Which label is right for your label applicator machine?
An automated label applicator machine is a game-changer for efficiency and accuracy, but only if you’re using the right label with it. All labels are not equal, and for your label applicator machine to work smoothly, you’ll need to consider a number of factors. Label liners, adhesives, and facestock are just a few of the label features you’ll need to get right if you want to avoid jams, failed labels, and other productivity-busting problems.
Choosing the right label for your label applicator machine
The use and environmental requirements of your label and the type of label applicator machine you’re using both influence which label is right for you. If you’re a pharmaceutical company producing vaccines that require cold chain storage and shipping, you’re going to need a very different label than if you’re an auto manufacturer whose labels need to withstand harsh daily use.
Below, you’ll find some top-level factors to consider when choosing the right label for your label applicator machine. But in reality, the best way to ensure that you have the perfect label for your process is to have one custom-engineered (more on that later).
Liners
The liner is the backbone of any label construction and can make or break the efficiency of a label applicator machine. The liner material should be both durable and flexible. While paper liners are common, film liners often perform better because of their enhanced strength and ability to withstand higher application speeds without tearing.
A good release coating, typically silicone, ensures that labels peel off smoothly without tearing or leaving residue. Thickness is another consideration. Thinner liners can increase the number of labels per roll, reducing downtime for roll changes, but only if they’re compatible with the applicator machine. Otherwise, you can end up with jams and improper feeding.
Adhesives
The adhesive used in label construction is crucial for ensuring the label sticks properly to the intended surface once it’s processed through the label applicator machine.
Surface texture, cleanliness, and composition can all affect adhesive choice. Surface energy also affects how well the adhesive bonds. High surface energy materials, like metals and glass, typically provide better adhesion, while low surface energy materials, like some plastics, may require special adhesives.
Beyond that, you’ll also want to consider whether you want the label to be permanent, removable, or repositionable. Permanent adhesives are ideal for long-term applications, while removable adhesives are suitable for temporary labeling. The initial tack, or the adhesive’s ability to stick to the surface immediately upon contact, should be high enough to prevent label lift during application but not so high that it causes issues with repositioning if needed. Final adhesion must be strong enough to ensure long-term adherence to the substrate.
It’s also important to consider temperature conditions and choose an adhesive that will form a strong bond under real-use conditions. Labels that must perform under high-heat conditions or in refrigerator, freezer, cryogenic, or dry-ice environments all should be designed with speciality adhesives that will perform reliably under those extreme circumstances.
Facestock
The facestock is the visible part of the label. It too, should be carefully selected to meet all of the environmental and usage needs of your unique processes and to ensure compatibility with the label applicator machine. Paper, polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl are all common facestock materials. You’ll also want to take factors like durability and printability into consideration.
Understanding if you’ll want your labels to be 100 percent pre-printed or if you’ll want to add all or some of the information on site is essential to choosing the right label. Regardless of which of these printing options you choose, you’ll want to make sure the facestock supports a high print quality (especially important for barcodes) and excellent ink adhesion.
Additionally, the facestock might need to be resistant to abrasion, chemicals, moisture, or UV light depending on the application.
Peel values
Peel value refers to the force required to remove the label from the liner, which is a critical parameter for label applicator machines. Peel values should be optimized to allow easy peeling by the label applicator machine without tearing the label or liner. These values are typically tested at a specified angle and speed to ensure consistency and facilitate smooth operation during high-speed labeling.
Release values
Release value measures the force needed to separate the facestock from the liner and is crucial for high-speed labeling applications. Consistent release values prevent label applicator machine misfeeds and jams. The balance must be such that labels do not prematurely detach during handling but still release easily during application, maintaining efficiency and accuracy.
Label applicator machine pitfalls
So what if you don’t get your labels exactly right? The consequences of a small design error can be massive operationally.
Jams
Incompatible liner thickness or materials can cause jams or misfeeds in the label applicator machine, leading to downtime and reduced productivity. Ensuring that the liner’s thickness and material are compatible with the applicator machine is crucial to maintaining smooth operation and avoiding costly interruptions.
Tearing or mis-peels
Incorrect peel values can result in labels tearing or not peeling off the liner properly, causing interruptions and potential damage to the labels. Accurate peel values are essential for ensuring that labels separate cleanly from the liner when processed through the label applicator machine.
Sticking and misalignment
Without measures to minimize static electricity, labels can stick together or misalign, leading to misapplication and wastage. Effective static control is necessary to prevent labels from clinging to each other or misaligning as they’re processed through the label applicator machine.
Adhesive failure
Choosing the wrong adhesive type or one that is not suitable for the application temperature can result in labels not sticking properly to the surface, causing them to fall off. Conversely, too strong an adhesive can make repositioning difficult and cause damage to the labeled surface or the label itself when adjustments are needed. If the adhesive is not compatible with the surface material, it can result in poor adhesion or even damage the surface, especially with delicate or low-surface-energy materials.
Smudging and fading
Selecting an inappropriate facestock can lead to issues with print quality, such as smudging or fading, which can affect the readability of barcodes and other critical information. Labels may not withstand environmental conditions if the facestock material is not chosen correctly, leading to fading, tearing, or degradation when exposed to moisture, chemicals, or UV light.
Custom labels ensure label applicator machine success
If it seems like there are a lot of factors to consider when choosing labels for your applicator machine, it’s because there are. And, the sensitivity level across each feature is so high that getting just one wrong could jeopardize the functionality of your labels.
The answer is custom-engineered labels. When you work with a labeling partner — like CleanMark — that has worked in your industry for years and understand the nuances of ensuring smooth operation of your label applicator machine, you take the headache out of optimizing your label application process.
And, if you partner with CleanMark, you have a long-term partner who will be there to help you optimize your processes now and in the future. Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation with one of our label engineers today.