SubscribePositioned directly after the heat tunnel, Cobalt Printer Applicators label the front face of packs at speeds of up to 80 per minute.
Maintaining the orientation of the pack eliminates delays introduced by pack turning. As an active part of the line, the labeller responds to error conditions, and more commonly low label stock, by signalling upstream equipment and initiating a controlled response. This ensures the heat tunnel is always cleared and all products are labelled before media stock runs out.
Exceptional application speed is achieved by the unique CAM movement of the pivot tool
HIGH SPEED REAL-TIME
COBALT AIR Print and Apply labelling systems use a non contact method, blow applying from a vacuum pad matched to the label size. The apply head safely moves into the space between packs and applies to the oncoming product, withdrawing in the same direction of how to collect the next label for application. Where products have uneven surfaces, the air blast can be tuned to maximise adhesion. All settings are digitally controlled and saved as standard configurations. Real-time printing ensures unique data is printed as the pack arrives, applying immediately, with consistent accuracy - no waiting time, no mislabelling and no wasted labels.
Real-time and accumulated barcode quality at a glance
CONTINUOUS OPERATION
COBALT AIR can be supplied in a Continuous Operation configuration, eliminating downtime and maintaining labelling speeds of 80 packs per minute. This is a dual headed system with both labellers operating from a single touch panel control. The Primary labeller is always in operation, the secondary peer automatically stepping in as required to correct missed or poor quality labels as well as taking over during label replenishment.
SPECIAL FEATURES
- Continuous operation
- RFID enabled
- Wireless enabled In-line verification
Primary and secondary peer configuration with motorised in/out of line positioning
CONTACT APPLICATION
COBALT POWER systems use a roller contact applicator, positioned in the product path for frontal application, rolling over the label following the contour of the pack. Cobalt Power is ideally suited to batch production, where label content remains constant and physical contact application is preferred.
Verification after apply guarantees barcode quality as the pack exits the labelling system Verification after apply
DUAL LANE SYSTEMS
Where dual lane shrink wrappers are installed, a Multi Positional Dual Lane labelling system is available in both Cobalt Air and Power configurations, able to handle dual lane production at speeds of 160 packs per minute. By using two labellers on a single bridging frame, each labeller can be dedicated to a lane. During single lane production both are positioned centrally, with the second waiting in a ready state to take over when labels run out. Both the Continuous Operation and Dual Lane systems have motorised positioning with an out of line ‘safe zone’ where label replenishment and maintenance functions can be performed. The Cobalt Air system automatically moves to the ‘safe’ position when operator attendance is required.
IN-LINE VERIFICATION
Barcode quality is monitored by the Cobalt Sentinel Barcode Verification system, which scans each label after application to the pack and determines the ANSI equivalent rating of the barcode. Acting as an early warning system, the Sentinel responds when quality deteriorates, displaying status via a beacon, the detail of which is graphically represented on the touch screen control panel. In more critical situations where the labeller cannot recover from producing unreadable barcodes or mislabelling, the system will initiate a controlled shut down of the line.