WLS to Unveil VR-72 Labeler for Spirit and Liquor Bottles at PACK EXPO International 2024

WLS, a ProMach product brand, introduces its VR-72 labeler for spirit and liquor bottles at PACK EXPO International 2024  in Booth S-3548. Fully servo-driven with a modular design, this continuous motion pressure-sensitive system applies wrap-around and front-and-back labels to 1-liter, 750-milliliter and ‘miniature’ spirit bottles. Running up to 300 large bottles per minute, the VR-72 offers accurate and repeatable label placement, a small footprint and quick changeovers.

“This is the labeling system for high-end and craft distillers who want precisely applied labels in order to maximize shelf appeal and protect their brand’s reputation for quality,” said Adam Rosenthal, Director of Sales and Marketing at WLS. “We first developed this labeler for miniature bottles, and then when our spirit customers began asking if the VR-72 could be modified for 750-ml bottles as well, we saw there was a real need in the market for a system like this. Applying perfectly straight labels, the VR-72 is much smaller than a rotary labeler and yet still achieves a relatively high throughput, which many distilleries need.”

The VR-72 for spirit and liquor products applies paper or film pressure-sensitive labels to cylindrical glass and plastic bottles. Labels can either be wrapped entirely around the bottle or applied on the front and back only, which is achieved with a single label head and web.

Bottles enter the VR-72 via a synchronized feedscrew and are held in place during label application by a vertical trunnion roller assembly, providing accurate and repeatable label placement. Unlike other systems that use a wrapping belt to apply labels, the VR-72 utilizes a vacuum drum label dispenser that runs continuously and helps hold each bottle with three contact points during labeling, which greatly minimizing label skew. The continuous motion of the vacuum drum also allows for a smoother tension on the label web to minimize web break and expand label and web material options.

The VR-72 changes over in as little as 15 minutes with no tools required, a single size part and integrated HMI recipes. When needed, the system can be equipped to changeover between 1-liter, 750-milliliter and miniature bottles, as well as any size in between.

Capable of running either clockwise or counterclockwise, the VR-72’s vacuum drum enables one operator to manage left-hand and right-hand systems with the same label copy. Optional redundant label heads are available to facilitate high-speed labeling with zero downtime.

WLS offers world-class aftersales support. Its dedicated team of field technicians provides in-person installation, start-up assistance, modifications to existing equipment and emergency service to quickly speed resolution and keep customers’ systems operating at peak performance.

For distillers who have non-cylindrical bottles, WLS’ portfolio of equipment includes a variety of rotary systems that can orient and apply labels to virtually all bottle shapes and sizes.

The VR-72 is being exhibited at PACK EXPO International 2024 in Chicago, Nov. 3-6, in conjunction with the latest filling technology from Fogg, another ProMach product brand.