Reliable pallet labelling

The combination of a small footprint, fast operation and market-leading safety standards, together with the ability to work across a wide variety of temperatures down to -28 deg C have meant over 80 installations FlexWipe systems across Europe, USA and Australia. Customers include NewCold and Lineage Logistics who have over 40 FlexWipe systems operating between them.

The robust design of the FlexWipe applicator means it is capable of operating in ultra-cold climates, without the need for additional heaters or special cabinets. Working with varying pallet surfaces – uneven, rough, or cold – the FlexWipe “wipes” accurately over the label after it has been tapered, ensuring labels stick even under the poorest adherence conditions. 

Built around two independent, motorised arms which can move both horizontally and vertically, the ILS FlexWipe can quickly and reliably label three sides of a pallet without having to halt production. 

“In the competitive chilled and frozen products sector, manufacturers are looking for a reliable pallet labelling system that can maintain throughput to meet the often-demanding requirements of the supply chain,” says ILS managing director Denis Brett.

“In addition, with its ability to apply labels non-stop in often harsh operational environments, the FlexWipe is also helping customers remove team members from these conditions, increasing site safety and production efficiently.”

Safety features include specialist sensors with pulse encoders inside the controlling stepper monitor. Every unit automatically stops and pivots itself away if it senses a foreign object or person in possible trap points. This removes the need for cumbersome cages and safety coverings, thus allowing for easy access when changing label rolls and inks.

Safety is also enhanced through the FlexWipe’s automated height adjustment. Designed with pressure-controlled pneumatics and laser height-sensors, this custom-built feature constantly monitors and controls the arm movements, with a safety break there to ensure the system can be stopped if power or air is disconnected. If vertical movement is slightly hindered, the motorised stand immediately stops and alerts with a warning alarm.

The FlexWipe’s built-in validation check scanner is designed to read one or two-dimensional bar codes. Combined with the lightweight arms, this ensures fast but controlled automation for pallet labelling, in a machine which takes up less than 1 sq m.   

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