Print and Apply

Vivid Data Group offers several options for low-cost Color Label Print and Apply solutions. To increase accuracy and lower labor costs in a single step, Vivid Data Group has partnered with LabelMill to offer this new innovative solution. This type of labeling system combines a label printer with a label applicator. A print and apply labeling system combines label printing and application into a single machine, saving floor space while making it easier to control the variable data on each container. This makes it possible to meet labeling requirements.

LabelMill Color Label Print and Apply

LabelMill LM1012LL Label Applicator

The LabelMill LM1012LL Label Applicator is a Loose Loop Interface that can be combined with your Thermal Desktop or Epson ColorWORKS inkjet label printer to meet a variety of labeling needs with a fast, easy changeover. Using the unique rail-mounted modules, the LabelMill 1012LL can serve as a label dispenser, tamp applicator, round product applicator, and flag applicator.

LabelMill LM3612CTT Label Applicator

The LabelMill LM3612CTT Label Applicator is a compact, semi-automatic tabletop label applicator, combined with the Epson ColorWORKS inkjet label printer, delivers on-demand, full-color print & apply labeling solutions. The LabelMill LM3612CTT label applicator, combined with the Epson ColorWorks inkjet label printer, delivers an on-demand, full-color print & apply labeling solution.

What is Print and Apply?

Color print and apply is as simple as its name suggests. This strategy involves creating labels that are then applied directly to products, packages, or pallets. This process can range from semi-automatic labeling to fully automatic, high-speed applications. The labels applied can contain data in several formats, such as text, barcodes, QR codes, or graphics. Once applied, they convey important information about the items to which they’re affixed.

Common Types of Label Printer Applicator Systems

Several types of label printing promise to meet specific requirements for various products or packaging solutions. Strategic system selection calls for a thorough understanding not only of the available options but also of preferences regarding speed, accuracy, and synchronization. The following are among the most common label printer applicator approaches worth considering:

Tamp Blow Technique

This contactless solution creates a vacuum to suck and hold the label until it is ready to be applied. When an item is ready for labeling, the tamp moves and the vacuum turns off. This creates an overpressure capable of shooting the label into place. Tamp applicators allow for significant distances between pads and product locations.

While tamp blow processes are useful in a variety of contexts, they are typically preferred for situations in which it is difficult to synchronize printing and application. Additionally, these solutions are highly versatile, as they accommodate items of varying heights.

Wipe On Technique

Sometimes referred to as the merge technique, this approach involves applying the label directly to the product. Often, this means that the label is printed right as it is applied. As such, printing and application speeds must be synchronized. Otherwise, they may be wrinkled or otherwise damaged during the application process. Despite this caveat, many enterprises opt for the wipe-on technique because it limits operational expenses such as compressed air.

Blow On Technique

Frequently used as an alternative to the merge technique, blow-on solutions can deliver impressive accuracy while also accommodating many types of materials that may require labeling. This system relies on a burst of air to propel the label to its intended destination. Speed-matching should not be a concern, nor should the angle of the applicator relative to the items in question.

Benefits of Automated Print and Apply

In a competitive industry in which every second saved is valuable, automated printing provides a major opportunity for streamlining operations — and thereby providing significant boosts to long-term profits. This is only the beginning, however. Automated systems also provide numerous other advantages, as outlined below:

• Improved efficiency. Above all else, automated printing solutions are efficient. Rather than take the time to place items before manually peeling and sticking labels, it’s possible to send all products or pallets through an automated process that works seamlessly. This, in turn, frees up employees to focus on other important tasks.
• Decreased downtime. Bottlenecks tend to accompany manual labeling processes. When a slowdown occurs in one area, it may create a domino effect that reduces efficiency elsewhere. As such, seemingly small problems can lead to significant downtime across an entire printing or labeling operation.
• Eliminate human error. Efficiency and uptime are important, but accuracy is just as crucial. Labeling machines limit the potential for human error, which is a common side effect of manual processes. Automated systems promote accurate positioning, which can be difficult to achieve at peak speed even for skilled, hardworking employees.
• Compact design. Despite producing big benefits, automated printing and applying systems often use minimal space. Their compact designs lend them much-needed flexibility, so they can be implemented in nearly any warehousing environment at a moment’s notice. Corner wrap applicators, in particular, can be integrated within surprisingly small spaces.
• Large label size capacity. Automated systems can handle a variety of different label sizes. This brings greater flexibility to the process, while still ensuring that labels of various dimensions can be affixed to items quickly and accurately.
• Durability. Automated printing and application systems hold up to heavy-duty use. Their durable build allows them to remain functional long after they’ve been implemented. Over time, this results in an impressive return on investment. Their accurate functionality also means that the labels themselves are more durable, as they’re less likely to be damaged upon application.
• High-speed application. While many business leaders are aware of the potential benefits of automated printing, they often neglect to consider the possibility of automation for the label application process. With automation, both printing and applying labels can be efficient — and these processes can be coordinated to create a more streamlined, cost-effective operation.

The extent to which these advantages apply depends, to a degree, on the type of applicator selected. Some systems are better capable of limiting downtime, while others deliver greater accuracy or versatility. All, however, have the potential to reduce errors while speeding up otherwise time-consuming processes. These advantages can be amplified via skilled implementation from experts who understand which applicators are preferred in specific settings or scenarios.