Designed for ease of use and quick changeover, the CP1000 labeling system from Universal Labeling Systems (St. Petersburg, FL) is equipped with the Label-Eye photoelectric sensor from Tri-Tronics (Tampa, FL), which contributes to fast setup.
“Basically, when we redesigned the CP series, we designed it around certain functions of a contract packager,” says Michael Bieda, director of marketing at Universal Labeling Systems. “We examined each and every component of the machine and looked at alternatives that would make the machine better. One of the things we looked at were the sensors.”
The Label-Eye is a special-purpose gap or slot sensor designed to sense the beginning of each pressure-sensitive label on a roll of backing paper. For Universal, one of the benefits of this sensor is its easy setup. All an operator has to do is position the gap between the labels directly under the sensor’s sight-guide and push the “Autoset” button. The sensor will adjust itself to the ideal setting.
“The sensor controls the dispensing of labels and sends a signal to the labeler,” Bieda says. “All the labels could be in different colors, and they’re not always easy to detect. But this sensor performed very well in tests. And it’s easy for the customer to set up.”
Cost as a factor
The second major factor behind the installation of the Label-Eye sensor was the cost. According to Bieda, the sensor was so affordable that Universal is switching many of its other machines over to the Tri-Tronics sensor.
“The quality was there for what we needed in the CP series, but based on price, we determined that it was worth doing across the board,” Bieda says.
