Orange juice giant gets new labeling technology in Krones Sleevematic AF

One of the United State’s biggest orange juice producers became the first American bottler to choose Krones’ Sleevematic AF (Applicator Fork) labeler. The system’s continuously controlled container handling and 33,000 bph speed convinced the juice giant that the Sleevematic was the right labeler for the relaunch of a lifestyle beverage in a wide-bellied 14-ounce PET bottle. Perfect label positioning ensures optimum product appeal.

Labeling with the Sleevematic AF
The Sleevematic pulls a sleeve over the container using a special applicator unit that enables both stretchable and shrinkable film sections to be applied with precision – time after time. The machine operates continuously, automatically matching its speed to the container flow at infeed and discharge.
The sleeve is pushed over a spike to open it – no vacuum unit is needed. Several servo-controlled blades cut the sleeve precisely to the pre-selected length. The sleeve is then transferred to the applicator fork, where it is pulled over the container for complete coverage. A clamp holds the sleeve and container in position until the container is ready to be transferred to the discharge star wheel – so there’s no slippage nor shifting.