German manufacturer Krones said that its Vinetta labeller was developed specifically for the needs of mid-tier bottlers and can be used with an enormous range of containers including glass or plastic bottles, as well as jars and multi-shaped containers with requirements for body and shoulder labels.
Two models have been developed, said the firm, to accommodate either 4,000 or 8,000 containers per hour handling requirements for mid-tier producers in the wine, beer, spirits and condiments markets.
A spokesperson for the manufacturer told this publication that empirical feedback and components from its high-output labelling equipment informed the design of Vinetta’s parts such as its cold-glue labelling station and feed roller, the infeed worm, gripper, pallets, shafts and brushing-on station.
In addition, continues Krones, a cold-glue station enables the application of back, neck-ring or swing-stopper labels, with a further option available for ultra-accurate positioning of wine seals, diagonal strips or medallions.
Wide choice
The machine can also be fitted with a pressure-sensitive labelling station, offering abundant options for product dress design, according to the manufacturer.
The Vinetta’s magazine holds 5,000 labels, and enables quick changeover between different container and label types, while replaceable wear strips ensure longevity of the bottle handling parts, said Krones.
It added that a glue pump with an integrated heater ensures consistent labelling quality coupled with economical glue consumption.
Plant planning
Earlier this month, Krones, one of the biggest suppliers of machines and complete lines to the beverage industry, reported that it is observing increasing interest in its complete factory planning services.
The German firm maintains that its clients have for some time been downsizing their in-house engineering capacity to cut costs and concentrate on their core businesses, and have been turning to outside expertise when a new production facility is being installed on a greenfield, or when investments in an existing plant are being made.
Krones claims that its modelling of the complete factory or parts of it thus provides the processor with a result that calculates TCO and forms the basis for continuous optimisation of the plant and bottling and packaging lines.
The supplier said it seeks out local partners for certain projects particularly in the area of civil engineering work as partners bring to the table invaluable knowledge of local building norms and legal requirements.