What does OS mean? What's with the higher price?
OS stands for optical sensor. Before the OS, the standard Bottle-Matic - using a micro-switch - could detect labels as thin as 3 mil. There's a wide world of labels thinner than 3 mils, so they designed this machine, while also improving the standard machine's micro-switch. The standard machine now has a micro-switch that can now detect as thin as 2 mil labels, and the OS can detect even thinner.
So, initially the machine helped fill the need for customers with labels thinner than 3 mils. We still recommend testing for any of our bottle machines, but especially if you're right at that line (2.0-2.3 mil) of 'too thin' or 'just enough'.
Also, the OS' price includes the rewinder & bottle detector, and a front roller that sits in a channel. Take note that the standard machines will have an up-charge if you want the rewinder or bottle detector respectively.
If you have a tapered container, the OS may handle the taper better due to the wider adjustment ability. The standard machine uses drilled holes to adjust the front roller, and the OS has a channel that the roller rides in. You can see the channel in the image below, just in front of the small blocks on the left.
Do I need the Tall Blocks?
This image shows a side-by-side of the regular blocks (left) & the tall blocks (right). The taller blocks are helpful for small (.5" diameter) containers. Typically, customers who need these blocks experience the issue of the label continually popping up behind the container. The label cannot arc across the black roller properly, and instead goes straight up or over the bottle.
If you have a Bottle-Matic OS, and have moved the silver roller right up against the black roller, and are still experiencing issues where the label is shooting up behind the bottle, the tall blocks may help. You can order just the blocks here.
Just because you have a .5" diameter container, that doesn't mean you will need the tall blocks. We will test your products in the machine, just send them in.
Other Frequently Asked Question
1) What is the best way to make all my labels consistent on my bottles? It depends upon the quantity of bottles you are labeling and your budget. Bottle applicators like the Bottlematic OS will consistently apply the labels. The operator places the bottle in the cradle and presses the foot switch or with the bottle detector applies within one second automatically. The Bottlematic OS will do either single wrap around or front and back labels. If you are labeling thousands a day or have a conveyor line to feel bottles, the inline bottle labelers work automatically as the bottles pass through.
2) Will the Bottlematic work with clear labels? The Bottlematic II uses an optical sensor to detect the label gap. We highly recommend testing with your roll of labels to determine if the standard OS model will work or need the optional sensor. Clear labels will sometimes show bubbles under the label and other defects in containers. Call for more info.
3) Can you print a use by date on the label? Yes, we use the Smart Jet ink jet printer solution that adapts to the back of the Bottlematic OS for date coding labels as they are dispensed and applied.
4) Will the Bottlematic work with tapered bottles? Many tapered containers work with the infinite position bottle carriage, but we strongly encourage you to send us a roll of labels and 6 containers for us to test. We will be happy to do a live video demo with a smart phone. Tapered labels also need to be properly printed on the roll so they apply correctly. Call for details.
5) Will the Bottlematic OS work with square bottles? No. You will need either the Flat-Matic or Tamp type unit. Call us for more information.
6) How do you support the installation and maintenance? We offer live video technical help to insure your applicator is properly set up. Don't guess, we are in the Atlanta metro area. Visit or call us and arrange a video phone call.
