Line Components and Technologies
Bottle labeling: glue, self-adhesive or sleeve
The label is the most visible packaging element and simultaneously the most frequent source of line stops. Technology is chosen by three criteria: run size, bottle shape and required appearance.
Three technologies
Hot-glue paper labels are the cheapest in consumables. They are indispensable for large water and beer runs, but require a smooth cylindrical surface and careful maintenance of the glue unit.
Self-adhesive labels give the best print quality and suit complex shapes and small runs. The consumable is more expensive because of the liner, but the machine is simpler to maintain and faster to change over.
Shrink sleeves cover the whole bottle, can handle complex geometry and combine labeling with tamper-evidence. The most expensive, but gives the maximum design area.
Technology comparison
| Criterion | Glue | Self-adhesive | Sleeve |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material cost | Low | Medium | High |
| Machine cost | Medium | Lower | Higher |
| Complex shapes | Poor | Good | Excellent |
| Changeover speed | Slow | Fast | Medium |
| Print quality | Medium | High | High |
| Optimal run | Large | Small and medium | Medium and large |
Stop causes and how to remove them
- Wet bottle
- Label does not stick. Solved by blowing bottles dry before the labeler.
- Label misalignment
- Usually the bottle fixture on the conveyor, not the machine itself.
- Web breakage
- Tension control and roll quality. Cheap material costs more in the end.
- Bubbles under the label
- Wrong pressure of the press rollers or unsuitable bottle radius.
- Orientation mismatch
- Requires a mark sensor on the bottle and an orienting unit.
FAQ
Can one machine use different label types?
Combined modules exist, but usually compromise on speed. More often one technology is installed for the main range and a second machine for the premium line.
Is inspection needed after the labeler?
For retail chains it is desirable: a camera checks label presence, position and correctness, rejecting defects before packaging.
How much does it cost to switch to sleeve?
Besides the machine, you need sleeve stock and, at high speeds, a steam or infrared shrink tunnel. This is a separate budget item and floor area in the shop.
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