Common faults and maintenance of labeling machinery

Oct 24, 2025 Leave a message

Labeling machines use adhesive to apply paper or foil labels to designated packaging containers. During rapid or prolonged operation, problems such as misalignment, wrinkling, and warping can occur, significantly impacting the aesthetics of the packaged product. Hansheng Automation uses its professional knowledge base to help you identify common labeling machine faults and their corresponding solutions.

 

Adhesive labeling machine

 

Fault Phenomenon Possible Causes Solutions
Misaligned Labeling

1. Misaligned label box position

2. Excessively thick glue or too low temperature

3. Dirty or worn label drum sponge

4. Inaccurate bottle positioning (misaligned entrance star wheel)

1. Readjust the label box to the optimal position

2. Control glue amount and ensure ambient temperature is 26-28℃

3. Clean or replace the label drum sponge

4. Check and adjust the entrance star wheel and centering cup

Label Skewness

1. Uneven bottom line of the label box

2. Unflat label paper in the label box

3. Uneven sponge thickness or worn bottle holder rubber pad

1. Adjust the levelness of the label box

2. Arrange the label paper and adjust the label hook to make it flat

3. Replace the uniform sponge pad and worn rubber pad

Label Tearing/Aluminum Cap Damage

1. Overly tight or improperly angled label hook

2. Overly sticky glue not cleaned after shutdown

3. Asynchronous label clamp action

1. Adjust the angle and tightness of the label hook

2. Clean the glue bottle before shutdown and replace with suitable glue

3. Check and adjust the synchronization of the label clamp and cam position

Label Picking Failure or Glue Leakage

1. Large dimensional error of label paper

2. Overly tight label hook or too loose spring

3. Improper clamping depth of the marking drum (ideal: 4-5mm)
4. Mismatch between the marking paper and the glue

1. Use qualified standard-sized label paper

2. Adjust the label hook or replace the spring

3. Accurately adjust the clamping depth of the marking drum.
4. Replace the appropriate marking paper or glue.

 

Adhesive labeling machine

 

Self-adhesive labeling machine

 

Fault Category Specific Problems Solutions
Mechanical & Electrical

1. Servo motor/synchronous belt wear

2. Wear and air leakage of coding machine cylinder seal ring

3. Servo motor terminal loose alarm

1. Regularly inspect and replace wearing parts

2. Replace the cylinder seal ring

3. Tighten all electrical terminals

Labeling Position

1. False triggering of label dispensing sensor (one object sensed twice)

2. Tilted or worn glue plate

3. Inaccurate label dispensing time setting

1. Adjust the sensitivity and position of the sensor

2. Correct or replace the glue plate

3. Fine-tune label dispensing time on the operation screen (increase time for high labels, decrease time for low labels)

Print Quality

1. Unclear batch number printing (blurred label)

2. Heating tube damage

3. Air leakage of printing cylinder or solenoid valve jamming

1. Inspect and replace the heating tube

2. Clean or replace the cylinder and solenoid valve

3. Ensure normal ribbon supply and correct sensor operation

 

Self-adhesive labeling machine

 

 

How can the problem of label warping be completely resolved?


Label warping is the most common problem in the filling and sealing process. Addressing this issue requires multiple approaches.

 

  • Designing the bottom of the label with a curved shape can avoid deformation caused by the heated area during sealing. The label shape may also need to be modified to accommodate different seal shapes.
  • When choosing materials, prioritize label materials with good ductility and a soft texture. This allows them to better adapt to container deformation and reduce stress.
  • Eliminating static electricity and controlling temperature and humidity are crucial. This is because static electricity is easily generated during the labeling process, which can lead to loose application. Controlling temperature and humidity ensures a warm labeling environment that maximizes the performance of the glue.

 

Maintenance points

 

Maintenance Cycle Core Maintenance Items
Daily

1. Cleaning: After shutdown, clean residual glue and paper scraps on the label box, label clamp, and label drum sponge.

2. Inspection: Check if the air source pressure is normal and if the sensors are clean.

3. Confirmation: Confirm if the glue viscosity is appropriate and if the remaining quantity of the ribbon is sufficient.

Weekly

1. Tightening: Inspect and tighten mechanical structures (such as timing belts, screws) and electrical terminals.

2. Lubrication: Lubricate necessary mechanical moving parts (such as cylinder guide rods).

3. Wear Inspection: Check the wear condition of vulnerable parts such as glue plates, sponge pads, and bottle holder rubber pads.

Monthly

1. Comprehensive Calibration: Systematically calibrate labeling positions, printing positions, and all sensors.

2. Replacement of Vulnerable Parts: Plan to replace seals, timing belts, glue plates and other components according to usage.

 

References

 

"Practical Manual of Packaging Machinery" - A practical guide focusing on the operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of packaging machinery.