Plastic wrap-around labels for a wide variety of bottles
SIPA Hall C6 – Booth 301
XLABL_RF, SIPA’s new roll-fed labelling technology
SIPA has developed a new labelling solution, designed with enhanced features to improve performance, precision, and user experience. The result is the new XLABL_RF roll-fed labelling machine, recently unveiled and soon to be presented at drinktec. It is designed to redefine the standards for labelling PET containers, offering an advanced solution for applying plastic wrap-around labels to a wide variety of bottles.
The XLABL_RF is a rotary roll-fed labeller, designed to apply hot-melt glue to cylindrical and shaped PET bottles, whether full or empty. It is engineered to perform with accuracy at varying production speeds. Its flexibility makes it suitable for diverse applications in industries ranging from beverages to personal care, all while ensuring cost-efficiency.
Key features
The labeller is equipped with a cutting unit that performs more than 200 million cuts with durability. This results in fewer interruptions for blade adjustments, reducing downtime and ensuring consistent cutting-precision. The cutting system, which requires no re-adjustment, delivers continuously flawless cuts, says SIPA. The labeller boasts brushless motion technology, with each station controlled by independent servomotors. This allows precise movement and ensures the machine operates seamlessly. The XLABL_RF also includes an optimised glue management system. With an external glue tank, operators can access the tank for refilling without halting the machine, while an efficient glue distribution system ensures minimal waste, summarises SIPA.
Beyond performance, the labeller excels in its ability to handle a wide range of label materials and thicknesses at high speeds. Its quick changeover system is claimed to allow operators to switch between different formats in 5 to 10 minutes, thanks to intuitive guides and tool-less access. The design enables space optimisation, with safety features like vertically sliding guards for easy access.
Labelling station design
The heart of the XLABL_RF lies in its labelling station. The reel support system features independent motor control and dual reels to enable continuous operation. The film tensioner and aligner employ active tension control and carbon fibre rollers to maintain perfect label alignment, even on reels that are imperfectly wound. The vacuum transfer drum enables smooth and precise label application, while the glue roller system dispenses glue, ensuring that labels are applied seamlessly from start to finish without any excess glue wastage.
Designed with operators in mind
The XLABL_RF incorporates a user-friendly 21.5-inch touchscreen HMI, which has been developed to offer an intuitive interface built on web technologies. This allows operators to navigate between functions, adjust settings, and monitor performance with ease. Whether changing a recipe or conducting routine maintenance, the machine is designed for quick, hassle-free operation, streamlining workflows and enhancing overall productivity, says SIPA.
Ready for the future
XLABL_RF is built for the future, using automation technology from the German company Beckhoff Automation to provide precise, real-time control. This integration with SIPA’s digital ecosystem enables predictive maintenance and enhances connectivity, allowing users to benefit from a smart, connected factory environment. The XLABL_RF is a roll-fed labelling machine designed for a range of PET bottles, from standard water bottles to more complex shapes. According to SIPA, it combines mechanical engineering with design features aimed at improving precision, flexibility, and reliability in modern bottling operations.