That's A Wrap on Pallet Labeling
FOX IV 6955 with Long Label Corner-Wrap Applicator
A packaging systems integrator required a pallet labeling system for a new palletizing line they were installing. The end-user wanted to be able to wrap a long label around the corner of the pallet after it was stretch-wrapped, so that pallet information could be read on adjacent sides.
APPLICATION
The system needed to be able to print and apply 4” wide x 13” long labels to the front and side of pallets as they were moving on the conveyor line. The label location was to be 58” from the floor to the bottom of the label. Labels needed to be applied at a maximum rate of 2 pallets per minute. The end user preferred a Zebra data stream.
There would be one pallet configuration, with 90° corners, approximately 40” x 48” in size.
The system integrator would be responsible for the data and signals needed for the print and apply operation.
ENVIRONMENT/SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
Temperature controlled factory environment. Print and apply mounted on the pallet conveyor line after the stretch-wrapper.
SOLUTION
FOX IV recommended the Model 6955R2 label print and apply system for the application. The 6955 incorporated a Zebra OEM print engine with 203 dpi print resolution and thermal-transfer printing.
FOX IV’s engineering team designed a custom pad assembly to accommodate the 4”W x 13”L corner-wrap label pad on a rotary arm that placed the first 6” of the label onto the front of the pallet and wrapped the balance of the label around the corner of the pallet as it passed the print and apply system on the conveyor line- allowing for 1” of non-printed area at the corner.
The print and apply system was mounted on a heavy-duty H-based stand for stability and an extended column to raise the system to the correct height.
The print and apply process would be triggered using a photo-sensor supplied by FOX IV.
EQUIPMENT PROVIDED
6955R-2 S8 Label Print and Apply System with
- Zebra printing technology - 4" print width
- 3” ID x 16” OD Label Roll
- 5” Core Adapter- to reduce long label curl
- 203 dpi Print Head
- Allen-Bradley PLC Control
- I/O Signals package
- Warning/Fault Beacon
- Rotary Actuator Applicator Arm
- Custom 13” Corner-Wrap Label Applicator Pad
H-Base Mounting Stand with Extended Column
Photo-eye Sensor
WHY FOX IV
The integrator came to FOX IV for its ability to design and manufacture custom label print-and-apply systems for challenging applications, as well as its reputation for durable, reliable systems.
FOX IV was able to meet or exceed all the integrator’s requirements with their 6955 label print and apply system and application-specific label applicator pad.