Hand applying labels to products can be time consuming and difficult as volumes increase. There are many different equipment options available. There are many factors need to considered when selecting label application equipment. Rate of application, size of the label, pre-printed or print-and-apply labels, product handling, type of application, and more all play a role in applying labels efficiently and accurately.

Most labeling equipment is designed to use labels supplied on a roll. In most instances your labels need to be die-cut with 1/8" separations between the labels. Labels can be obtained in a large variety of shapes and sizes, most of which can be applied with quality equipment.

The first thing to consider in selecting label equipment is whether to label manually, semi-automatically, or automatically. Manual labeling may be the method of choice when precise label placement is unnecessary and volume is low. The speed of the operator and how the product is handled determine the rate of application.

A dispenser and manual labeling is undesirable when consistent and accurate label placement is required. A semi-automatic applicator can be the solution for this type of labeling. The operator places the product into position and triggers the unit to apply the label. The product is removed and the cycle repeated. Triggering the applicator is usually done with a foot switch so the hands remain free to handle the product.

When higher volumes and labeling on conveyor lines are needed, a fully automatic applicator becomes the choice. A photo eye detects the product as it comes down the conveyor and triggers the application of the label at the proper time. Product handling must be tightly controlled to ensure accurate label placement. Automatic applicators can be configured for wipe-on, blow-on, tamp, flag, round product, or corner-wrap application and are available in left- or right-hand models. Low-end automatic applicators generally operate at a lower rate of speed than high-end models and have fewer options available.

Printer applicators, also known as print-and-apply models, are used for printing labels "on the fly" and then applying them. Printer applicators are preferred when a company has a large variety of products, and pre-printing and storing every type of label becomes prohibitive. They are also used when special coding (e.g., date, batch number, and serial numbers) is needed or when only small batches are run and changing labels for every batch is too time consuming. Printer applicators can be configured for wipe-on, blow-on, tamp, flag, round product, or corner-wrap application, are available in left- or right-hand models, and can be interfaced with other equipment.