Vial Label Maker: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

1.What Is A Vial Label Maker?

A vial label maker is the advance equipment employed to deal with the proper labeling of vials. This machine is responsible to take vials and label them with stickers containing concrete information about the product stored inside.

The process carried out by vial label maker is quite effective and efficient as well that requires minimal or zero manual intervention making the labeling process more perfect and error free. This machine has a large number of applications in various industries including medical, chemical, food and beverage industry.

2.How Does A Vial Label Maker Work?

A vial label maker has extremely fast and simple working principles which goes on automatically until you stop the machine. Following is the details of its working:

In first step, operator check different parts of machine to make sure they are on accurate place and fix the dimensions for printing of labels and speed of machine while using touch screen control panel.

After the initial step has been completed, user can load the infeed turntable with filled vials or can directly integrate it with vial filling machine. Once these formalities are done, the machine is ready to start. By pressing start button, machine will start moving around the vials from infeed turntable towards labeling station through conveyor belt.

When vials reached the labeling station, an electronic device sense the vials and wrap around the vials while dispensing label. Moving further, these vials are passed through a rubber pressing belt which fix the labels over vials in a precise way.

At the end, vials are inspected to check the presence of batch no, barcode and expiry date. Finally, all the labeled vials are then discharged into collection tray.

3.What Are The Benefits Of Using A Vial Label Maker?

When it comes to the benefits of using a vial label maker, you will get to know the large number of advantages in numbers. Some of which are enlisted here:

Flexible

One of the key advantage of this machine is that you can apply different types of labels including paper labels, transparent labels and BOPP labels through a vial label maker. It also allows you to use vials of various sizes for labeling.

Precision

With the help of label sensor and camera system, it gives you highly accurate printing of labels and their application on vials.

Self Operated

The automatic nature of vial label maker helps in maintaining the voltage fluctuation during operation. Along with that, it does not require manual intervention for changing the label application for different vials, thus makes the processing more smooth and continuous.

Fast Performance

The startup time of operating a vial label maker is quite short and the quick movement of vials, their printing and discharging all contribute to the reduction in time spent. Therefore, you can label over 800 vials in a minute while using this machine.

Reliable

Vial label maker is reliable in terms of efficiency, compactness, cost as well as versatility. It is straightforward and can be simply integrated with machines.

4.Describe The Structure Of A Vial Label Maker Along With Major Components?

The structure of a vial label maker is composed of different parts which are discussed below in detail with their role and functions:

Main Frame

It comprised of the entire body of machine which is made up of durable stainless steel. It consists of infeed turntable, conveyor belt, control panel, labeling station, printing device, electric cabinet, discharge chute and moving casters.

Sub-product Organization

Sub-product organization is an in-feed hopper made up of stainless steel that holds the vials before they are processed. It carries out the function of moving and serializing vials by continuously rotating the shaft.

Conveying Mechanism

Conveying system is an essential tool of any machine which work as a bridge between various parts of machine and facilitate the fast movement of vials from one place to another. This function is carried out by the conveyor belt.

Motor

Motor is the core component of machine which is located in the labeling station and perform actual task of labeling. When vials come to labeling station, it takes the help of sensor for detecting presence of vials, so that, labeling sticker can be dispensed.

Overriding Agency

It comes into action and start the mechanism of applying labels on vials while pressing them hardly, so, the sticker label will get stick to it.

Touch Screen Interface

It is also known as control panel that allow easy interaction with machine. User can simply use its touch screen display to communicate the commands through which machine will be executed and monitored.

Inspection System

There are two parts in a vial label maker where inspection is done. The first one is located in labeling station which detect the vial and apply label. While as, another detection occurs at the end of labeling to reduce error while rejecting the vials, in case the misprinting occurs.

Electric Cabinet

Electric cabinet is an enclosed part of machine that holds the entire electric system utilized for machine. For instance, it stores all the electric components such as knobs, switches and display etc.

Emergency Stop

Emergency stop is a large visible button with red color that can be quickly pressed in case of mishap during operation to avoid dangerous situation.

5.Explain The Types Of A Vial Label Maker?

There are mainly two types of vial label maker which you would find in the market. They are as follows:

Fully Automatic Vial Label Maker

Fully automatic vial label maker is the most professional and high standard machine that accomplishes the entire process of vial labeling. It does not require manual intervention during operation and keeps the production speed optimum by reducing errors. Large pharmaceutical and chemical industries prefer using this machine for high production volume.

Components

It consists of main frame, turntable, conveying system, labeling station, sensors, label pressing device, emergency stop, electric cabinet, control panel and discharge station.

Working Principles

Its working mechanism is simple as the entire process goes on automatically without any interruption. You have to load all the vials on a turntable at once and press the power button after setting machine's parameters. The vial label maker will detect label and discharge the vials with the help of conveyor belt.

Semi-Automatic Vial Label Maker

Semi-automatic vial label maker is another type of machine that can be operated with the help of user interference. It is more precise than fully automatic and have low cost due to fewer parts' requirement. Therefore, small scale industries, laboratories or home based herbal industries can better take advantage from this small size machine with reasonable price.

Components

Its structure is comprised of few parts compared to fully automatic vial label maker. Its major parts include the base frame on which all other parts are located such as label roller, labeling dispensing and application motor etc.

Working Principles

It starts dispensing labels when operator manually place the vial in machine and starts the process. The machine wrap around labels while checking the batch no, barcode and expiry date on labels and press them around vials to give a neat look. At last, the vials are put out by the user.

6.Which Label Variants Can Be Used For Labeling By A Vial Label Maker?

There are range of label variants available which can be processed  by a vial label maker for labeling vials. They are described below:

Vinyl Labels

Vinyl labels are made up of durable plastic backed with adhesive sticker that is fully resistant to heat and moisture. As they cannot absorb moisture, thus are more reliable and stay for longer duration.

Paper Adhesive Sticker

Such type of stickers are prepared from paper with having sticky surface at back side that can be used after removing the attached layer from back. Commonly, paper adhesive stickers can be easily found in diverse colors, that's why these labels are preferred by many industries for labeling their glass vials.

Laminated Stickers

Similar to paper adhesive stickers, laminated stickers are also made up of paper, however, these stickers have an extra thin layer of plastic over them which gives them protection against water, oil and heat.

Polyester Labels

Another type of label used by a vial label maker is polyester label which is derived from ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephthalate. Polyester Labels are far more durable with the capacity of endure high temperature up to 148°C. It can be applied over products with diverse surface material including glass, paper, plastic and metal etc.

BOPP Stickers

BOPP is short for Biaxially Oriented Polypropylene film that comes from plastic after stretching. It is mostly used for beauty products and glass bottles to give them glossy and beautiful appearance. BOPP labels are highly clear and resistant to chemical abrasion and ultraviolet radiations.

7.What Are The Applications Of A Vial Label Maker?

Vial label maker has huge number of applicability in different industrial sectors which are taken into account in the details given below:

Pharmaceutical Industry

Pharmaceutical industry is no doubt the area where you will ever find the presence of a vial label maker. Whether is it injection water, vaccines or other liquid drugs, vials are the most preferable packaging option over other due to the high degree of sterilization it possesses for longer duration.

Chemical Industry

Glass is more protected than other types of containers. It is resistant to heat, light and chemical leaching, that's why most of the liquid and powdered chemicals are kept in vials for which labeling is an obligatory step done by this machine.

Food Industry

Most of the food processing industries are in favor of delivering valuable items in vials, as their quality is better preserved in glass bottles. For instance, Saffron, food colors and essential oils are often packed in vials. They can be clearly seen and identified due to labeling without touching the inside content.

Pigment Industry

This versatile Labeling equipment is adopted by the dye and pigment industries for effective delivery of their colorants. Industries prefer using vials for the reason of being compact and secure due to the robust glass structure and easy openable cap.

Research Laboratories

A vial label maker has a good demand in research laboratories where vials are used for storing the medication or chemical formulas made after thorough testing. These new generated formulas are then sent to quality approving agencies and large pharmaceutical industries as a sample while taking the help of vial label maker for displaying product information.

8.What Is The Production Line For A Vial Label Maker?

To get extraordinary fast labeling results, you can integrate vial label maker to a series of machines mentioned below:

Vial Filling Machine

This machine is an inevitable part of your production line for vial label maker that perform the function of filling vials with precise dosage of drug. It consists of multiple filling heads which at the same time infuse liquid content into vials. These filled vials are then capped by this machine.

Vial Counting Machine

Vial counting machine is employed to carry out the task of counting filled vials in an accurate way. Vials are collectively poured into tray and entered into machine after which the machine start counting and display information about them. It also has a detection system which highlight the broken or uncapped vials.

Blister Packaging Machine

Blister packaging machine is an effective equipment that excellently pack the filled vials while displaying them through transparent plastic. This method of packaging vial is cost-effective as well as suitable because it gives your objects protection against any type of damage especially during transit.

Pharmaceutical Carton Packaging Machine

Pharmaceutical carton packaging machine is among the important machines used for packing vials. It can be used for packing vials separately or in form of pairs. It works through predetermined procedure by forming cartons which involves carton erection, closing, folding, side seaming and sealing.

9.What Is The Basic Maintenance Requirements For A Vial Label Maker?

Every machine you use requires routine maintenance for smooth operation; if this is neglected, problems with operating the machine may arise. Therefore, you must have enough time to ensure that the vial label maker's regular maintenance is completed. In this way, you might found the following points useful.

• Keep clean the surface and parts of machine especially the labeling and cutting device of machine to ensure dirt free labeling.
• Check and lubricate the wear of conveyor belt and turntable for barrier free processing.
• Before beginning operation, turn on the machine, and check its functionality via control panel.
• Disassemble the parts of machine at least once a month and clean them. It will help in retaining the performance of your machine for long period of time.

10.Troubleshoot The Major Pitfalls Faced When Using A Vial Label Maker?

Despite the fact that modern technology is more advanced and competent to resist minor abnormalities, there are still some certain circumstances that may create trouble for you. To keep yourself away from such challenges you should be ready for them in advance. The below troubleshooting of vial label maker can better enable you to fight such pitfalls.

No	Pitfalls	Causes	Troubleshooting	Pictures
1	Label feeding is inaccurate	Most of the time problem in conveyor belt and sensor leads to the false feeding of labels over vials	For this you can check the machine's mechanical features for free movement and sensor for getting enough power
2	Labels do not stick to vials	One of the major cause of this problem is low tension of applicator	Check the label applicator wheel, adjust its height and increase tension
3	Labels get teared	It occurs either due to error in calibration unit or the damaged peel off applicator	Examine the concerned devices and replace if damaged
4	Problem in detecting clear labels	It happens because sensor becomes unable to detect the gap between labels due to absence of mark	It can be solved by printing marks on labels or ultrasonic sensor can be used for blank labels which would detect the gap after every set distance
5	Rough Edges of labels	The common reason for rough edges is the blunt cutter	Clean the label cutting device or replace if dull

11.Enlist The Essential Considerations To Look For When Choosing The Right Vial Label Maker?

Whenever you intend to purchase a vial label maker don't forget to take time and understand some of the key factors. In this regard, we have highlighted few important points which may be useful to you:

Size and Shapes of Vials

It should be clear to you, that vials come with labels of different sizes and shapes. In most cases, a vial label maker may be able to apply single type of label. Therefore, it is better to check application of machine which will definitely affect the outlook of your final product.

Product Surface

It is not obligatory that all vials are made up of glass, rather vials are also available in plastic and metal form. It indicates, that whatever the surface of vials are made of, your machine should be capable to make and apply label over them.

Labeling Material

Another important factor to look for is the labeling material. For instance, there are different types of labeling material such as paper, film, foil or BOPP labels. It is better to determine which type of label you are going to use.

Machine Type

Most of the time it becomes confusing to select the best suitable machine. Here, you can take help from knowing the diverse aspects of machine. For example, the speed, dimensions, flexibility, cost and nature of machine which includes the degree of automation it possesses.

Conclusion

Labeling is the core element for identification and when it comes to vials the labeling become more necessary as the content inside vials are often drugs or chemicals which needs strict safety. A Vial Label Maker is thus designed to carry out this essential task and fulfill the packaging need of pharmaceutical, chemical and other industries. If you are also interested in purchasing a vial label maker contact us without any hesitation.