Automatic Labeling Machines: 10 Must-Know FAQs for 2025

In today’s fast-paced manufacturing and packaging industry, efficiency and precision are non-negotiable. Manual labeling is slow, prone to errors, and drives up costs—but automatic labeling machines offer a smarter solution. These machines ensure flawless product presentation, slash labor expenses, and keep your workflow compliant with industry standards.

Whether you’re scaling production, reducing waste, or upgrading your packaging line, this FAQ covers everything you need to know about automatic labeling technology in 2025. Let’s dive into the most pressing questions—and how the right labeling system can transform your output.

What is an automatic labeling machine?

An automatic labeling machine is a high-speed packaging device. It applies labels to products, packaging, or containers automatically, without manual effort. Using advanced sensors and programmable logic, it ensures consistent placement, reduces errors, and boosts production efficiency—making it essential for food, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries in 2025. It improves speed, consistency, and accuracy compared to manual labeling.

What types of labeling machines exist?

We can classify automatic labeling machines in several ways, depending on different criteria：

1. Classification by labelling position

• Flat-surface labelling machine: Used for flat objects such as cardboard boxes, cards, and electronic product casings.
• Side-surface labelling machine: Commonly used for the sides of cylindrical or square containers such as bottles, cans, and boxes.
• Top-surface labelling machine: Applies labels to the upper surface of products, such as food bags and paper boxes.
• Bottom labelling machines: Suitable for products requiring labelling on the bottom.
• Wraparound labelling machines: Used for round bottles, cans, etc., requiring labels to wrap around the entire circumference.
• Dual-sided labelling machines: Capable of simultaneously labelling both sides of square or flat bottles.

2. Classification by product shape

• Round bottle labelling machines (single-sided/full-circumference/half-circumference labelling).
• Flat bottle and square bottle labelling machine (single-sided/double-sided labelling).
• Irregular-shaped bottle labelling machine (specifically designed for containers with irregular shapes).

3. Classification by automation level

• Manual labelling machine: Manual placement of labels and operation, suitable for small batches.
• Semi-automatic labelling machine: Manual placement of products, with the machine completing the labelling process.
• Fully automatic labelling machine: Automatic conveying, positioning, labelling, and material collection, high efficiency, suitable for assembly lines.

4. Classification by working principle

• Hot melt adhesive labelling machine: Commonly used for beverage bottle labels, with high efficiency.
• Pressure-sensitive adhesive labelling machine: Widely applied, with simple operation.
• Shrink sleeve labelling machine: Applies labels that are then heat-shrunk to adhere to the bottle surface.

5. Classification by industry application

• Food and beverage industry labelling machines
• Pharmaceutical industry labelling machines (e.g., ampoule bottles, small round bottles)
• Cosmetics and personal care industry labelling machines (shampoo bottles, cosmetics bottles)
• Electronics/hardware industry labelling machines (batteries, panels, components)

How does an automatic labeling machine work?

An automatic labelling machine is a device that uses automated mechanisms to precisely apply labels to the surfaces of products, packaging, or containers. Its operating principle revolves around four core processes: ‘label retrieval – positioning – labelling – pressing.’ Different types of labelling machines (such as self-adhesive labelling machines, hot-melt adhesive labelling machines, sleeve labelling machines, etc.) have slight variations in detail. The following explanation uses the most common self-adhesive labelling machine as an example to detail its operational workflow and the functions of its key components:

Core Workflow

Suppliers typically provide self-adhesive labels for labelling machines in rolls, with an adhesive backing protected by release paper. The labelling process includes the following steps:

Feeding and Positioning (Product Conveying)
A conveyor belt or track conveys products (such as bottles or boxes) into the labelling area.
The equipment uses positioning devices (such as guide rods, pulleys, or sensors) to align products neatly, keeping each one consistently oriented and spaced. For example, clamps hold round bottles in place to prevent them from rolling or shifting.
Label Peeling (Label Removal)
The unwinding mechanism (motor-driven reel rotation) gradually releases the rolled labels and the guide rollers direct them to the peeling plate (a sharp, inclined thin plate).

When the label roll passes over the peeling plate, the plate forces the release paper (the smooth paper on the back of the label) to change direction—bending downward or backward. At the same time, the label, thanks to its stiffness and adhesive properties, separates from the release paper. Its front end peels away and lifts up, exposing the adhesive surface, ready for application.
Synchronous labelling (label transfer)
A ‘tensioning mechanism’ (such as a rubber roller or suction head) drives the front end of the peeled label and keeps it moving forward at a stable speed.

When the product reaches the labelling position, the front end of the label first touches the product surface, while both the product and the label move at the same speed to prevent misalignment.

As the product and the label move together, the label fully transfers from the release paper onto the product surface, completing the initial adhesion.
Pressing and Shaping (Ensuring Adhesion)
Bubbles, wrinkles, or curled edges may appear on the initially applied label, so the pressing mechanism must process it.
Common pressing methods include:
Rubber roller pressing: Using a soft rubber roller that closely follows the product surface to roll and flatten the label.
Brush or sponge pressing: Suitable for irregularly shaped products (such as curved surfaces or edges), using flexible contact to eliminate air bubbles.
After pressing, the product surface securely holds the label, completing the entire labeling process.
Winding (release paper handling)
The winding mechanism (motor-driven reel) rewinds the release paper (waste paper) after label peeling into a roll, facilitating subsequent recycling or disposal.

Key Components and Their Functions

Component Name	Function
Unwinding Mechanism	Releases the roll of labels and controls the unwinding speed and tension
Peeling Plate	Separates labels from the release liner, causing the labels to lift and ready for application
Positioning Sensors	Detects product position and triggers labeling actions (synchronization signals)
Conveyor Track/Belt	Transports products while maintaining their stable posture
Pressing Mechanism	Eliminates air bubbles and wrinkles to ensure firm adhesion of labels
Rewinding Mechanism	Collects the release liner (waste paper) after labels are peeled off

Special Features of Different Labeling Machine Types

Beyond self-adhesive labeling machines, other types operate with slight variations in their working principles:

• Hot Melt Glue Labeling Machines: Labels have no self-adhesive layer. Instead, nozzles apply hot melt glue (heat-melted adhesive) to the back of the labels before the machine attaches them to the products.This type is suitable for large-sized labels (e.g., labels on beverage bottle bodies).
• Shrink Sleeve Labeling Machines: Labels come in rolls of cylindrical films (such as shrink films). They are first ferrule (slipped over) the exterior of products, then the film is shrunk by heating to tightly wrap around the products. This is common for labels on the necks of mineral water bottles or the bodies of beverage bottles.
• Print-and-Apply Labeling Machines: Integrating printing functionality, they can print variable information (e.g., production dates, batch numbers, QR codes) on labels in real-time before application. This is ideal for scenarios requiring personalized information (e.g., logistics waybills, food traceability labels).

Which applications use labeling machines?

Labeling machines are widely used in various fields, including:

• The food and beverage industry (bottled water, beverages, canned goods, snacks, etc.)
• The pharmaceutical and medical device industry (medicine bottles, medicine boxes, medical consumables, etc.)
• The cosmetics and personal care industry (skin care products, toiletries, toothpaste, etc.)
• The logistics and warehousing industry (express packages, identification of stored items)
• The electronics and 3C industry (electronic components, mobile phones, home appliances, etc.)
• The chemical and building materials industry (paint buckets, pipes, plates, etc.)
• The tobacco and printing & packaging industry (cigarette boxes, gift boxes, color boxes, etc.)

Which products can a labeling system label?

Automatic labeling machines can handle a wide range of products, including items of different materials, shapes, and sizes. These mainly include:

• Bottled products: beverage bottles (plastic bottles, glass bottles), medicine bottles, cosmetic bottles, reagent bottles, oil drums, etc.
• Boxed/bagged products: food packaging boxes, medicine boxes, cosmetic boxes, express parcels, snack bags, fertilizer bags, etc.
• Canned products: cans, paint cans, metal cans, aerosol cans, etc.
• Irregularly shaped packages: hoses (toothpaste tubes, skincare hoses), curved-surface bottles, conical bottles, flat bottles, etc.
• Electronic and small products: electronic components (resistors, chips), mobile phones, home appliance parts, cables, etc.
• Building materials: pipes, plates, ceramic tiles, gypsum boards, etc.
• Others: cigarette boxes, cigarette cartons, gift boxes, pallets, medical devices (syringes, infusion bags), etc.

Whether it’s bottles, boxes, cans, or irregularly shaped products, automatic labeling machines play an indispensable role in streamlining production and ensuring precise, consistent labeling. When it comes to reliable, efficient, and adaptable labeling solutions, AUTmachin stands ready to meet your needs.

Which surfaces can a labeling machine handle?

They work on flat, round, oval, curved, and irregular surfaces. Advanced systems can adjust to textured or flexible materials.

Can a labeling machine fit into an existing line?

Yes. Most automatic labelers are designed for modular integration and can be added to existing filling, packaging, or assembly lines.

How should you choose the right labeler?

When selecting the appropriate automatic labeling machine, you should consider the product type (shape, material, size), label type (front, back, wrap-around, etc.), label characteristics (material, size, adhesiveness), production speed requirements, and whether you need additional functions such as printing and anti-counterfeiting. At the same time, evaluate the equipment’s stability, ease of operation, and after-sales support.

What label materials and adhesives should you consider?

Labels can be paper, film, or synthetic with adhesives such as permanent, removable, or freezer-grade. The right choice depends on product surface, storage conditions, and regulatory needs.

What does routine maintenance look like?

Routine tasks include cleaning rollers, checking sensors, replacing worn parts, and ensuring the label roll is correctly loaded. Preventive maintenance reduces downtime and extends equipment lifespan.