Rotary Roll-Fed Labeling Machines

Roll-fed labeling machines are designed for applying plastic wrap-around labels to PET bottles. Unlike self-adhesive labels, here the labels are not supplied pre-cut – they unroll continuously from a reel, are cut to the required length, and wrapped around the bottle using hot-melt adhesive. This technology is primarily used in the production of beverages and other PET packaging where low labeling costs are essential.

How It Works

The labeling process begins when the bottles enter the rotating carousel via a conveyor. Each bottle is precisely gripped and rotated to ensure the label can be applied evenly all the way around the container.

At the same time, the label material is unwound from the reel, electronically tensioned, and aligned. After reading the registration marks, the material is cut to a precise length. A small strip of hot-melt glue is applied to the leading and trailing edges of the label, and then a vacuum drum transfers the label onto the rotating bottle. The movement of the bottle completes the wrapping and securing of the label.

As a result, each bottle is labeled identically, regardless of the line speed.

When to Choose Roll-Fed Technology?

This technology is usually chosen if:

• thousands or tens of thousands of bottles are produced per day;
• continuous line operation is required;
• it is important to reduce label and glue consumption;
• a single line labels several different products;
• fast changeover between different bottle formats is required.

Compared to self-adhesive labels, roll-fed technology uses thinner label material and applies glue only to the areas where the label overlaps. This reduces material consumption and operating costs for high-volume production.

Applications for Rotary Labeling Machines:

• Mineral water
• Soft drinks
• Juices and iced teas
• Energy drinks
• Beer and other beverages in PET bottles
• Personal care products
• Household chemicals

Packaging Types

• PET bottles
• Round bottles
• Shaped/contoured bottles
• Empty or filled bottles

What Distinguishes a Roll-Fed Labeler from Other Labeling Equipment?

All labeling machines apply a label, but they utilize different technologies.

A roll-fed labeler uses a single continuous roll of labels, which is cut at the exact moment of labeling. There is no need for pre-cut labels or stickers on a backing liner.

This allows you to:

• reduce waste;
• use very thin plastic labels;
• maintain high operating speeds;
• reduce material costs in high-volume production.

That is exactly why roll-fed technology is frequently found in mineral water and soft drink production, where a single line can label tens of thousands of bottles per hour.

Main Features

✔ Label feed from a reel

✔ Automatic label cutting to the required length

✔ Application of wrap-around labels on PET bottles with hot-melt glue

✔ Servo drives for each main movement

✔ Vacuum drum for precise label transfer

✔ Electronic label tension control

✔ Dual-reel system for continuous operation

✔ Automatic label reel splicing without stopping the line

✔ Tool-less format changeover

✔ Touchscreen operator panel

Technical Information

*Dependent on machine configuration, bottle size, and label length.

Control System and Recipe Saving

Different product types can be saved in the operator panel, storing parameters such as label length, glue settings, and other labeling specifications. This allows for quick switching between different products and minimizes line changeover time.

The touchscreen also serves as a diagnostic and maintenance tool, providing information on machine operation, error messages, and service intervals.