. Here are some of the most obvious benefits:
Positioning Accuracy
A machine will position every label in exactly the same position on the bottle. It uses sensors to ensure every bottle is orientated the same way and the label is fixed where indicated.
In contrast, adding labels manually means it is highly likely that the labels will be in slightly different positions or even at a slight angle.
The human eye doesn’t have the accuracy of a machine.
Speed Of Application
A well-designed machine can label bottles in quick succession. Various mechanisms ensure all the components are in the right position when the applicator pushes the label on. It can label more than one bottle a second.
Adding labels manually is nowhere near as quick. Each one has to be carefully positioned while holding the bottle. To get them as accurate as a machine will take several seconds or longer.
The speed in which a machine can label bottleis significantly faster than with a manual approach.
Diverse Bottle Options
Machines can hold virtually any size or shape of bottle. In many cases, this can be achieved with the standard bottle holder. Particularly odd shapes and sizes may need an additional holding mechanism.
This makes it easy to switch between bottle types and still use the most appropriate label and application technique.
Reduced Costs
A bottle label applicator does involve cost. In the short term, the cost will be more than adopting a manual approach.
However, thanks to the speed of the label applicator and the reduction in staff requirements, in the mid-to-long term, investing in an applicator machine will be significantly cheaper.
Machines also have a low bottle breakage rate, potentially lower than applying labels to bottles manually.
Brand Reputation
Your label represents your brand and your product. The more professional the label looks the better it is for your reputation.
Applicator machines ensure every bottle looks perfect. The same cannot be said for manual applications. If you want your brand to be taken seriously, you need a professional label. Using an automatic bottle label applicator simply makes good business sense.
Which Industries Will Benefit From Bottle Label Applicators
Several industries rely on bottles and would benefit from using a bottle label applicator machine.
Food And Drink
The food and drink industry relies heavily on bottles. Many products, such as wine, cold drinks, sauces, and condiments are supplied in bottles. Each one needs a label.
As a business that relies on a good reputation, each of those labels needs to look great and be properly positioned.
Supplements can also be included in this industry.
Pharmaceuticals
The pharmaceutical industry supplies a wide range of medications in bottles, particularly liquid treatments. Every medication needs to be carefully labeled.
An applicator machine can help ensure all medication has the right label, whether it’s done at the factory or by the pharmacist at the time of issue.
Pet Care
Pet food, treats, and medication can all be delivered via bottles, which need labels. It’s a massive industry, remaining competitive means keeping your costs as low as possible and establishing a good brand reputation.
A bottle label applicator will help you achieve this.
Cleaning Products
Bleaches, window cleaners, washing-up liquids, and a host of other cleaning products are contained in bottles, which all need labels.
The truth is, almost every industry uses bottles and every bottle needs to be labeled to ensure everyone knows what is in it and how to use it.
FAQs
Choosing the right bottle applicator can be challenging. Fortunately, Sainty is here to help, as are the following answers to the most commonly asked questions.
How Many Labels Can A Bottle Applicator Produce?
The answer to this depends on many variables, such as the size and capability of the machine, how big, (or small), the labels and bottles are, and which labeling method is being used.
A good average for a high-quality machine is 200 bottles labeled in just one minute.
Can the Applicator Handle Bottles Of Different Sizes And Shapes?
Yes. Again, it depends on the machine. The majority of bottle label applicators can handle bottles of all sizes and shapes, you simply need to tell the machine before the program starts.
This isn’t generally the case with a manual label applicator.
Is It Easy To Maintain A Bottle Label Aplicator?
The good news is that bottle label applicators have surprisingly few moving parts. That minimizes the amount of things that can go wrong.
Maintenance should be as simple as regular cleaning and occasional servicing of the motor.
Can I Customize Each Label?
With an automatic machine, it’s possible to design a different label for each bottle style. Every label can be designed on the machine or a computer and uploaded to the machine.
It will save the template, allowing you to choose it whenever you need to. You’ll then be able to create batches of unique customized labels.
Is A Bottle Label Applicator A Good Business Investment?
If you’re running a business that adds content to bottles, a bottle label applicator should be seen as an essential investment.
It’s highly likely to save you money and will improve the reputation of your brand.
