How do I apply two labels (Front and Back) to my container and calculate the distance? (AP362-AP380)

How do I apply two labels (Front and Back) to my container and calculate the distance? (AP362-AP380)

Apply Two Labels to the Same Container


The AP380 has the ability to apply two labels to the same container, and you can adjust the distance between the labels using the control panel. Nine different distances can be saved in the unit’s memory. These distances are represented by nine different memory locations: L1 - L9. (L0 represents the single-label application mode.) By choosing the desired memory location/distance, you can easily switch between multiple double-label containers without having to readjust label distances. 

Follow this procedure to apply two labels to each container:

1.      Press the “Mode” button once to display the current memory location.

2.      While in the memory mode, press the “Recall/Reset” button repeatedly to move to the desired memory location (L1 - L9). (Press Recall/Reset repeatedly to move back to L0 for single-label mode.) 

3.      The desired memory location (L1 - L9) will be displayed for 2 seconds, followed by the current value set for that memory location for another 8 seconds.  During this time, press the “+” or “-” button to adjust the distance value to be set for this memory location.  (Figure 4-2.)

Hold down a button to move more quickly through the values. Once a value is selected, it will be displayed for 8 seconds and then stored in memory.  The screen will then revert to label counter mode. The distances are displayed in inches.  The unit accepts values between 0.01 and 9.99 inches [0.3 mm and 253.7 mm].  However, the actual minimum distance between labels will be 0.5” in normal speed and 0.25” in high torque (half speed) mode.

4.      Press the foot switch to apply the labels.  Both labels will be applied without pressing the foot switch again. To set a value for another memory location, repeat this procedure.

IdeaImportant Note on Minimum distance between two labels:   In normal application speed mode, the minimum distance between labels will be 0.5” regardless of the value on the LCD. In high torque (half speed) mode the minimum distance will be 0.25”.  This is due to the unavoidable lag time between detecting the end of a label and beginning of the next.

Calculate Distances for Two-Label Mode


If you intend to apply two labels to the same container you will typically want to center the second label so that you have the same distance between each label on both sides.  Use this formula to calculate the proper distance setting (see Section 4B).

1.      First calculate the circumference of your container.

diameter of container x Pi = circumference

2.      Now subtract the width of both front and back labels from the circumference and divide by two.

(circumference - width of front label - width of back label) / 2

3.      Subtract the distance between the labels on the liner (the distance between the labels while they are still attached to the roll) from the value received in step 2.  This distance is typically .125" if labels are purchased from Primera.  However, other label manufacturers have different standard distances, or they may have made the labels with a built-in distance between front and back labels.  This is because some applicators do not have adjustable distance calculation like the AP362 or AP380.   It is important to note that if you have a built-in distance between labels on your roll, you cannot apply labels closer than this distance + plus the minimum distance. 


Example:

If your bottle is 3 inches in diameter, your front label is 4 inches wide, your back label is 2.5 inches wide, and the distance between the labels on the liner is 0.12 inches, the distance value to enter would be 1.34 inches.

3 x π = 9.42
(9.42 - 4 - 2.5) / 2 = 1.46 - 0.12 = 1.34

Note: The distance values are approximate.  Adjusting the position of the container idler roller will affect the actual distance between the labels on the container.

Alternate Calculation Method


If math is not your strong suit, we recommend following the procedure in the first section above to get into two-label mode.  Start with a value of .01".  Apply two labels to the container.  Note the position of the labels on the container.  The actual distance between front (1) and back (2) will be about 0.5". 

If you need less distance than this between labels, you will need to switch to half-speed mode, where the minimum distance is .25".  

If you need more distance between labels, increase the value on the LCD by .5" increments until your labels are where you want them to be.  You can also add the combined spaces between front and back labels, and divide distances by 2 to find the approximate value to enter in F1-9 memory locations.  For example, if the beginning of the second label is .5" from the end of the first (figure 1) but 3.0" from the beginning of the first label (figure 2), you would divide 3.5" by 2 and receive a value of 1.75", to which you would set your F 1-9 value.

Idea
Tip.  Find a printable ruler that you can print and cut out to wrap around your container.  Example ruler to print.   Or you can use a flexible tailor's ruler.
Figure 1Figure 1

Figure 2

0.5" + 3.0 = 3.5 / 2 = 1.75"

Article ID : 012725