;){kind=link}
Bottling Beer
Bottle Labeling
Types of Labelers
The principal types of labelers used in the brewing industry are in-line and rotary.
An in-line labeler is a type of machine for which the bottle travels in a straight forward motion, and the label or labels are applied while the bottle is moving along the bottle conveyor. One such type of in-line labeler is the tandem labeler that is typically used in multiples or "in tandem," with each machine typically capable of running 60 to 80 bpm. Maintenance of the labelers is fairly demanding; and even though parts are fairly inexpensive, they may be difficult to obtain. Tandem labelers cannot do front and back labels at the same time, and they are not well-suited for applying neck labels. Unlike other labelers, the tandem labeler does not bond labels with a full width of glue, but rather with only two vertical strips, one at each side of the label. The labels may appear puckered due to moisture condensation or may be crooked or have corners flagged (edges lifted). These limitations have increasingly contributed to the obsolescence of tandem labelers; nonetheless, their low cost and simplicity assures their continued use, particularly by craft brewers.
Types of Label Adhesive
A further classification of labelers that should be taken into consideration is the type of label adhesive that is used in conjunction with the unit. The types of adhesives are the following:
• cold glue
• hot melt
• pressure sensitive
• roll feed
Click on the following topics for more information on bottling beer.