PETpla.net Insider 10 / 2016

LABELLING 56 PET planet Insider Vol. 17 No. 10/16 www.petpla.net Labelling machines with integrated servo technology No contact, no wear Modern labelling machines with integrated servo technol- ogy offer complete flexibility for a precise container dress. Markus Müller, Heuft Product Manager Labelling, explains the advantages in an interview with Hilmar Wagner, Editor Public Relations. Mr Müller, where and why is servo technology used in labelling machines? Müller: “State-of-the-art, wrap- around labellers have a servo-con- trolled toothed belt so that the rotat- ing speed of the containers can be exactly controlled and finely adjusted. Modern self-adhesive and wet glue labellers are equipped with servo- controlled rotating platforms in order to apply labels perfectly onto up to 72,000 bottles or jars per hour. They are responsible for the fine alignment of the containers with millimetre accu- racy. Servo technology is also in the dispensing head of our self-adhesive labelling machines. It distributes the labels from the roll precisely. Gener- ally speaking, this technology permits a flexible and accurate positioning of the labels. In addition, servos are very efficient and economical especially when they manage without gears and have lifetime lubricated bearings – as do the Heuft machines. This makes them practically maintenance-free and non-wearing.” Are there other advantages? Müller: “Yes, servo labellers show their true strengths - above all - along filling lines with a great variety of brands, particularly in the premium sector: specific container diameters require specific rotating cams. The cam of a modern servo machine is changed fully automatically, whereas in the past cam segments had to undergo an elaborate mechanical replace- ment. Consequently program changes function within a very short time at the push of a button, and considerably less change parts are needed for this. The marketing aspect is also an important argument: you never know what the Marketing Department will devise next – perhaps the introduction of embossed bottles or containers with the no label look plus special windows in the label where it is necessary to align using different characteristics. A tremendous amount of flexibility is required for this. Those who have a machine such as the Heuft Tornado S flex, which is already prepared for all eventualities from the outset, are at an advantage.” Do you have an example? Müller: “The mechanical cam had to be changed completely in the past, and all the brands, including those which already existed, had to be com- missioned again from scratch in order to carry out the precise application of a newly introduced wrap-around label to the bottle neck. This requires a lot of time, energy and money. In contrast with servo technology only the one, newly added brand has to be extended and the cam programmed accordingly. This keeps the time and effort involved within limits.” Let’s get back to the fine alignment of the containers: How does this work? Müller: “Using optical detection procedures and servo technology: typical container characteristics such Markus Müller, Heuft Product Manager Labelling