PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2010

LABELLING 59 PET planet insider Vol. 11 No. 10/10 www.petpla.net significant potential in terms of sim- plifying layout, reduced footprint and overall optimisation of production. As the very thin labels are sealed without glue or solvents, they also have envi- ronmental advantages. New SL 90 modular labeller - a high technology solution Sidel’s new SL 90 rotary modular labeller is equipped with modules for applying pressure-sensitive self-ad- hesive labels or cold-glue labels on various kinds of packaging. It says that maintenance levels are lower because its design has eliminated mechanical gears and transmissions. There is a growing market demand for single labellers capable of various applications, even combining them to label the same container – such as beer bottles, which have paper neck and self-adhesive body labels. The SL 90, which will soon also be available with other modules including a roll-fed module, has been developed by Sidel with the flexibility to label all kinds of packaging, both round and irregularly shaped, with fast changeover times and freedom in layout design. At the SL 90’s core is a carousel and transfer system (starwheels and screw feed) which have no gears and no contact. Its linear motor drive technology and direct motor drives require almost no main- tenance and normal drivegear wear is eliminated. These features also aid machine access and cleaning. The Sidel pneumatically-assisted guards can open independently. The SL 90’s hygienic design makes it particularly suitable for label- ling sensitive products, such as beer. The SL 90 is capable of both high-speed and very high- speed production; it can label up to 60,000 bph with both self- adhesive and cold-glue labels. Application of the label to the container can be adjusted electronically, while a vision system with several cameras orientates bottles, ensuring correct positioning. Its direct motor drives minimise energy consumption and the ergo- nomic design and easy access reduce cleaning and maintenance times. Spe- cial tilting and fixed feet and a support plate for the tilting labelling units, which move independently, allow the module structure to adjust easily to the slope of the floor. The self-adhe- sive labelling station allows handling of very light self-adhesive labels. Two labelling units can be fitted on the same module, which eliminates machine downtime when the reel runs out. Changeover uses a simple clip-in/ out shaft system. Air tensioning of the film reduces mechanical stress on the labels and thus reduces the risk of damage or breaking. The cold glue labelling station also has an ergo- nomic design and compact footprint, features simple format changeover and low maintenance, and its stain- less steel structure is finished with anticorrosion treatment. www.sidel.com