Application of adhesive for wrap-around labeling
The Robatech LabelStar M hotmelt nozzle system, alternative to the classic roller system for applying pre-cut paper label stock on cans and bottles, helps customize the P.E. Labellers SpA Modular Top labeler.
In the autumn of 2015 P.E. Labellers SpA of Porto Mantovano was called upon to meet the demands of a North American customer, producer and supplier of dried fruit, who called for a custom labeling solution based on the Modular Top labeller. The customer wanted a spray labeling system, in alternative to the classic roller system, for the application of pre-cut paper labels on the sales packaging. At the same time the customer required a machine with a more flexible format change, reduction of costs and maintenance time and cost saving of adhesive, in addition to the basic guarantees regarding the safety of the process and full compliance with food industry hygiene requirements.
The good results of collaboration. The P.E. Labellers design engineers decided to meet the demanding customer requirements by relying on the LabelStar M system designed by Robatech, the Swiss manufacturer of industrial adhesive application systems for some time now the partner preferred by the Italian labeling system manufacturer.
«We started working together with Robatech when in 2009 we for the first time integrated the Robatech LabelStar M in the new series of Adhesleeve labeling machines for roll-fed self-adhesive labels without liner for applying preglued wrap-around labels. Even then it was to fulfil the request of a customer for a flexible machining of pre-cut labels and classic roll-fed labels», Roberto Lorenzi, production manager at PE Labellers SpA explained. «And since then, the Adhesleeve series uses different Robatech modules the same way as we were able to seamlessly integrate the RobaVis software» recalls David Morten, Sales and Marketing Director of Robatech Italia and regional sales director at Robatech HQ.
Requirements satisfied. Also for Modular Top, Robatech has been able to propose a compelling and optimal solution from a technical point of view, integrating the LabelStar M. with the Concept Diamond thermoplastic adhesives fuser tank and RobaVis software. The project allows for a maximum label height of 140 mm. With these specifications, labels of different sizes can be machined, in that the spiral SX 8 EL/F/NV/SP applicator gun has five spray elements for pickup gluing. The end gluing is performed with the ETV 140 coating head.
In practice, customised in this way the system can label 14,500 packs/hour, saving from 30% to 50% of adhesive compared to the original solution with roller.
A high rate of production that even exceeds the customer’s demands.
Operator safety and energy optimization of production are achieved thanks to the ConnectorCover anti contact protection, that covers the connections between the device and temperature-controlled tube and those between temperature-controlled tube and applicator gun. Robatech also provides a transformer for the mains power supply to ensure full functionality in different countries.
Spiral application with SX applicator gun
Concept Diamond melter
Final gluing with ETV coating head
 IN BRIEF P.E. Labellers SpA (Porto Mantovano, MN) specializes in the development and production of high-quality labeling machines. Founded in 1974, in addition to regular new developments, the company fields a broad, high-value technical portfolio: cold glue-, pressure sensitive-, hotmelt and roller labeling plus combined labeling systems. The founders and current owners Bruno Negri and Mario Ballarotti are proud to have, over the last forty years, delivered more than 10,000 rotary and linear labeling machines. With annual sales of about 60 million euros and an export quota of 95%, the company, that operates worldwide, is among the international leaders in the sector. |
Technical characteristics of LabelStar M
The Robatech LabelStar M hotmelt nozzle system is a complete system for the wraparound labeling of bottles, cans and other cylindrical containers. It is formed by a fuser unit with integrated programmer, a spiral gun for the initial gluing, a coating head with integrated filter for final gluing of the label and a substrate system.
This system enables the measuring and the accurate control of the amount of adhesive to be applied, as the EP Labellers SpA example shows, notably reducing consumption compared to roller application.
In addition the adhesive is protected from ambient air contamination, thus reducing the need for maintenance and increasing general safety. No harmful vapors are emitted and cleaning costs are significantly reduced. The functional support system allows the operator to easily adjust the position of the guns without tools. The simple, safe and speedy container as well as label format change enables a flexible use, today an essential requirement in closed nozzle systems without circulation. Depending on the adhesive, its viscosity, air temperature and quality, the LabelStar M hotmelt nozzle system can achieve a maximum speed of 72,000 bottles per hour. The simple integration of the LabelStar M into the main machine for a centralized control of the entire production line is obtained thanks to the RobaVis Host shareware developed specifically for this purpose.
Cleanly glued labels using the Robatech LabelStar M
