What You Need to Know to Preserve Your Bottle Labeling Machine for A Long Time?

Keep your bottle labeling machine running for as long and as efficiently as possible so your line will run smoothly, seamlessly and uninterrupted. Maintenance prevents costly downtime, labels are accurate, and equipment lasts longer. Whether you’re using an automatic labeling machine, high-speed labeling machine or a rotary labeling machine, if your system is up to par, minor malfunctions won’t become major issues.

This all-encompassing tutorial will show you some simple tips for preserving your bottle labeling machine so it stays performing flawlessly year after year. If you keep these routine maintenance rules in mind, you can save your money, increase efficiency and minimize abrasion.

Why Regular Maintenance is Crucial 

A properly maintained bottle for labeling machine guarantees the following:

1. Quality and Accuracy: Regular upkeep keeps the labels in proper and consistent positions with less chance of error and re-work.
2. Reducing Downtime: Maintenance-Intuitive machines will not unexpectedly fail and can produce without any production downtime.
3. Long Equipment Life: Maintaining your automatic labeling machine in optimal condition extends its life expectancy and prevents you from spending lots of money on repairs and replacements.
4. Lower Operational Costs: Preventive maintenance can prevent failures before they turn into a major fix and helps lower the operational costs.

Simple Troubleshooting Instructions for Your Bottle Labeler Machine.

1. Regular Cleaning

Cleaning is the first and the most basic maintenance. Labelling machines collect dust, label residue, ink, glue, etc. which will cause their operation to go haywire and cause them to get re-aligned or stop working altogether. A clean machine runs well and labels accurately.

• Wipe the Labeling Surface: Clean the rollers, guides and conveyor belt often to get rid of sticky, ink, or label residue.
• Inspect the Labeling Rollers: Wipe the rollers clean with a wet towel to remove label dust that could affect the accuracy of the machine.
• Wipe the Sensors and Optics: Your high speed labeling machine or automatic labeling machine should be kept clean so it is able to read labels. Scrub the components gently with a dry cloth or compressed air.

2. Lubrication

Moving parts need to be lubricated so they are less likely to stick. If you do not lubricate them properly, your gears, rollers, and other moving parts will wear faster, slowing down your bottle labeler machine and driving up the cost of maintenance.

• Lubricate Every Time: Lubricate the machine’s moving parts according to the recommended formula from the manufacturer. Over time, these parts dry out or get dirty, and you want to keep them running smoothly with regular lubrication.
• Don’t Over-Lubricate: Over-lubrication can attract debris and dirt, so always read the directions from the manufacturer on how much to use.

3. Checking and Adjusting Machine Settings

Make sure that your bottle labeling machine is regularly checked and adjusted for maximum efficiency. You may need to re-configure the machine if the product is different, the label material, or the container size.

• Label Positioning: Make sure the label position is in the correct place and the app is same across containers. If it doesn’t align properly, labels and misbranding are lost.
• Rate & Flex: Change the rate at which labels are applied and the amount of stretch on the label rolls so that they won’t break, tear or go on sloppily.

4. Inspecting the Labeling Mechanism

Your automatic labeling machine is centre of gravity, with the labeling process. Over time, they can degrade or break, and labels become inaccurate.

• Rollers and Conveyor Belts: Inspect the rollers and conveyor belts for wear and misalignment. – If the auto labeler is not pulling the labels correctly, it might be the rollers or belt that have malfunctioned.
• Label Guides: The label guides must be maintained and replaced as and when necessary. Incorrect guides can lead to the wrong orientation of labels.
• Pressure-sensitive Rollers: Check that the pressure-sensitive rollers (that press on the label when it’s applied to the bottle) are clean.

5. The Sensors and Detectors Need to Be Rounded Out.

You have a rotary label machine or automatic bottle labeling machine that is relying on sensors to identify bottles and print the labels correctly. These sensors get dirty or miscalibrated with time and this can result in label misplacement or incorrect labels positions.

• Sensor Cleaning: Ensure the sensors are cleaned regularly with compressed air or a soft cloth, which is free of dust and debris.
• Recalibrate Sensors: Periodically check the sensors to keep them working. You can get sensors calibrated with software or tools that some bottle labeling machine manufacturers offer.

6. QA Checking the Adhesive and Labelling Components.

Depending on which brand of labeling machine you use and what labels you use will directly affect the machine performance. Bad labels or adhesive will lead to jams, misapplications, etc that can break the whole production line.

• Adhesive Systems: Verify the adhesive system is in working order. If your glue applicator or adhesive dispenser clogs or breaks down, that may lead to mislabeling or a weaker bond between label and bottle.
• Label Type: Determine the type of label. BOPP labeling machines, for example, can be based only on BOPP labels and with the wrong label the job isn’t done well.
• Rolls of Labels: Position the rolls of labels in a straight line without jammed paper or other flaws in the material.

7. Routine Parts and Belt Inspection

Checking the entire machine is nice, but focus on the important bits will keep things running. Check out the belts, motors, and the rollers which run the labelling system in particular.

• Belts and Pulleys: You should inspect for worn components. Invalid or missing belts will slack or cancel out the labeling process altogether.
• Motors and Drives: Check the motors and drives to ensure they are in good condition and aligned. If you feel any unusual vibration or sound, it is because of a failure.

8. Performing Regular Machine Tests

Make sure to check on your automatic labeling machine frequently to make sure it works properly. Routine testing will identify problems before they become major and save you time and money in the long run.

• Bottles in Run Tests: Load the machine with different bottles and run test to make sure labeling process is functioning correctly.
• Test Label Layout: Be sure that the labels are laid evenly and no wrinkles or unevenness. Different material so the system can accept various labels.
• Test Speed: If you have a labeling machine that is high-speed, run it at different speeds to see if it will support your manufacturing needs.

Preventive Maintenance Schedule 

The best preventive maintenance program will keep you in tune with your bottle labeler machine’s demands. Plan a regular cleaning, lubrication, calibration and part inspection calendar. It depends on your use that your machine needs a little more frequent maintenance. So if you have a high-speed labeling machine, for instance, it could need inspections on a more regular basis to stay in top form.

Conclusion 

Keeping your bottle labeling machine in good repair can help it survive, work reliably and run smoothly. Clean, lubricate and inspect frequently to maintain the machine, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure regular quality control.

Utilizing the maintenance tips above and devising a custom preventive maintenance strategy will help your bottle labelling machine to stay running at full efficiency, providing quality labeling for your products and prolonging the machine’s lifespan. Keep your automatic labeling machine in good repair by taking the time to fix it and keep it running smoothly.