Dual-Sided Bag Labeling Transforms Packaging at an Australian Flour Mill
Creating a Flour Bag Labeling Station
Challenge and Solution
Challenge
The customer was relying on many different types of bags to have in stock, so they were looking for a generic labeling system for their operation. The challenge was providing an integrated system to label two locations on their flour bags – one on each side of the bag. They wanted to stack the bags, label them, and collect them after labeling. Not only were the label sizes for the top and bottom were different – 4” wide on the top and 6” wide on the bottom – but there were also two different bag sizes. Additionally, the bottom print-and-apply system had to apply the label without skewing or stopping the bag as it was being labeled.
Solution
ALS provided a turnkey solution which comprised of a bulk bag feeder, top and bottom FOX IV Technologies labelers, on with a custom wipe applicator, and interfacing to the customer bulk filling line. The data interfacing was done through Seagull Scientific’s BarTender Automation for seamless integration.
Implementation and Results
Implementation
The top label is applied using a FOX IV 5911 Mini Label Print and Apply system with a standard tamp applicator. The bottom label is applied using a FOX IV Standard Label Print and Apply system fitted with a specially designed wipe applicator. This applicator is synced to the speed of the conveyor to gently wipe the 6” wide label onto the bottom side of the flour bag as it is moving on the conveyor.
Results
The ALS/FOX IV bag labeling system:
- Consistently and accurately applies labels to both sides of the flour bag.
- Eliminates preprinted bag inventory.
- Labels two sizes of bags.
The implementation of the ALS/FOX IV system not only met the customer's requirements but also enhanced the efficiency of their labeling process. This innovative solution ultimately supported their goal of achieving streamlined and automated operations, with accurate and secure label application, to reduce inventory and cut costs.
The top label is applied using a FOX IV 5911 Mini Label Print and Apply system with a standard tamp applicator. The bottom label is applied using a FOX IV Standard Label Print and Apply system fitted with a specially designed wipe applicator. This applicator is synced to the speed of the conveyor to gently wipe the 6” wide label onto the bottom side of the flour bag as it is moving on the conveyor.