Company: ProMach

Website: www.idtechnology.com

Equipment Snapshot: ID Technology, a ProMach product brand, has introduced their new M2 label applicator. This state-of-the-art label head applies pressure sensitive labels to clamshells, tubs, boxes, trays, bottles, and pallets  as well as other packages. Featuring a new onboard controls module with ProMach’s Titanium motion controller, as well as a new application module and more, the M2 is a compact, easy-to-use, high-speed labeler that maximizes reliability and versatility.

“In our quest to build the world’s best label applicator, we worked closely with our customers, including operators and maintenance personnel, to understand exactly what they all wanted. That diligence led us to design the M2 labeler,” said Matt McLean, vice president and general manager of EPI, a ProMach brand aligned with ID Technology. “Every assembly, component and feature was scrutinized—each aspect of the M2 is industry-leading.

The M2 applies labels as small as 0.5 x 0.5 inches (13 x 13 mm) and as large as 5 x 18 inches (127 x 457 mm), depending on the application, at speeds of up to 1500 inches/minute (38 m/min). Equipped with an optional rewind assembly, the M2 can reach speeds of more than 2000 inches/minute (50 m/min). The standard M2 accommodates a 12-inch (30-cm) OD label supply on a 3-inch (76-mm) core and can be fitted with an option to handle a 16-inch (40-cm) OD or larger label supply. It can be changed over to handle a different package and label in less than one minute, with no tools required and no changeparts.

The compact M2 labeler is only 28 inches wide, 13.5 inches deep and 17.75 inches high (71 x 34 x 45 cm). Available in left- or right-hand configurations to seamlessly integrate into existing packaging lines, users can simply roll it up to a conveyor to label a wide range of primary and secondary package types or hard-mount this little labeler to a conveyor or parent packaging machine.

Comprised of six easy-to-change modules, the M2 maximizes serviceability. Quality design, components and construction all contribute to enhanced reliability and longer equipment life. The new onboard control module, made of aluminum for superior heat removal, is fully sealed to IP65 standards to protect electronics from dust and moisture. Inside the control module is ProMach’s advanced Titanium motion controller, which powers the M2’s servomotor. The Titanium drive, together with a smart encoder and intelligent programming, keep the labeler’s speed perfectly matched to improve repeatability and label placement accuracy.

To ease use and help operate at peak performance, the M2 allows up to 100 recipes, which contain every setting, to be saved to memory for quick recall during product changeovers. All recipes and settings are automatically backed up via the USB port and can be shared across production lines. Threading is simplified with a drop-in label loading function and an on-screen threading diagram displayed on the full-color HMI. In addition to onboard help screens, the M2 will display a warning and/or alarm if a problem is detected, such as forgetting to close the nip assembly. Accompanying the warning are easy-to-follow instructions on how to correct the problem.

In addition to the new onboard control module, the M2 features a new application module that uses low inertia rollers and specially-designed low-friction ball bearings. A new label sensor mount allows the user to easily switch between a standard label sensor and an optional ultrasonic clear label sensor by changing only the sensor. A high-power, direct-drive motor means no gearboxes to wear out or belt reductions to maintain. The M2 nip assembly is more robust and guarded to protect workers, with a new ribbed roller to provide a secure, three dimensional grip on the liner.