System Description, Operating Principle, Technical Specifications, and Application Areas
Top labeling machines are automated systems that apply labels to the top of flat-surfaced products. They are used on products with horizontal surfaces such as boxes, blister packs, jar lids, bottle caps, or bags.
The labeling process involves applying the label from top to bottom as the product passes along the conveyor belt. These systems are widely preferred in industrial applications requiring high precision, speed, and repeatability.
The labeling unit is triggered by a sensor that detects product passage and, with its servo motor control, moves the label to its position, aligning it with the surface. High-precision label applicators such as Herma can be integrated into the system.
Operating Principle and Packaging Compatibility
As products move along the conveyor belt, they are detected by a servo-controlled labeling unit located at the top. Once the product position is determined by the sensor, the label is placed at the designated point.
The label is adhered evenly to the surface using a printing roller or pneumatic printing system.
Packaging Type | Eligibility Status |
Cardboard Box / Blister | ✅ The most suitable form |
Doypack Packaging | ✅ Suitable (flat position may be required) |
Jar/Bottle Cap | ✅ Suitable |
Flat Surface Bottle | ⚠️ Partially suitable (limited application to lid) |
Round / Oval Packaging | ❌ Not suitable |
📌 Note: Product height and shape can affect labeling accuracy. The top printing unit can also enable contactless label application.
Technical Specifications
Technical Parameters | Explanation |
Label Type | Roll labels, opaque or transparent. |
Label Width | 20 mm – 160 mm |
Product Range | 30 mm – 250 mm |
Labeling Speed | 4,000 – 12,000 units/hour (depending on product type) |
Label Sensitivity | ±0.5 – 1 mm (with servo motor + optical sensor) |
Adhesive Unit | Servo motor driven + pneumatic print head |
Label Sensor | Photoelectric or ultrasonic (for clear labeling) |
Body Material | AISI 304 stainless steel, GMP compliant. |
Control Panel | PLC + 7”/10” touchscreen HMI display |
Label Expiration Warning | Automatic stop + alarm system |
Certificates of Conformity | CE, GMP, ISO 9001 |
Optional Equipment
- HERMA 500 / HERMA Basic / HERMA 400 series labeling module integration.
• Label printer integration (lot, expiration date, 2D code, barcode)
• Transparent label sensor (ultrasonic or fiber optic)
• Automatic roll feeding and spare roll transfer system
• Camera-controlled OCR/OCV position and data monitoring system
• Product separation module (push piston, air jet, rejection belt)
• Product coding module (TIJ, CIJ, inkjet printer)
• SCADA / MES integration ports
• Version for use inside aseptic cabinets.
• Product recognition and height sensing sensor system
Areas of Application and Product Groups
Sector | Sample Products |
Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies | Blister packs, medicine caps, medical kits |
Cosmetics and Personal Care | Creams, soap boxes, small cardboard packaging. |
Food and Supplements | Doypack packaging, tea boxes, vitamin bottle top coating. |
Cleaning and Chemistry | Tablet cases, bottle caps |
Veterinary Medicine / Agriculture | Product lids, blister-packaged products |
Why Should a Top Labeling System Be Preferred?
- ✅ Fast and precise labeling of flat-surfaced products such as boxes, lids, and blisters.
• ✅ High compatibility with a wide range of products and sectors.
• ✅ Thanks to its compact design, it is easily integrated into production lines.
• ✅ Compatible with advanced labeling modules such as HERMA
• ✅ A “no-label look” can be achieved with transparent labels.
• ✅ High traceability through print integration and data verification systems
• ✅ Uninterrupted operation with automatic label tracking and roll changing systems.