Modern manufacturing requires an integrated approach across all aspects of the production process, to ensure not just productivity, but the quality and consistency demanded by the consumer. As demands and expectations have increased within the production processes themselves, so too has the need for concise and efficient marking and labeling.

 

Whether a label contains simple instructions, a use-by date, or traceability information within a bar code, a 2D matrix code, or an RFID smart label, it is essential that manufacturers have the confidence that each and every label will be produced and applied to a consistent standard, regardless of where in the production process the operation takes place.

 

With over 75 years’ experience in the development and innovation of labeling solutions, Weber Marking Systems has built up a portfolio covering labeling’s three distinct categories: media, hardware, and software.

 

 

 

Managing All Aspects of Labeling

Backed by in-depth application knowledge, this combination of products allows the company to identify, configure, and manage all aspects of labeling, beginning with the label itself, through to the latest tracking and traceability technology, and covering all application areas from product to pallet.

 

The entire process begins with the media. Labels, tags, RFID smart labels, and printer ribbons must be of the highest quality to ensure optimum performance using online print-and-apply systems. Weber converts and prints labels, ranging from pressure-sensitive (including stock labels for general-purpose labeling) to custom, variable-imprint labels and tags for more challenging applications, at its own manufacturing facilities. In addition, Weber provides a range of high-quality RFID smart labels.

 

A typical packaging line will employ a variety of labeling, print-and-apply, and data capture systems at strategic points. Historically, labeling systems were seen as standalone units that would perform their individual tasks without the need for any cohesive integration into the main packaging line. However, as today’s packaging lines have become faster and more complex, and with the need to comply with growing regulation on product labeling, it is essential that the individual elements are both compatible with and capable of integration to the line and its PLC control system. Meeting these demands requires a comprehensive range of labeling and coding equipment that has been designed for easy integration into virtually any packaging line.

 

The Packaging Line

Key elements of a packaging line are pressure-sensitive label printer-applicators and prime label applicators. Today’s labeling demands also often include RFID compliance labeling, and Weber has developed RFID encode-apply equipment and a unique system that combines smart label printing, encoding, and application in a single unit. Both of these systems also verify correct RFID encoding and reject non-compliant labels before they are applied.

 

In addition to equipment designed for online integration, a diverse selection of label printers and RFID printer-encoders is available for offline labeling needs, plus material handling equipment such as conveyors, equipment stands, carton feeders, and much more. An additional selection of bar code and RFID data capture products can be used to gather information that ensures accurate product identification and provides real-time inventory management data.

 

Software Drives the Process

Labeling software, such as Weber’s Legitronic® product, is the driving force behind the label printer and printer-applicator systems. Off-the-shelf Legitronic software provides a simple yet flexible approach to label design and editing and permits the control and operation of label printers and RFID encoders. Remote input capabilities permit direct access from scales, PLCs and other devices. The software also works with networks, efficiently handling multiple systems with shared file support, while a built-in security system restricts use and protects valuable information. The software offers many options and can be custom-designed to complement and help control any operation.

 

Enhanced LegiPlus and LegiMax are available as part of a total systems solution to label printing applications. These fully-managed and implemented solutions build upon the functionality and flexibility of the core software to deliver additional benefits for users of print-and- apply technology.

 

Media, hardware, and software covering all aspects of label printing and application can provide the seamless integration required to enable identification and traceability from the product to the pallet.