IC Filling Systems has introduced a line of semi-automatic bench-top labelers aimed at small production lines and specialty bottling operations. The equipment is designed to handle round and square bottles with pressure-sensitive or cold-glue labels while reducing the need for major mechanical changeovers. The company says the series also addresses returnable-bottle washing and security-label applications that are often difficult for low-volume producers.
The tabletop units are intended for operations that need flexible labeling without the footprint of larger rotary equipment. IC Filling Systems says switching between bottle formats requires adjustments to the paper path and minor changes tied to bottle dimensions, rather than frequent replacement of mechanical components. The same approach is meant to support both round bottles and square bottles, the latter with an attachment.
The company says the machines can handle containers made from PET, PE and PVC, materials with lower mechanical strength that can be vulnerable to pressure damage during labeling. A Datalogic fork photoelectric sensor with a 50 mm slot and teach button is used for detection, according to the specifications.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Bottle types | Round and square bottles; square bottles require an attachment |
| Label types | Pressure-sensitive and cold-glue labels |
| Sensing system | Datalogic fork photoelectric sensor, 50 mm slot, teach button |
| Web width | 170 mm standard; 220 mm optional raised rollers |
| Throughput | About 600 bottles per hour, round bottles with front and back labels |
For returnable-bottle markets such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland, IC Filling Systems offers a cold-glue labeling setup. In the process, adhesive is applied to the label and then transferred to the bottle through a series of rollers. The company says the method provides secure placement while allowing labels to be washed off later in a caustic hot-water bath, a key step in container reuse.
The cold-glue approach is distinct from pressure-sensitive labeling, which the same bench-top series also supports. The company positions the combination as a way for smaller producers to handle both single-use packaging and returnable formats without moving to separate high-volume systems.
Spirits and higher-end beverage producers often need to apply U-shaped tax stamps or tamper-evident seals, sometimes across the cap and neck of a bottle. Traditional rotary labelers can handle such work but are costly and large, making them less practical for smaller specialty producers. IC Filling Systems has developed a cold-glue labeler specifically for U-shaped security seals, using manual control to place decorative seals or tax stamps accurately at the bottle cap.
The application reflects a broader demand for labeling equipment that can manage small batches and specialized packaging tasks. The company says the unit is intended to provide precise placement without requiring the scale of equipment typically associated with high-volume security-labeling lines.
