Strip Label Applicator for Alcoholic Beverages

Operating Speed: 80 CPM

Customer Container Handling Challenge 

Marketing teams often turn to strip labels to provide a premium look to their products, and this is most often seen in the spirits, alcohol, and liquor segment. Companies either use non-premium plastic shrink bands or hand applied labels to accomplish the on-shelf look.

An alcoholic beverage manufacturer wanted a solution to automate the challenge of applying the horizontal strip labels [also known as tax stamps] to their bottles. Their existing system lacked the precision and consistency required for proper label placement, resulting in inconsistent packaging and less-than-ideal presentation on the shelf. The company sought a more reliable automated solution that could handle high throughput while maintaining precise label alignment on every container.

Morrison Solution 

Morrison provided an automated solution with a Strip Label Applicator machine designed specifically for the bottler’s need. This system utilizes timing screws to positively control and meter the containers, feeding them at pitch for the labeler to apply the labels to the bottles. It has the flexibility to run either from backlog or random feeding. It features rotary brushes to wipe down the labels after they are applied with the labeler, creating uniformity of label application on the bottle.

This solution automates the laborious and unreliable process of manually applying strip labels or tax stamps that decorate liquor bottles. The machine also features quick changeover elements to allow the machine to be easily modified to run multiple container sizes or future container sizes.

Construction 

The system was designed with careful consideration for long-term durability, constructed with hardy anodized aluminum for a lengthy lifespan. The timing screws were built with quality Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene to provide smooth operation and to minimize wear on the containers. The entire system was developed to fit seamlessly into the existing production line, requiring minimal adjustments during installation.

Results

The Strip Label Applicator system provided the alcoholic beverage manufacturer with a reliable solution to their labeling challenges. It successfully handled a single lane of containers, applying horizontal labels with consistent accuracy and repeatability. The precise metering and label placement helped to enhance the overall appearance of the product on the shelf, properly positioning the labels without damaging the containers.

By incorporating this automated solution, the manufacturer was able to achieve improved packaging consistency, a more efficient production line, and reduced labor costs. The system allowed for higher throughput while maintaining the quality and precision necessary for an appealing final product.