Improving the packaging and labeling process is a concern in almost every industry. From the crisp, branded labels of consumer goods to the large pallets in manufacturing, plants are challenged with increasing efficiency without sacrificing quality. Label printing machinery is a popular solution, as it is faster and more accurate than manual labeling and cuts down on the potential for human error.
Types of label printing machinery
Two of the most common types of label printing machinery are the print and apply labeling machine, and the apply only labeling machine.
At Paragon Labeling, our apply-only machines use Prime labels, which are used for creative branding on individual products, like a bottle of wine. This type of label does not contain variable information and all of the images and data on these labels are pre-printed on a press. Apply-only machines are massive, and can hold and apply large rolls of labels to product.
Print and apply machines, on the other hand, use blank labels for secondary packaging, like a pallet or tote. These labels include important information for shipping, including some real time data like lot codes, so it’s imperative that labels are printed and applied neatly.
The biggest advantage of label printing machinery is speed. Label application speed is dependent on many variables such as desired label placement, product size/length and method of product handling. The machinery works faster and more accurately than manual processes, especially when you’re dealing with a variety of surfaces. Different applicators are available for surfaces that are rough, round, flat, and more — the shape of the item being labeled dictates the type of label application.
At Paragon Labeling, our label printing machinery can be configured to do multiple types of applications. Workers who learn to maintain the machines will have more familiarity with these applicators, as the core components of our machinery are all the same. This makes it easier and faster to make changes or repairs.
Print and apply labeling machine
The print and apply labeling machine is an integrated solution that prints and then immediately applies labels to products, cartons, cases, pallets, and totes. At Paragon Labeling, our print and apply machinery can be configured to apply Secondary labels in different placements, including front and back, top and bottom, horizontal wrap, flat carton, and wrap labeling of round products.
Apply only labeling machine
As the name implies, an apply-only labeling machine does not print its own labels, only applies them. These machines can be used to place decorative labels onto a variety of products and be configured similar to the print and apply machine. Our apply-only machines use crisp Prime labels to convey branding and product information.
Label printing machinery industry applications
Label printing machinery is popular for labeling applications in a wide range of industries, from the unique labeling requirements of healthcare to the varying package sizes of consumer goods.
Medical and Pharmacy
The healthcare industry has unique requirements for safety, material, and label size. Companies considering labeling machinery in this industry should look for customizable labels and a system that can improve efficiency while still maintaining a high level of quality and safety.
Manufacturing
Label printing machinery is commonly used in manufacturing, where companies are under enormous pressure to improve efficiency at a low cost. This industry prefers a machine that can print and apply crisp, clean labels to a variety of shapes and sizes, including secondary packaging, master cartons, shipping cases, pallets, and even individual products.
Consumer Goods
The consumer goods industry favors label printing machinery that can provide flexibility in packaging for promotions and new marketing programs. Both types of label printing machinery are typically used to cover each step of the packaging process. Configurable apply-only machines, for example, are well-suited for applying Prime labels to nearly any shape and style of product. Once that product is packaged, a print and apply machine can label Secondary product packaging used to deliver bulk product to retail outlets.
Retail
Automatic labeling machines are also popular in retail, where the quality of product labels helps catch a customer’s eye. Customizable labels and a modular, highly reliable machine are key to a faster process and strong ROI.
Beverage and Food
Food and beverage companies face the challenge of unique labeling requirements, including SKU data, nutritional information, safe handling instructions, Country Of Origin Labeling (COOL), lot codes, and expiration dates. Label printing machinery can be used to quickly apply these customizable labels to a variety of individual products or to secondary packaging like cases, totes, and pallets.
Benefits of using labeling printing machinery
One of the biggest advantages to using label printing machinery is that it is faster and more accurate than manual labeling, cutting down significantly on the potential for human error. By ensuring that clear, crisp labels are being correctly applied to a variety of surface types, plants are saved from costly mistakes that can slow down processing time.
Interested in learning more? See label printing machinery in action here.