Epson and its reseller partner, Integrated Productivity Systems (IPSi), have joined forces to create an automated print-and-apply labelling solution leveraging the Epson ColorWorks on-demand colour label printer and the Epson VT6L 6-Axis robot to help businesses add efficiency and cost savings to their operations.
Focused on helping small- to mid-size manufacturers and distributors who do not have the expertise or resources to design, develop and quickly implement process improvements in their operations, IPSi saw an opportunity to combine the high-quality labels of the ColorWorks printer with an Epson 6-Axis robot to bring colour and automation to businesses. Bringing on JM Automation Services, a full-service integrator and manufacturer of custom automated machinery, IPSi developed a state-of-the-art, robotic print-and-apply system for streamlining the process of getting products packaged and labelled as quickly and efficiently as possible.
“Businesses need to print high-quality colour labels on demand – which is especially important for personalisation, one-on-one marketing and serialisation where every label needs to be different,” said Rick Schilling, president, IPSi. “The ability to integrate the Epson ColorWorks label printer with an Epson 6-Axis robot allows us to address the most challenging applications for printing and applying colour labels to all types of containers.”
The ColorWorks CW-C6000P and CW-C6500P deliver on-demand, colour labels from 1- to 4-inches and 1- to 8-inches in width, respectively, with a peel-and-present option. The industrial strength label printers come standard with Applicator I/O control ports for automated label application and the ability to integrate with other automated systems. Coupled with the 6-Axis robot’s end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), the combined solution offers businesses limitless possibilities for printing and applying colour labels to flat containers, round containers and everything in between.
“An on-demand colour label solution makes so much sense for businesses finding themselves in situations where they need a unique label for every container,” said Andy Scherz, senior product manager, Commercial Labels, Epson America, Inc. “IPSi created a unique solution that demonstrates the power of automation for full-colour print-and-apply labelling for industrial manufacturing environments.”
The easy-to-use Epson VT6L features a built-in controller that saves valuable factory space, while its SlimLine structure featuring a compact wrist pitch enables access to hard-to-reach areas in confined spaces.
“Epson has made robotic automation easy for organisations looking for operational simplicity and flexibility as requirements can change quickly,” said Scott Marsic, group product manager, Epson Robots. “Epson All-in-One 6-Axis robots are versatile, supporting a variety of applications in addition to label application, ranging from pick-and-place to dispensing and more. With robots that are easy to program and operate and can quickly integrate onto the warehouse floor in minutes, Epson helps to relieve some of the apprehension about automation.”
Implementing a`. This combined solution is a cost- and time-efficient approach to mitigate errors in label design or changes in product or process that could result in wasted inventory.
A video of the solution can be found here.
Caption:
The print-and-apply printer and robot solution streamlines label printing and application while simplifying label inventory to meet on-demand needs
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