Pallet Applicator
When we were asked by a large Australiasian packaging company to provide them with pallet applicators, there were some challenges involved. The client needed to apply labels to shrinkwrapped pallets with sides ranging from vertical boxes to 45-degree, tented, shrinkwrap slopes. In addition, the applicator could be no closer than 1200mm to the pallet conveyor.
Our engineers met these challenges, which had proved too hard for tamp applicators, by designing and building an innovative Pallet Applicator which uses a clever adaptation of the AutoApply System's vacuum wheel technology. The wheel takes the label from the printer and is then extended out by an arm comprising interlocking links and is then “wiped” gently onto the pallet.
In contrast to many other printer/applicators, AutoApply Systems are notable for their compact size and clean, integrated design. The Pallet Model is no exception to this rule, having a small footprint and being simple to install, use and maintain. It is designed to be placed beside a pallet conveyor line and is self-contained, with on-board control software plus network connectivity.
Like all AutoApply Systems, the Pallet Applicator uses “off the shelf” Intermec industrial printers to produce the labels and to control the applicator. This ensures high performance, ease of maintenance and minimal downtime, with swift and simple changes of media rolls and printheads, and complete printer swap-outs in minutes.
The Pallet Applicator is run by CCC's on-board Control Software, which handles all printing and mechanical actuation tasks. Operator input is via the control console, with keyboard and LCD display, allowing product/label selection and batch setup. Alternatively, especially where the client requires pallet-specific labelling such as SSCC barcodes, line setup and management of product/label data can be carried out remotely using CCC's optional Print Server software, with interfaces to ERP or other data systems if required.
Options available for this model include: a choice of printer models and configurations (different print widths; direct thermal or thermal transfer printing); warning light/alarm towers; and barcode verification scanners.