Automated Print and Apply: The 7 Most Common Application Types

Label printing and application don’t have to be a hassle for your business or for your employees. Manual label printing, peeling, and sticking have very few benefits. Incorrect or poor placement can make barcodes difficult to read, especially on irregularly shaped items. Manual label placement can also be a time-consuming process that is a drain on employee time. Print and apply labeling systems can all but eliminate these manual printing problems. Offering a customized solution for the price of a standard solution, print and apply labeling systems are easy to assemble, maintain, and upgrade. They are capable of handling delicate and rigid labeling surfaces, and are ideal for companies in a wide array of industries.  There is a flexible and diverse array of print and apply label application techniques available. Take a moment to consider these different options in regard to your company’s labeling needs in order to choose the best print and apply technique for your business. Many of these methods can also be combined with RFID technology to improve tracking, accuracy, and overall efficiency.

Corner Wrap

If your production space is limited, a corner wrap printer applicator may be for you. Corner wrap applicators are generally compact in size, giving businesses freedom when it comes to their layouts. Corner wrap labeling places one label across two adjacent box panels. Corner wrap printing and labeling systems can handle a variety of case or pallet sizes and application speeds.

Roll-On

Combining the accuracy and flexibility of wipe and tamp applicators, roll-on systems are used for applying long labels such as those found on reams of paper, shrink-wrapped pallets, and soft goods. These systems provide consistent label placement on both flat and slightly uneven product surfaces.

Wipe

Wipe systems are used for many product surfaces traveling at a consistent speed. This application technique can handle side, top, or bottom labeling requirements. This design is an airless solution that can optimize application time and product throughput.

Swing Arm Applicator

Swing arm applicators apply labels to the leading (front) or trailing (back) panel of the product, with some systems capable of labeling the front and side panel at the same time. The pneumatically controlled arm extends, allowing the label to be presented for a smooth, flat application to the leading or trailing panel. Swing arm applicators are typically used to label cases and pallets, and can use a wide range of label sizes.

Dual Action Tamp

A dual action tamp (DAT) applicator is a high speed, versatile application option. These are used to print and apply individual labels to multiple product surfaces. DAT applicators combine the benefits of a swing arm and a tamp application in the module.  The DAT can be easily configured for single or dual panel label applications onto adjacent panels and various uneven surfaces. Mounting options for these printer applicators are diverse and vary depending on your labeling needs, including label size and the size and position of your product.

Blow Applicator

Blow applicators allow for applying labels to soft, fragile, curved, or uneven product surfaces. Blow can be used from a fixed position or in conjunction with a tamp-apply applicator module. This applicator uses a burst of air to propel the label onto the product surface, and can accommodate both fixed and custom label sizes.

Tamp Apply

Tamp apply applicators are optimal for small to medium labels with even application surfaces. It uses a pneumatic cylinder or electric actuator to extend and present the label to the product surface. With tamp apply applicators, a label can be applied to products that are not edge justified on a conveyor line or may be randomly positioned across a conveyor using features such as smart sensing technologies or blow-on application. 

Choosing the Correct Print & Apply System 

Ultimately, the size of your production space, the size and shape of your product, and the type of label you need will determine which of these print and apply methods will work best for your company. Feel free to contact the experts at Lowry Solutions for any questions you have about which system would work best for you.

Key Considerations When Selecting a Print and Apply Labeling Solution

Choosing the right application method is only one part of building an efficient labeling operation. To maximize productivity, businesses should evaluate how a print and apply system fits into their overall production workflow. A solution that aligns with existing processes can improve throughput, reduce labeling errors, and support long-term operational growth.

Evaluate Production Speed Requirements

Production environments vary significantly in terms of output volume and conveyor speed. A labeling system that performs well in a low-volume operation may not be suitable for high-speed manufacturing or distribution facilities.

When selecting a solution, businesses should consider:

• Products labeled per minute
• Conveyor speed
• Shift length and operating hours
• Peak production demands
• Future production growth

Choosing equipment with sufficient capacity helps avoid bottlenecks as production volumes increase.

Consider Product Variety

Many facilities process products with varying dimensions, packaging materials, and label requirements. Flexible print and apply systems can quickly adapt to changing production lines without requiring extensive manual adjustments.

Organizations should evaluate whether the system can accommodate:

• Multiple package sizes
• Different label dimensions
• Cartons, pallets, and containers
• Corrugated, plastic, or shrink-wrapped packaging
• Frequent product changeovers

Greater flexibility reduces downtime while supporting a wider range of labeling applications.

Integrate with Existing Enterprise Systems

Modern labeling solutions deliver greater value when connected to enterprise software. Integration eliminates manual data entry and ensures labels contain accurate, up-to-date information.

Print and apply systems can be integrated with:

• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
• Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)
• Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)
• Inventory management software
• Shipping and logistics platforms

Automated data exchange improves labeling accuracy while helping maintain consistency across production and distribution processes.

Improve Traceability Throughout Operations

Accurate labeling plays an essential role in product traceability. Whether tracking raw materials, finished goods, or outbound shipments, consistent label application helps organizations maintain visibility throughout the supply chain.

Combined with barcode or RFID technology, automated labeling supports:

• Product identification
• Inventory tracking
• Shipment verification
• Regulatory compliance
• Recall management

Reliable traceability enables faster decision-making and reduces the risk of errors throughout the product lifecycle.

Reduce Maintenance and Downtime

Equipment reliability is critical in high-volume production environments. Selecting systems designed for easy maintenance helps minimize interruptions and extend equipment life.

Features that support long-term reliability include:

• Modular components
• Tool-free adjustments
• Remote diagnostics
• Preventive maintenance alerts
• Quick replacement of wear parts

Routine maintenance becomes simpler, allowing production teams to maintain consistent output with minimal downtime.

Supporting Smarter Labeling with Lowry Solutions

An effective print and apply solution should complement broader automation and tracking initiatives. Lowry Solutions helps organizations implement integrated labeling systems that work alongside barcode technology, RFID, industrial printers, enterprise mobility solutions, and the Sonaria platform. By connecting automated labeling with inventory management, warehouse operations, and enterprise software, businesses can improve accuracy, streamline workflows, and enhance visibility across the supply chain.

As production demands continue to evolve, investing in scalable print and apply technology enables organizations to reduce manual effort, improve labeling consistency, and support efficient, data-driven operations well into the future.