How many types of labeling machine?

Labeling machines play an important role in industrial production. They can not only efficiently and accurately label product information, assist in production management and quality traceability, but also beautify product packaging, enhance brand image, and effectively promote sales by providing detailed product usage guides and after-sales information.

Different types of labeling machines have their own unique application scenarios: automatic labeling machines are suitable for large-scale production lines due to their high efficiency and accuracy; manual labeling machines are the first choice for small-batch production or flexible operations due to their easy operation and cost-effectiveness;

This article analyzes from several different dimensions to help you thoroughly understand the classification of labeling machines and how to find labeling machines suitable for business development or home use

Here are the types of labeling machines categorized based on different criteria:

1. According to the Degree of Automation

Manual Labeling Machines

Requires human involvement in the labeling process. The operator manually applies labels to the products.

Best For: Low-volume production or small businesses.

It is a kind of equipment that requires manual operation to label. Its working principle is to manually control the label placement process, which is suitable for enterprises or occasions with small labeling volume. The manual labeling machine has a low cost, is easy to carry and operate, but has low efficiency and is prone to deviation and misaligned labeling. It is suitable for circular/semi-circular labeling of various cylindrical objects, etc.

It is mainly used in labeling occasions with small batches, variable specifications, and poor quality of manual labeling. Working principle and usage method The manual labeling machine is mainly composed of a label attachment device, a labeling base, and an operating handle. When in use, place the product on the labeling base, and then place the label in the label attachment device. Through the manual operating handle, control the label attachment device to stick the label on the surface of the product. Although the operation is simple, the accuracy of labeling depends on the proficiency and skills of the operator.

Product Features

It is suitable for a wide range of products and can meet the labeling of the circumference or small conical surface of products within the range of ￠15mm-￠150mm;

It is applicable to a wide range of labels, and can be used normally with a width between 15mm-230mm;

The labeling quality is excellent, the labeling is flat and wrinkle-free, and the label head and tail are connected with high precision;

Flexible, especially suitable for labeling needs of small batches, reducing equipment costs;

Economic, all-mechanical design, no need for electricity, one-time investment, permanent enjoyment;

Small, small footprint, simple transportation, the equipment can be moved and placed at any time;

Solid quality, the main materials of the equipment are stainless steel and aluminum alloy, and maintenance is simple;

Simple operation, low personnel requirements, suitable for various environments, and power outages can still produce normally.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

Low cost: The manual labeling machine has a low cost and is suitable for companies with limited budgets.

Simple operation: The equipment has a simple structure and is easy to operate and maintain.

Wide range of application: Suitable for small batch production or personalized customized products.

Disadvantages:

Low efficiency: Manual operation is required, the labeling speed is slow, and the production efficiency is low.

Poor precision: It is easy to have labels that are biased, affecting product quality

Semi-Automatic Labeling Machines

The operator positions the product, and the machine automatically applies the label. Some machines may require manual adjustment or placement of labels.

Semi-automatic labeling machine is a kind of equipment used for semi-automatic labeling of the circumferential surface of various cylindrical bottles such as medicine, daily chemical products, and food.

Semi-automatic labeling machine can complete various operations such as flat labeling, single-sided or multi-sided labeling of packaging, cylindrical labeling, partial or full coverage of cylindrical labeling, concave and corner labeling, etc.

Best For: Medium-sized businesses with moderate production volumes.

Semi-automatic round bottle labeling machine is mainly used for semi-automatic labeling of the circumferential surface of various cylindrical bottles such as medicine, daily chemicals, and food. It adopts high-precision labeling device to adapt to the labeling of products of various sizes. It saves manpower and improves labeling accuracy and consistency.

It adopts imported electric eyes and program controllers to control the synchronous motor labeling, and can put 1 or 2 labels on a bottle. The exposed parts of the machine are made of stainless steel, engineering plastics, and high-strength alloy aluminum with anodized surface treatment. It has a light structure, high strength, corrosion resistance, and meets the GMP standard.

Automatic Labeling Machines

‌Fully automatic labeling machine‌ is a highly efficient labeling equipment that can automatically stick rolled paper labels or metal foil labels on PCBs, products or specified packaging. Its working principle includes steps such as feeding products at a uniform speed, driving wheels dragging label belts, and labeling wheels pressing labels. The fully automatic labeling machine confirms the product coordinates through the visual system, uses a suction head to pick up materials from the feeder, and takes a photo on the bottom camera to confirm the label coordinates. The label and the coordinates of the position to be pasted are aligned through the machine's internal algorithm, and then pasted on the product to achieve a higher degree of pasting accuracy. ‌

Application scenarios and functional features of fully automatic labeling machines

Fully automatic labeling machines are suitable for various labeling needs, including flat pasting, single-sided or multi-sided pasting of packaging, cylindrical pasting, partial or full coverage of cylindrical pasting, concave and corner pasting, etc. Its product features include simple adjustment, automatic bottle separation, touch screen control, intelligent control, sturdy and hygienic, etc. It has functions such as automatic shutdown and production counting, which are convenient for production management.

Technical parameters and performance indicators of fully automatic labeling machine

Technical parameters and performance indicators of fully automatic labeling machine include:

Labeling accuracy: high-precision labeling with small error

Production speed: The production speed varies according to different models and configurations

Applicable label types: paper labels or metal foil labels

Control system: usually touch screen control, simple and intuitive operation

Intelligent control function: automatic photoelectric tracking, no labeling, automatic deviation correction without label and automatic label detection function

Material adaptability: suitable for products and packaging of various materials and shapes

Best For: High-volume, large-scale production.

2. According to the Labeling Function

Single-Side Labeling Machines

Applies labels to only one side of a product (e.g., one side of a bottle or package).

Best For: Products requiring a single label, such as jars or flat containers.

Double-Side Labeling Machines

Labels both the front and back sides of a product in a single pass.

Best For: Products that need branding or information on multiple sides (e.g., bottled beverages, jars).

Top and Bottom Labeling Machines

Applies labels to both the top and bottom of products simultaneously.

Best For: Products like boxes, cartons, and containers that need top and bottom labeling.

Wrap-Around Labeling Machines

Wraps a label around cylindrical products, covering the circumference fully.

Best For: Bottles, cans, and other cylindrical containers.

Tamper-Evident Labeling Machines

Description: Applies tamper-evident labels, typically shrink-sleeve labels, to ensure product integrity.

Best For: Pharmaceutical, food, and beverage industries where product safety is important.

3. According to the Type of Label

Pressure-Sensitive Labeling Machines

Applies self-adhesive labels that stick to the product's surface when pressure is applied.

Best For: Bottles, boxes, and flexible packaging in most industries.

Shrink-Sleeve Labeling Machines

Applies heat-sensitive shrink sleeves, which conform tightly to the shape of the product after being heated.

Best For: Bottled beverages, cosmetics, and multipacks.

Glue-Based Labeling Machines

Uses cold or hot glue to apply labels to products.

Best For: Glass bottles, cartons, and specific packaging types requiring durable adhesion.

Heat Transfer Labeling Machines

Uses heat to transfer labels onto products, often in a very detailed and high-quality format.

Best For: Specialty packaging in the cosmetic and food industries.

4. According to the Running Direction of the Container

Horizontal Labeling Machines

Containers are fed horizontally into the labeling machine. The label is applied while the product moves along the horizontal plane.

Best For: Products like flat items, rectangular boxes, and bottles.

Vertical Labeling Machines

Containers are fed into the machine in a vertical orientation. The label is applied while the product moves vertically.

Best For: Tall products like bottles, jars, and containers that stand upright.

5. According to the Running Direction of the Equipment

Inline Labeling Machines

Description: The product moves in a straight line along the production line, and the labeling machine applies the label while the product is in motion.

Best For: Linear production lines, including most types of packaging like bottles and jars.

Rotary Labeling Machines

Description: Products are fed into a rotating carousel, where they rotate while being labeled by the machine. This allows for higher-speed labeling.

Best For: High-speed production lines, especially in the beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

Top-Down Labeling Machines

The labeling mechanism is positioned above the product, and the label is applied in a downward direction, often used for flat products.

Best For: Flat or square products such as cartons, trays, and labels for the top surface.

Side Labeling Machines

The machine applies the label on the side of the container while it moves along the conveyor in a linear or rotating motion.

Best For: Labeling containers like jars, bottles, and boxes on the side surface.