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4. RL-420 Labeling Plastic Bottles and Associating the Serialized Label Code with a Bottle Helper Code

RL-420 Labeling Plastic Bottles and Associating the Serialized Label Code with a Bottle Helper Code

The RL-420 is ideal for non-round, self-standing containers and bottle applications. With its high speed and precise labeling application of a film or paper pressure sensitive label on to containers, the WLS RL rotary labeler combines a modular platform with motor-driven platforms for consistent and accurate label placement. The RL fully synchronized electronic drive train also allows for ease of operation and fast changeovers via HMI-based recipe control. This construction ensures years of trouble free operation at the highest efficiency levels and minimal maintenance requirements. The RL comes with a zero-access guarding package, which meets the most stringent safety standards and can be configured with a variety of options, such as precise container orientation, a single or redundant label head(s), label coding and inspection (including serialized codes), RFID tags integration, Interceptor feature, sidesert or topsert placement, integrated feeding systems (like a cup placer), 21CFR Part 11 and CE compliance. The WLS Interceptor removes, counts and rewinds rejected labels prior to their application on to a container.

On this bottle line video, the RL-420 labels plastic bottles at over 200ppm. This particular machine includes a X-4 label head with laser coding and inspection camera, the aggregation of a pre-printer bottle helper code with the serialized label code on the out-feed star wheel, and a reject station for missing labels. This solution eliminates the need for a stand-alone aggregation station later in the packaging process. Learn more about bottle labeling by contacting Weiler.

Welcome to Weiler Labeling Systems demonstration video featuring the RL 420 outfitted with our new code association capability. You can now label your product with a serialized 2D code, associate that code with a pre-printed 2D code on the bottom of the bottle, and then verify both codes contemporaneously while the product is still in control within the rotary labeler. This eliminates the need for any downstream equipment such as a 360-degree vision system to recapture the label code prior to aggregation.

The process begins by printing a serialized 2D code in conjunction with other human-readable information, such as date and lot codes, serial numbers, etc., onto the label on the X4S label head. The X4S is particularly well-suited to print serialized codes at high speeds due to its use of continuous motion during printing and index motion when applying the label to the product.

In order to achieve the code association previously mentioned, the RL 420 must first read the 2D data matrix that was pre-printed on the bottom of the bottle. It must then read the 2D data matrix that we print on the label with the Domino laser mounted on the X4S label head. As the labeled bottle reaches the exit star wheel of the labeler, the bottle is held in position by vacuum cups shown here. This ensures that the bottle is stable while we acquire the 2D code on the label with an Optel camera, which in conjunction with the Mear system, is positioned in such a way as to have a clear view of the code on the label.

In addition, there is another Optel camera mounted below a Pyrex glass window in the exit transfer plate, which allows for reading of the 2D code on the bottom of the bottle. As the bottle proceeds towards the exit, it is either released onto the good product conveyor or it is held until it is positioned for release onto the reject conveyor. The vacuum reject system can selectively reject products at the highest speeds the labeler is capable of.