HERMA US Introduces Self-adjusting System for High-precision Top Labeling

HERMA US Inc., the subsidiary of HERMA GmbH – a Germany-based provider of labeling machinery and self-adhesive labels and materials to the global packaging marketplace – has introduced a self-adjusting system for high-precision top labeling. Now available on the company’s premium 452E Top Labeler, the novel system automatically adjusts on-product label position to ensure tight tolerances, even with particularly challenging applications.

With an output of up to 250 products per minute, the aesthetics-minded 452E Top Labeler is ideally suited for applications in which final presentation and appearance is paramount. HERMA is the first in the industry to introduce a self-adjusting system for tracking and automatically adjusting label position in this type of application. The flexible setup can also compensate for production tolerances of labels and product packaging.

The system works as follows: A camera first inspects the products after labeling, checking not only for the presence of the labels but also their positioning. The data collected regarding the label position is subsequently used for fully-automated adjustment of ensuing label applications.

The tracking system can intervene to make corrections in two ways: It achieves the adaptation in the run direction of the products by advancing or retarding the label start signal; in a lateral direction, it can readjust the two side belts that guide products using a linear servo motor. This system enables the labeling machine to apply round or rectangular labels to product surfaces, while keeping labeling tolerances at a very low level.

“These are minimal discrepancies, which are not identifiable with the naked eye”, says Ulrich Fischer, Head of Product Management at HERMA Labeling Machines. “We can achieve this result even with particularly challenging applications, such as when round labels are applied to a round surface with extreme precision.”

Inconsistent slitting of the backing liner is a common problem with self-adhesive labels and can cause variation in label placement; the HERMA system resolves this. Products with a missing, incorrectly positioned or wrong label are registered and transported into a reject box with a compressed air blast, with a checking sensor ensuring that these products leave the machine.

Even without the new auto adjust system, the 452E Top Labeler provides a high level of precision and flexibility for all top labeling. Side guides can be adjusted quickly and without tools to various product dimensions at any time. Together with the digital position indicators for additional machine settings and the integrated high-performance applicator HERMA 500, reproducible labeling results can be achieved at any time – even with high speeds of up to 250 products per minute. This makes the 452E top labeler ideally suited to the requirements of many Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), such as cosmetics, care and household products. It is designed for rectangular or cylindrical structurally and dimensionally stable products with measurements of 30 x 50 x 50 mm to 300 x 250 x 150 mm (L x W x H).

For more information, visit www.herma.us.