Semi Automatic Labeling Machine

The Nexus semi-automatic labelling machine is a benchtop labeller that applies self-adhesive labels to bottles, jars, tubs and flat packs one container at a time. The operator loads the container, the machine dispenses and applies the label in register, and the operator removes it. It suits short runs, startups, contract packers and any line with frequent product changes, and it is the usual starting point before a fully automatic labelling machine. Nexus supplies and supports semi-automatic label applicators Australia-wide.

Also known as

• Semi automatic label applicator machine
• Benchtop labelling machine or tabletop labeller
• Manual bottle labelling machine (operator-loaded, machine-applied)
• Semi auto labeler or semi-automatic labeler (US spelling)

How it works

A pressure-sensitive labelling machine feeds self-adhesive labels from a backing web. On the wrap-around model, the operator sets a round container on the rollers and presses a foot switch or button; the rollers spin the container against the label web and the label wraps on tightly in one turn. On the top-surface model, the operator places a flat pack or lid under the applicator head and the label is dispensed onto the top face. Label position is set once per product and stored, so repeat runs need no re-adjustment.

Labelling options

• Wrap-around labelling for round bottles, jars, cans and tubes, from small vials up to 20 litre containers.
• Top surface labelling for flat packs, lids, boxes and pouches.
• Partial wrap where the label covers only part of the circumference.
• Optional date or batch coder that prints onto each label as it is applied.

Semi-automatic versus automatic labelling

The difference is container handling, not label quality. A semi-automatic labeller relies on the operator to load and unload, so output is set by how fast a person can work, typically several hundred containers an hour. An automatic labeler takes containers from a conveyor and labels continuously, which is where the all-in-one front, back and wrap labeller at up to 50 containers a minute or the top and bottom labeller at 60 packs a minute come in. If you label fewer than about 5,000 containers a week or change products several times a day, the semi-automatic machine is the better buy. Our guide to semi-automatic versus fully automatic packaging machines covers the crossover point. Our guide to benchtop and manual packaging machines for small producers covers the filler and capper that pair with it.

Product capability

The machine applies labels to containers of different diameters and heights with a simple guide adjustment between products. Label rolls in standard core sizes fit without special tooling. Because there is no conveyor or product handling to reconfigure, changeover from one bottle to another takes a few minutes.

Throughput

Output depends on the operator and the container, and is typically 300 to 800 labels an hour. That is enough for small batch producers, pilot runs and sampling, and for businesses moving off hand labelling for the first time.

Industries served

• Food and beverage: nutrition labels, ingredient lists, expiry dates and branding on bottles, jars, cans and packs.
• Pharmaceuticals: dosage information, batch numbers and regulatory detail on medication bottles and vials.
• Cosmetics and personal care: product information, ingredients and branding on tubes, jars and bottles of varied shapes.
• Chemicals: safety information, hazard warnings and handling instructions on cleaning agents and industrial solvents.
• Healthcare and medical devices: tracking labels, usage instructions and lot numbers.
• E-commerce and retail: barcodes, SKUs and product information on boxes and packages.
• Breweries, distilleries and wineries: branding and compliance labels on bottles and cans in small batches.
• Automotive and manufacturing: identification labels on components and assemblies.

When volumes grow, the same label artwork transfers straight onto an automatic labelling machine. For carton and pallet labels with variable data, see print and apply labelling. Contact Nexus Australia for a quote on a semi-automatic labelling machine.