For the purposes of this article, it is assumed that you have your labels on a 3 inch core with a 1/8" gap between each label.
All of our label dispensers and applicators detect the label one way or another. To simplify things, there are two basic ways the label can be detected: either by the label physically touching a small tab/wire (micro-switch / trip wire), or by detecting a change 'visually' (photo eye). There are endless ways to detect and sense things, but we're keeping things simple for our purpose. Feel free to call M-F 8:30a - 5:00p and chat in detail - (770) 554-1187.
Micro-Switch / Trip-Wire
This style sensor is good for labels that have enough body to them to push the tab/wire, and/or clear labels. Thinner (<2mil) labels may have trouble pushing the switch and don't properly actuate the switch. This can cause the machine to spit out multiple labels. We offer testing at our warehouse. Just send us a sample roll. Micro-switch models can sometimes be a little cheaper. Value-wise, there's no difference between the micro-switch and photo-eye aside from whether or not it properly detects the label.
Photo Eye
These sensors can either detect the presence of a label (like a U-45), or the gap between the labels (like the TAL-2100ER). These are great for thin and/or opaque labels.
Machine Specific Information
Bottle-Matic
Excluding the Bottle-Matic OS, all Bottle-Matic machines uses a micro-switch. If your labels are thinner than 2-3 mil, we recommend sending a sample roll of labels and a couple containers to test the labels in the machine. The manufacturer states that labels thinner than 2-3 mil may be too thin for the standard micro-switch to detect. It's based on the material of the label, adhesive used, liner used, and label shape. In our experience, the best way to determine which machine works for you is by sending us samples (1/2 roll of labels, 3-5 containers).
