Principles of Operation

Roll-fed labels are supplied from a roll in the form of a continuous web (1), fed in precise registration with a printed graphic (2), cut in precise registration (3), transferred to a rotating vacuum drum (4), and then a hot melt adhesive is applied to the label using a rotating glue wheel (5). Cut labels with adhesive are then applied to individual containers which are rotated to complete the label application process. During this process, containers enter the labeler via an infeed conveyor (6), and are then metered and separated by a rotating feed screw (7) and pocketed starwheel (8) or by a rotating constant velocity starwheel (not pictured). The starwheel delivers containers to a rotating vacuum drum that transports the label from the cutter, to the glue wheel, and then onto the container as described above. Precise label application is achieved by rolling the container across the label-bearing surface of the vacuum drum. The labeled container then ends contact with the vacuum drum, and it exits the labeler via a discharge conveyor (9).