Reference evidence
- Container drawing and all relevant mould variants
- Photographs showing the reference feature
- Required label datum and angular relationship
- Acceptable tolerance and inspection method
Controlled presentation
Round bottle orientation and registered wraparound labelling
Registered wraparound labelling positions the label start, seam or artwork in a defined relationship to a repeatable feature on the bottle, cap or existing print. The project needs a detectable reference, stable container control, agreed angular tolerance and an inspection method that proves the relationship on production samples.
- Define the physical or printed feature used as the reference
- Separate product orientation from label-gap sensing
- Measure the finished angular or linear relationship during a representative run
Orientation brief
Start with the reference feature and the required finished relationship.
Orientation is not a generic machine option. Its feasibility depends on whether every production container presents a repeatable feature that can be detected and controlled before the label is applied.
| Reference | What to establish | Trial concern |
|---|---|---|
| Mould seam or structural feature | Whether the feature is present and repeatable on every approved container. | Variation between cavities, suppliers and container batches. |
| Cap, handle or closure feature | Whether the closure is applied in a predictable angular position. | Closure torque and thread start may change final orientation. |
| Printed mark or existing decoration | Contrast, size, position and whether the detector can see it at production speed. | Print variation, reflections and container rotation. |
| Embossment or recessed panel | Physical repeatability and a practical sensing or mechanical registration method. | Container flexibility, tolerance and guide access. |
| No repeatable feature | Whether ordinary wraparound placement is acceptable without angular registration. | Orientation cannot be guaranteed from an undefined reference. |
Buyer question
What is registered wraparound labelling?
Registered wraparound labelling controls the label position relative to a repeatable feature on the round container rather than applying from an arbitrary angular position. The feature might be a seam, mark, embossment or other reference, but it must be detectable and consistent enough for the orientation method and acceptance tolerance.
The normal label-gap sensor still controls label dispensing. Product orientation is a separate function that controls where the bottle is before or during application.
Buyer question
Can a wraparound label be aligned to a bottle mould seam?
A wraparound label may be aligned to a mould seam when the seam is consistently present, detectable and accessible to the proposed orientation method. The seam position can vary between container moulds or suppliers, so production samples from the complete approved range are needed before any tolerance or method is confirmed.
State whether the seam should sit under the label, at the label join or at a defined angle from the artwork. The artwork and seam guide helps define the finished requirement.
Buyer question
How can the machine detect the bottle orientation?
Orientation can be based on a mechanical feature or a detectable optical reference, depending on the container and machine architecture. A sensor or vision method needs sufficient contrast and a clear view, while a mechanical method needs a repeatable physical feature that can be engaged without damaging or destabilising the pack.
Reflective, transparent or printed containers should be tested under representative lighting. Do not assume that a feature obvious to an operator will be reliable to an automatic detector.
Buyer question
Does a clear-label sensor control bottle orientation?
No. A clear-label sensor is used to identify labels or gaps on the backing web. Bottle orientation requires a separate reference on the product and a method to detect and control it. Both functions may be needed in one project, but they solve different parts of the application sequence.
Use the label sensor guide for web detection and this guide for container registration.
Buyer question
How should orientation accuracy be tested?
Test orientation by defining a datum on the container and a datum on the applied label, then measuring their relationship across a representative run. Record container batch, feature variation, label roll, operating speed, starts, restarts and any rejected packs. A single visually convenient sample is not a valid production result.
- Include every mould or supplier variant that may change the reference
- Measure the first pack after start-up and after normal restarts
- Record missed detections, reorientation attempts and rejects
- Repeat the check after a format change
Quotation checklist
Provide the orientation evidence before machine selection.
Mark the required relationship directly on photographs or controlled drawings and send representative physical samples.
Production evidence
- Filled weight and container rigidity
- Production label roll and clear/opaque construction
- Target accepted output and stop/restart pattern
- Coder, camera and reject requirements
Quick enquiry
Send us your labelling requirement.
Include container diameter, label size, material, target output and whether the label is paper, film or transparent. Lancing can recommend a suitable semi-automatic, compact or automatic configuration.
Phone: 01494 623015
Email: sales@lancinguk.com