Improving Label Production Efficiency with Label Rewinders and Unwinders

Industrial and desktop label printers hold label rolls up to a specific size, which limits the size label roll you can use with them. While the standard size is generally fine most of the time, there may be times when you’d like to use a larger label roll. For example, if you intend to print a large volume of labels, would like to reduce your per label costs by buying in volume, or would like access to a variety of label choices which may be available only on larger rolls.

Fortunately, label holders are available that attach to the rear of label printers, allowing you to use larger-than-specified label rolls. At their most basic, label unwind stands hold the label roll, allowing it to spin freely as the printer begins printing. More advanced label unwinders are motorized and include adjustable tension arms.

Benefits of using a label unwinder include:

• Use larger label rolls
• Gain access to a greater variety of label choices
• Reduce your label unit cost through volume purchases
• Fewer label roll changes
• Easy label usage monitoring since you can see how many labels are left on the roll

One of the most common label printing problems involves label storage after printing. If you don’t intend to apply the labels right away, you might have a stack of cut labels or a long continuous sheet of labels to deal with. Wouldn’t it be better if the labels where wound onto a core? That’s where external label rewinders come into play. These sit at the front of your label printer and take up the printed labels as they emerge from the printer. Label rewinders are motorized and gently roll your printed labels onto a core.

Not only are your printed labels neatly wound onto a core for easy and damage free storage, you can immediately place the wound labels onto a label applicator for application. Similarly, the rolls can be placed in a label finishing system for lamination, cutting, slitting, and other finishing operations.

Benefits of using a label rewinder include:

• Roll-to-roll printing for increased efficiency
• Less label waste due to damaged or contaminated labels
• No need for an operator to standby as labels are printed
• Neat label storage on cores
• The ability to use the label rolls in a label applicator, label cutter, or label finishing system

Optimedia Labs has label rewinders and unwinders available for popular industrial and desktop label printers. Browse our selection of label holders, label rewinders, and label unwinders today.