Labeling Apparatus Film Speed Control for In-Line Printing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing labeling machines with in-line printing capabilities are limited by the low labeling speed due to the mismatch between digital printing speeds and conventional labeling speeds, making it difficult to achieve high labeling efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A labeling apparatus with a control system that adjusts the film speed between a printing device and an applying assembly, allowing for partial in-line printing by activating the printing device at a lower speed and deactivating it at a higher speed, enabling an intermediate speed that matches the labeling speed, while using accumulation devices to manage speed variations and spool changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If digital printing is performed in-line with the labeling machine, then printing capability is added, but labeling speed decreases to match printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the film transport speed between printing and non-printing zones. The control system varies the speed of the film feed mechanism to match the printing device speed only when printing is required, while allowing higher speeds in non-printing zones, thus maintaining overall high productivity while enabling in-line printing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The labeling process is segmented into printing zones and non-printing zones. The control system divides the film transport into different speed phases: slower speed when the film passes through the printing device, and faster speed in between printing operations. This segmentation allows the system to combine printing capability with high overall labeling speed
2Manufacturing precision
If film speed is reduced to match printing speed, then printing quality is maintained, but overall labeling throughput decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The film transport operates with periodic speed variations: slow speed during printing intervals to ensure quality, and fast speed during non-printing intervals to maintain throughput. The control system creates a rhythmic pattern of speed adjustment that synchronizes with the printing operation cycle, ensuring quality when needed while maximizing overall production
3Adaptability or versatility
If the printing device is always activated, then all labels can be printed, but the labeling speed is limited to printing speed
Solution Approach 1:
The printing device is activated only partially - specifically only when and where printing is required on the film. The control system determines which portions of the film need printing and activates the printing device only during those specific intervals, rather than continuously. This partial activation allows the system to maintain high overall labeling speed while still providing comprehensive printing capability when needed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A labeling apparatus (1), comprising at least one assembly for feeding (2) a film (10) carrying a plurality of labels (11) and at least one assembly for applying the labels (11) obtained from the film (10); the labeling apparatus (1) having at least one assembly for advancing (20) the film (10) from the assembly for feeding (2) to the assembly for applying; along the assembly for advancing (20) and between the assembly for feeding (2) and the assembly for applying, there being at least one device for digitally printing (30) at least one portion (11a) of at least one of the labels (11); the labeling apparatus (1) comprising at least one device for controlling the assembly for advancing (20) and the device for digitally printing (30), which is adapted to control the feeding of the film (10) to the device for digitally printing (30) between at least one first condition in which the film (10) is fed at a first speed value, lower than or equal to a speed v1, to the device for digitally printing (30) and in which the device for digitally printing (30) is activated in order to carry out the printing of the portion (11 a) of label (11), and at least one second condition in which the film (10) is fed at a second speed value, greater than the speed v1, to the device for printing (30) and in which the device for digitally printing (30) is deactivated.