Manual Bottle Labelling Machine: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

I know choosing a manual bottle labelling machine can be an overwhelming task.

A reason this guide will make everything simple and straightforward.

It answers all your questions on manual bottle labelling machine.

Let’s dive right in.

How does a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine Compare to Automatic Labeling Machine?

The growth of business always pushes for the production system re-evaluation.

Manual bottle labelling machine

Various processes can be scaled easily but Manual Bottle Labelling Machines have a hard limit.

An example is that output can easily be doubled in an existing production line. This may subsequently result in a serious packaging related bottleneck.

Buying and setting up an automatic bottle labelling machine usually takes up a significant amount of capital.

But once considerations in terms of savings in cost of labor and production are put into account.

Then the automatic bottle labelling machine will greatly reduce the cost of labelling.

Automatic bottle labelling machines are a product of modern mechatronics.

Has greatly revolutionized the efficiency and labelling quality of the manual bottle labelling machine. Human error is a major concern in Manual Bottle Labelling Machines particularly when additional processes are included in the bottling process.

By comparison, Manual Bottle Labelling Machines have very little adjustments in terms of calibration. This can lead to major inconsistencies in its operations.

Such opportunities for error are eliminated with an automatic bottle labeling machine as any adjustments are automatically input in its operating system.

Which Types Of Labels Can You Apply Using Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Almost all products obtainable in the current market have two types of labels:

• Removable Labels
• Non-removable Labels

Removable Labels

These product labels come with custom made adhesives. The surface material is provided with a safe bonding.

The tag can safely be removed from the surface material without the residue of the adhesive material being left behind.

This is important because the surface material will be shielded from damage and the label will not be torn.

The wide range of adhesives make it easy for removable labels to give temporary and very light bonds.

Removable labels

Removable labels can be reused although they are a bit pricey in terms of cost.

Most of the removable labels are not efficient when they are exposed to conditions such as corrosive materials, heat, moisture or cold.

Over time, it becomes difficult to remove the adhesive because the labels will start behaving like permanent adhesive.

Non-removable Labels

It is also referred to as permanent labels.

They serve a single-use purpose.

A permanent bond is created by resins between the surface material and the label.

The level of permanence relies on a mix of various aspects that include the material surface type, application, adhesive and the environment.

The adhesive used in a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine should be able to provide shear, peel and tack.

This ensures the surface bonding is secured and that it can withstand different environmental conditions.

Non removable label

What Are The Components Of Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Label-holding Plate / Label Positioning Plate

This plate holds the roll that contains the labels or separated labels for picking by the label roll handling.

Label Applicator

It assists in applying the label to the bottle.

The label can either come with its adhesive or it can be applied while on the Manual Bottle labeling machine.

Label Roll Handling

This component is responsible for how the label is delivered to the applicator.

It maintains a continuous line and an excess amount of pressure should not be exerted o it to avoid re-threading. It also makes labelling effective and more stable.

Bottle Holder

Either vertical or horizontally plates. It is responsible for holding the bottle in position for the label to be applied.

Manual Handle

Operated by hand and is used to manually run the Manual Bottle Labelling Machine.

Ensures the rolls are in motion to drive the label to the bottle.

Double Locators

The double locators assist locating both the labels and the bottle to be labelled. The accuracy of labeling is enhanced by the double locators.

How Does Manual Bottle Labelling Machine Work?

The label rolls have to be selected prior to labeling and its dimensions confirmed in relation to the bottle being labeled.

Bottles should also be cleaned and their surfaces dried to prevent various labelling defects.

Here, the label roll is manually placed on the label install frame and the label head extended through the label positioning plate to the roll.

Then, the handle is turned to ensure a continuous roll movement and to ensure the label is correctly positioned for application.

Bottle to be labelled is then manually placed between the two rolls that have the label head between then.

Then, the bottle is held in place by the bottle holder to minimize movements and vibrations for easy label application.

The handle is then manually turned with the bottle in position and the label is then applied on the bottle surface.

Depending on individual specifications, one or two labels can be applied on the same bottle.

This will mean that the two different labels will be put simultaneously on the same roll in order to be applied together on a single bottle.

Manual bottle labelling machine

Why Must a Manual Botte Labelling Machine Have Rigid Construction?

There are three major reasons why a manual bottle labelling machine should have a rigid structure:

1. The machine needs to be stable especially if it is being subjected to a lot of labelling work.

This ensures the safety of both the operator and the machine.

1. Some labelling tasks are notably tricky to achieve with a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine and require versatility and reliability.

This can only be guaranteed with a rigid construction.

1. Its ensures that the Manual Bottle Labelling Machine is durable.

This will make it serve its purpose for a very long time if properly maintained.

Which Factors Should You Consider When Choosing Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Some of the key factors you should consider include:

Budget

Different Manual Bottle Labelling machines have different prices depending on their sizes, speed and complexity of their structure.

Your budget will determine the type of machine to purchase.

Availability Of Parts

Manual Bottling Label Machine should have the specific parts readily available from the

Roll Capability

The type of label that is meant to be utilized should be considered. The choices should include film, paper or foil.

Product Dimensions

The product required for use by the Manual Bottle Labeling Machine should first be decided in order to determine its dimensions.

Label Dimensions

This comes after the product dimensions have been settled on.

This will assist in knowing the various label sizes and the machine that will accurately dispense the labels.

Machine Specifications

Product surfaces should be considered while choosing the appropriate Manual Bottle Labelling Machine.

This may include convex, flat or textured surfaces meaning the machine should have the capacity to holder any type and shape of bottle.

Tolerance Level

The labels on the bottle need to be accurately placed hence the label placement of the Manual Bottle Labelling Machine should fit the tolerance level.

What Are The Advantages Of Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Some of the advantages of manual bottle labelling machine include:

Manual bottle labelling equipment

Compact Size

They are ideal for start-ups and medium industries with limited operational space as their size can easily be accommodated.

Besides, they are not bulky hence easy to be moved around when the need arises.

Cost-Effective

They are very cost friendly compared to other types of bottle labelling machines.

This is because they don’t have a complex structure and software and have fewer mechanical parts.

Versatile and widely used

The Manual Bottle Labelling Machine has no boundaries when it comes to environments it can be applied to.

It can be used in the chemical industries, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals although not in large scale productions.

Low Operational Costs

Considering its operated manually, the cost of operation and maintenance is greatly reduced in terms of resources used like software and general parts maintenance.

Easy To Manage and Reliable

Its working performance is reliable and convenient with minimum breakdowns.

Trouble shooting is also fairly easy as the moving parts are fewer within a simplified structure.

What Are The Limitations Of Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Some of the main limitations are:

Low Output

Since it is manually operated, the output is lower compared to other bottle labelling machines that are either fully automated or semi-automated.

This is due to a low labelling speed.

Uneconomical In Large Industries

Due to their manual operations, Manual Bottle Labelling Machines cannot be implemented in large industries.

This is  due to increased cost of human labor and the subsequent low output.

This greatly decreases the margin profit.

Limited Precision

Unlike automatic labelling machines, they cannot automatically adjust in the event of changes like the diameter of a bottle due to lack of advanced technology.

It proves tedious adjusting the Manual Bottle Labelling machines for the various diameters of production when need arises.

Slow Speeds

Manual Bottle Labelling Machines have very low labeling speeds thus production is slow.

This results in low-capacity labeling with reduced efficiency.

How Does Rubbing Method Work In Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

The labelling methods used in the Manual Bottle Labelling Machines include the Rubbing method, suction sticking and blowing method.

Their mode of operation is also as simple as the machine in use.

For the rubbing method, the working principle is such that when the machines leading edge is glued on the bottles surface, the bottle takes the label instantaneously.

This method offers a very fast labelling speed as its main advantage.

The accuracy of labeling relies on the machines speed and the speed that the labels will be distributed.

Moreover, the accuracy of labelling will be very high if the speed of the two is similar otherwise the accuracy of the Manual Bottle Labeling Machine will be hindered.

What Are The Common Causes Of Failure In Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

• Labels that are crooked
• Labels that are blistered or wrinkled
• Labels falling off the bottle surface
• Failure of the machine to pick the labels
• Labels tearing while in the machine
• Labels that have curled away from the bottle
• Spotty adhesives that are not designed for the specific bottle
• Bottles and labels getting smeared by adhesives
• The label size does not match the bottle size and it flags or bulges
• The bottle surface may be irregular with seams making the label hard to attach

How Can You Troubleshoot Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

a.) Labels that have curled away from the bottle

Possible causes

1. Wet bottles being labeled
2. Reduced roller compression and wiper action
3. Lack of adhesive tack
4. Labels that are vertically grained, stiff and springy
5. Excess adhesive

Possible Remedies

1. A tackier adhesive should be applied
2. The labels should be flexed in order to bend in the direction of labeling
3. Wipers and rollers should be regularly cleaned and adjusted

b.) Labels that are blistered or wrinkled

Possible causes

1. Excess adhesive
2. Having labels that are vertically grained
3. Wet bottles being labeled
4. Incomplete adhesive coverage
5. Paper labels having uneven absorbency
6. Reduced roller compression and wiper action

Possible remedies

1. Having the horizontal grain specified
2. A tackier adhesive should be used
3. The wipers and rollers should be regularly wiped and cleaned
4. A slow drying adhesive should be considered

c.) Failure of the machine to pick labels

Possible causes

1. Excessive or insufficient adhesives on the labels, pickers, bottles or pads.
2. A fast-drying adhesive
3. Inadequate adhesive tack
4. Lack of labels

Possible remedies

1. The amount of adhesive should be increased
2. An adhesive that dries slower should be applied
3. Resupply of labels
4. Adhesiveness/viscosity should be adjusted

d.) Bottles and labels getting smeared by adhesives

Possible causes

1. Excess adhesive
2. A buildup of glue
3. Labels slipping
4. Freshly printed labels
5. Excessive compression

Possible remedies

1. The amount of adhesive should be reduced
2. The printed labels should first be aged before application
3. The wipers should be loosened

How do Removable Labels Compare To Non-Removable Labels In Manual Bottle Labelling Machines?

Removable labels come with custom made adhesives and can easily be removed from the bottle surface without leaving the adhesives residue.

Non-removable labels come with a very tough resin that ensures the bottle has a permanent bond with the label.

Removable labels can be re-used after removal to label other products.

Non-removable or permanent labels have a single one-time use because they are usually damaged upon removal leaving behind adhesive and label stains on the bottle.

Removable labels tend to be a bit pricey compared to non-removable labels in the Manual Bottle Labeling machine.

This is because removable labels can be used more than once in labeling.

Manual round bottle labelling machine

What Is The Minimum And Maximum Bottle Size To Use In A Manual Bottle Labeling Machine?

There is no clear definition of the minimum and maximum bottle size to be used in a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine.

Each bottle labelling machine is custom made to suit the product instead of having the machine dictate the bottle size to be used.

Generally, put, as long as piece of bottle is stable on the rollers of a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine. Then it can be labeled with ease. Stability during label application is a key factor here.

What Label Windings Are Applicable In A Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

All labels in a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine are wound from outside with a minimum label gap of 3mm for either right hand edge leading (RHEL) or left hand edge leading (LHEL).

The direction of the machine should be from the position of its operator while facing the front of the labelling machine.

How Do You Prevent Labels From Flagging In A Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Flagging of labels in a Manual Bottle Labelling Machine refers to bulges that are created during the process along the label edges.

This is caused by the label being too big for the bottle or if its shape is not right for the curved bottle.

Ensuring that the correct material and size is specified for the labels in regards to the bottle reduces the chance of them flagging.
Common practices to prevent flagging include:

• Consider the label material used – the label printer can advise on the facestock that is optimum for your bottles.

Sometimes a switch in material can easily fix this problem.

• Appropriately size your labels – the label supplier should be made aware of the bottle sizes and ensure that they are the right sizes and match the shape of your bottles.
• Confirm your adhesive strength – the adhesive applied should be strong enough to fit the label and around the bottle particularly with tight radius bottles.

How Do You Maintain Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

Proper maintenance of a Manual Bottle Labeling Machine reduces the cost of replacing its parts getting a new machine.

A well maintained Manual Bottle labelling machine has a lifespan of approximately 10 years.

Some of the maintenance practices regularly applied are:

• The head should be cleaned regularly to ensure very high quality and neat labels come from it.
• The cutters should be cleaned to avoid accumulation of dirt which will eventually affect cutting of the labels.
• Proper storage of the machine away from dust, humidity and other environmental factors that may negatively impact the efficiency of the moving parts.
• The label guide rollers should be regularly cleaned. Feed rollers should be replaced immediately they are worn out.
• The Manual Bottle Labelling Machine table should also be cleaned and an spillages and dropped products wiped.

How Can You Improve Efficiency Of Manual Bottle Labelling Machine?

 Manual bottle labelling machine

Adjustment Mechanisms

The Manual Bottle Labelling Machine needs to be adjusted frequently to ensure minimal or no defects occur in the design of the labels.

Inaccurate labeling will occur if adjustments are not regularly made.

Traction Mechanism

The stripping power can be minimized on the Manual Bottle Labelling Machine by considering factors such as skidding.

Mechanical Structure

The mechanical structure of the machine has to be firm and fully rigid.

This will ensure minimal to no vibrations or unnecessary movements that may interfere with the labeling process.

Label Head

If the labeling effect and precision are not guaranteed.

Then factors like the mechanism for rectification, compaction and traction mechanisms should be factored with extreme caution.

Electrical Configuration

In the event that a power supply or any source of electricity is connected to the Manual Bottle Labeling Machine to assist in its operations.

Then a well configured power system should be considered.

This will ensure efficient performance of the machine without interfering with any other manual operation.

Does Manual Bottle Labelling Machine Require Factory Acceptance Test?

It is highly encouraged that one visits the Manual Bottle Labelling Machine manufacturer and have a test of the machine or a prototype run the product before purchasing.

The factory Acceptance Test ensures that time and money are saved for both customer and manufacturer incase adjustments have to be made before purchase.

The Factory Acceptance Test ensures proper functioning of the machine and that the customers’ expectations are met.

It confirms that the Manual Bottle Filling Machine conforms to the customer’s product.

Additional Resources:

Automatic Labelling Machine

Labeling Machine

Two Side Labelling Machine

Types Of Labelers

Table Top Bottle Labeling Machine

For all your manual bottle labelling machines, contact SaintyCo now.