WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING TO FOODPRO 2026 FOR A LABELLING LINE REVIEW?
When a labelling line is holding production back, the visible problem is rarely the whole problem.
A crooked label may begin with unstable product handling. Frequent stoppages may be caused by sensing, spacing or integration. Slow changeovers may be the result of adjustments that depend on operator memory rather than repeatable settings.
That is why a useful conversation about industrial labelling systems should begin with the production application, not a catalogue model.
Impresstik will be exhibiting at foodpro 2026 from 26–29 July at MCEC Melbourne. Manufacturers are encouraged to bring product samples, labels, production data and details of recurring line problems for a practical engineering discussion.
Visitor registration: Register to attend foodpro 2026.
Why should a labelling line review start with the product?
A labelling machine does not operate in isolation. Its performance depends on the interaction between:
· The container or pack
· The label and backing web
· Conveyor speed and product spacing
· Product stability at the point of application
· Sensors, coding and inspection systems
· Upstream and downstream equipment
· Changeover requirements
· Operator access and adjustment
A machine may be capable of applying a label at a stated speed, but that does not guarantee reliable production with the actual product range.
The correct system must control the product, present the label consistently and remain practical for operators to run, clean, adjust and maintain.
Bring the most difficult product, not only the easiest
The most useful sample is usually the product your current line struggles with.
This may be a container that is:
· Tall or unstable
· Tapered or irregularly shaped
· Soft-sided or flexible
· Wet, chilled or prone to condensation
· Lightweight or difficult to space
· Difficult to orient
· Used with a clear or unusual label
· One of many different SKU formats
Where possible, bring both empty and filled samples. Weight, rigidity, temperature and surface condition can all affect how a product travels through a labelling system.
A reliable solution must be designed around the real production condition, not an idealised sample.
Bring the label and backing web
The label itself is part of the application.
Bring the label exactly as it is supplied to production, including the backing web. Important details include:
· Label material
· Transparency
· Adhesive
· Shape and dimensions
· Gap between labels
· Roll direction
· Web width
· Label stiffness
· Print or coding area
Clear labels, unusual materials and small label gaps may require different sensing methods. Large, flexible or shaped labels may need additional control during application.
When several label formats are used, identify the smallest, largest and most difficult.
Know the current and target production rate
A headline speed expressed in containers per minute is useful, but it does not describe the complete production requirement.
Bring information about:
· Current average output
· Target production rate
· Peak production requirement
· Number of shifts
· Typical batch size
· Product spacing
· Frequency of stoppages
· Time required to recover after a fault
· Available accumulation before and after the labeller
A line that runs quickly for short periods may still deliver poor shift output if it regularly stops for adjustment, correction or changeover.
Production uptime is determined by the complete operating cycle, not maximum machine speed alone.
Map the SKU and changeover range
For manufacturers running multiple products, changeover can have a greater effect on output than top speed.
Prepare a simple list showing:
· Container dimensions
· Label dimensions
· Orientation requirements
· Typical production volume
· Current changeover time
· Adjustments required between products
· Parts or tools used during changeover
· Waste produced during setup
Also identify whether successful setup depends on one experienced operator.
A well-engineered labelling system should reduce trial and error. Depending on the application, this may involve calibrated adjustments, stored recipes, format parts, numbered positions or tool-free changes.
The objective is repeatability.
Show how the labeller fits into the wider line
Industrial labelling systems must work with the production equipment around them.
Upstream filling, capping or sealing can affect product presentation. Downstream coding, inspection, packing and accumulation can affect line control.
Bring any available:
· Line drawings
· Dimensioned sketches
· Videos of the line operating
· Photos from multiple angles
· Conveyor height and direction
· Available footprint
· Operator access requirements
· Electrical or pneumatic service information
· Control and communication requirements
A machine that physically fits into the space may still create access, maintenance or product-flow problems if the wider line is not considered.
Explain what must be coded, checked or verified
Food and beverage labels may carry product identity, batch information, date codes, barcodes, allergen information and traceability data.
Your labelling line may therefore need to integrate with:
· Inkjet or thermal coding
· Barcode readers
· Vision inspection
· Label-presence detection
· Reject systems
· Alarm systems
· Production line controls
Be clear about what must be checked and what should happen when a fault is detected.
The response may be a controlled stop, an alarm, a reject or a diversion. These requirements should be defined before the system architecture is finalised.
Describe the actual production problem
Avoid limiting the discussion to a broad statement such as “the machine keeps stopping”.
Describe the issue in operating terms:
· Which products are affected?
· At what speed does it occur?
· Does it happen after a label-roll change?
· Does it appear after a format change?
· Does the container move or rotate?
· Is the label missing, wrinkled or misplaced?
· Does the fault depend on one operator?
· How much time or product is being lost?
These details help determine whether the cause is related to product control, setup, sensing, integration, component selection, maintenance or training.
Ask how the system will be supported after installation
The labelling system and the support model should be evaluated together.
Ask:
· Who will install and commission the machine?
· How will operators be trained?
· How will maintenance staff be supported?
· Is remote troubleshooting available?
· How are spare parts supplied?
· Can future product changes be assessed?
· Who understands the original machine design?
Impresstik designs and manufactures custom labelling systems in Australia and supports them through installation, training, troubleshooting and ongoing maintenance.
Local access to people who understand the machine and the original application can reduce uncertainty when production requirements change.
What should you bring to foodpro 2026?
Bring as much of the following as practical:
· The hardest container or pack format
· Empty and filled product samples
· The intended label and backing web
· Current, target and peak line speeds
· A list of SKUs and label formats
· Typical changeover time
· Photos, videos or a line drawing
· Coding and verification requirements
· Details of recurring faults or operator issues
· The available machinery footprint
· Your expected future product changes
Frequently asked questions
Can Impresstik review an application without a physical product sample?
Yes. An initial discussion can begin with photos, video, drawings and production data. However, difficult product geometry, unusual label materials and higher-speed applications may require physical testing before a reliable system can be specified.
Why is the container important when selecting a labelling machine?
Container shape, stability, rigidity, weight and surface condition affect how the product is controlled and how consistently the label can be applied.
What production information is most useful?
Current and target speed, product spacing, batch size, number of shifts, SKU range, changeover time and recurring production losses are all valuable.
Can a labelling system integrate with coding and inspection equipment?
Yes. A custom labelling system can be designed to work with coders, barcode readers, vision systems, reject devices and line controls, subject to the application requirements.
Why does lifecycle support matter?
Products, operators and production targets change over time. Installation, training, troubleshooting, maintenance, spare parts and future modifications all affect the machine’s whole-of-life value.
Bring the application, not just the enquiry
foodpro 2026 is an opportunity to discuss the actual production problem with people who design, build and support industrial labelling systems.
The more accurately the product, label, speed, changeover and integration requirements are understood, the more useful the engineering conversation will be.
Register to attend foodpro 2026: https://register.divcom.net.au/foodpro-2026/visitor-reg/Site/Register
Then contact Impresstik before the show to book a technical discussion around your product, label and production data.
Visit Impresstik at foodpro 2026, 26–29 July at MCEC Melbourne, or contact the team before the event to discuss your application.
