Even the most reliable labelling machines can experience occasional issues that affect label placement, production speed, or overall product presentation. Fortunately, many common problems can be identified and resolved quickly without extensive downtime.
This troubleshooting guide explains the most frequent labelling machine problems, their likely causes, and practical solutions to help keep your production line running efficiently.
A label that is applied at an angle is one of the most common problems in pressure-sensitive labelling systems.
Wrinkles and bubbles reduce product appearance and may affect label adhesion.
Labels may be too high, too low, too far left, or too far right.
The backing liner moves, but labels fail to peel correctly.
More than one label is dispensed for each product.
Products pass through without receiving labels.
Labels lift shortly after being applied.
The backing paper tears during operation.
Most labelling issues can be prevented through routine maintenance.
Daily preventative tasks include:
Weekly maintenance should include:
Monthly maintenance should include:
Regular preventative maintenance significantly reduces downtime and improves labelling accuracy.
Contact a qualified technician if:
At SA Packaging Machinery, we supply reliable labelling systems backed by expert technical support. Whether you need assistance diagnosing a fault, replacing components, or selecting a new machine, our experienced team is ready to help minimise downtime and keep your production line operating efficiently.
Crooked labels are usually caused by poor product alignment, incorrect guide rail settings, worn rollers, or an applicator head that requires adjustment.
Double-feeding is commonly caused by incorrect sensor calibration, poor-quality labels, or dispensing speeds that are too high.
Labels may not adhere if the container is dirty, wet, oily, or if the wrong adhesive type is being used for the application.
Sensors and registration settings should be checked regularly and recalibrated whenever label rolls are changed or label placement becomes inconsistent.
Yes. Dirty sensors can prevent the machine from detecting products or label gaps accurately, resulting in missed labels or incorrect positioning.
Wrinkles are often caused by uneven application pressure, excessive speed, incorrect wipe-down settings, or unstable containers during labelling.
Production downtime can quickly impact efficiency and profitability. If you’ve worked through the common troubleshooting steps and are still experiencing issues, our technical team is here to help.
Whether you need assistance with sensor calibration, label registration, applicator adjustments, replacement parts, or a complete machine inspection, SA Packaging Machinery provides expert support to get your equipment back to peak performance.
Contact us today to speak with a labelling machine specialist or request technical assistance.
