What is labeling?

Randomly spaced products pass along a conveyor belt and are detected by a photoelectric sensor. The signal from this sensor is connected to the motion controller input assigned for use as the ‘Fast Position Latch’ input. This latches the position of the master encoder. This encoder signal is used to track movement of the product along the conveyor belt

A servomotor is used to drive the supply roller, which in turn pull the label stock off of the supply reel. A peel bar ensures that the labels are removed from their backing at a fixed point.

The cycle starts as soon as the ‘product present’ sensor detects an object. Because the sensor is located ahead of the peel bar the program will command that the product travel a specified distance before the label stock is accelerated up to synchronous speed.

It is common to make this initial delay adjustable by the operator as this provides a method of setting the label position on the product.

Once at speed it must remain locked to the same speed as the product while the label is being applied. Once the label has been applied the label stock must then ramp down to a stop and position the next label on the peel bar ready for the next apply cycle. That position will be set by the sensor for the label detection.


Typical layout of a labeling application :

(Click to enlarge)


Labeling application Configuration:

1* MR-MQ100

1* MR-J3-_B with MR-J3 Motor

1* External incremental Encoder (Open collector/Differential line driver)

1* External sensor 24V for product detection

1* External sensor 24V for label detection