Label Applicators
Label applicators apply pre-printed labels to products. There are three basic types of label applicators: air-blow, tamp-blow, and wipe-on machines.
Air-blow applicators work by holding a label in place with the labeler's vacuum grid. At the exact moment the item passes under the grid, air jets activate, blowing the label onto an exact spot on the product. Air-blow applicators are highly efficient and accurate. Tamp-blow applicators are similar to air-blow applicators. At the exact moment the item passes under the grid, the applicator is blown onto the product. Some tamp-blow applicators may be dual-action; that is, they can apply two labels at the same time.
With a wipe-on applicator, a label, moving at the same speed as the product, is wiped onto a product passing on a conveyor belt. Wipe-on applicators can corner-wrap labels and apply labels to curved or unevenly shaped products.
In addition to the previously mentioned label applicators, several other types are available for specialized uses. For instance, printer-applicators are combination machines that are able to both print and apply labels automatically. Another type of applicator is the manual or pressure-based applicator/dispenser. With these applicators, labels are not automatically applied but are always readily available. These are often seen in offices and other locations where limited labeling takes place.