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Radius applies labeler to Fisher-Price application

Unusual new labeler at Radius Corp. closes a plastic case around a Fisher-Price toothbrush, then applies a TE label that wraps around three sides of the case.

The labeler uses two parallel conveyors (below). In this photo, an open, toothbrush-filled case enters the machine from the conv
The labeler uses two parallel conveyors (below). In this photo, an open, toothbrush-filled case enters the machine from the conv

Packaging aficionados and consumers alike will appreciate the pressure-sensitive label that adorns Fisher-Price® toothbrushes for kids. For consumers, the label provides graphic appeal, tamper evidence, an easy-opening pull tab and product information. Packagers will likely find label application to be an unusual and intriguing process.

Individual Fisher-Price toothbrushes are made and also packaged by Kutztown, PA-based Radius Corp. Radius labels them on a new Flexline Model 60 p-s labeler from Mateer Burt, a div. of GEI Intl. (Exton, PA). For its Radius-brand toothbrushes, the company uses an Axon (Garner, NC) shrink-band labeler.

“We brought in the GEI labeler last September, and it gives us some versatility,” notes James O’Halloran, a co-founder of Radius. “Before, we only had the one shrink-band labeler.” He’s quick to point out that the Axon people have been extremely helpful. “We will always use the shrink labeler for our buy-one-get-one-free promotions,” says O’Halloran.

The new p-s labeler applies and wraps the Fisher-Price label around three sides of a polyvinyl chloride case that is injection-molded by Radius. The 4½-mil labels, supplied by Meyer Label (Englewood, NJ), are reverse-printed polypropylene with a clear PP overlaminate. Labels are decorated in a combination of flexo and screen printing in four to seven colors.

After printing, Meyer die-cuts a convenient pull-tab opening perforation from the material. Once the label is applied, the tab is visible on one side panel of the case. The structure’s overlaminate provides scuff resistance and adds rigidity, making it more “machinable” on the GEI labeler. Meyer die-cuts the web, stripping off the matrix so that only the labels themselves remain on the backing web. Meyer and GEI worked closely together on the label application. Labeled cases are then bundled in film (see Packaging World, August ’00, p. 56 or packworld.com/go/radius).

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