MATERIAL WEB WITH LABELS OF DIFFERENT LABEL VARIANTS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING LABELS OF DIFFERENT LABEL VARIANTS

Abstract

A method for producing labels of different label variants includes: performing first and second printing operations to form on a source material web using a digital printing device first and second digital prints associated with first and second label variants, respectively, the two digital prints differing at least with respect to a respective print image; forming on the source material web a machine-readable indicating element detectably different from the first and second label variants and arranged to indicate a change of label variant type; and die cutting to form a material web and processing the web, including controlling and making up the first label variant, detecting the indicating element using a controller, cutting the web in the transition between the label variants and controlling and making up the second label variant so that separate first and second label webs are formed with the first and second label variants, respectively.

Claims

1. A method for producing labels of different label variants (1, 2), comprising: providing a source material web (15) with one or more label layers, carrying out a first printing process and thereby forming a predetermined first digital print on the source material web (15) by means of a digital printing device (102) associated with a first label variant (1), carrying out a second printing process separate from the first printing process and thereby forming a predetermined second digital print on the source material web (15) by means of the digital printing device (102) associated with a second label variant (2), wherein the first and the second digital print differ with regard to a respective print image, forming a machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6) on the source material web (15), which is detectably formed differently from the first and the second label variants (1, 2) and is arranged to indicate a change of type of the label variants (1, 2), performing a die-cutting process and thereby forming a material web (10) having a plurality of label variants (1, 2) and the machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6), and processing the material web (10), the processing comprising checking and making up the first label variant (1), detecting the indicating element (3, 5, 6) by means of a control device (104, 106), cutting the material web (10) in a transition region (13) between the label variants (1, 2) and a checking and finishing of the second label variant (2), so that a first label web (11) is formed with the first label variant (1) and a separate second label web (12) is formed with the second label variant (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein performing the first and second printing processes and forming the first and second digital prints by means of the digital printing device (102) are performed without standstill with respect to a machine-guided movement of the source material web (15).

3. The method according to claim 1, in which the processing of the material web (10) is carried out, at least in sections, by means of a processing device (107) through which the material web (10) is continuously guided, comprising: guiding the material web (10) through the processing device (107) and checking and making up the first label variant (1), detecting the indicating element (3, 5, 6) by means of the control device (104, 106), stopping the continuous guiding of the material web (10) by the processing device (107) and finishing the checking and making up of the first label variant (1), removing components associated with the first label variant (1) from an area of the processing device (107), and continuing the processing of the remaining material web (10) by the processing device (107) and checking and making up the second label variant (2).

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein processing the material web (10) further comprises: cutting the material web (10) in an initial area of the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2) and removing a predetermined material web section with a plurality of labels of the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2), and replacing a defective label of the first and/or of the second label variant (1, 2) by means of an associated label of the removed material web section, if it is determined during the checking and packaging of the first and/or second label variant (1, 2) that a label has a defect.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: checking the labels associated with the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2) by means of a control device (104, 106), comparing the inspected labels with stored data for labels of the first and/or second label variant (1, 2) by means of a data control device (105), and controlling processing of the source material web (15) and/or the material web (10) by means of a control unit (108) in dependence on the comparison, if it is determined that a label associated with the first or the second label variant (1, 2) deviates from the deposited data.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein processing the material web (10) further comprises: recording image information of the material web (10) by means of a control device (104, 106) in the area of the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2) comprising the first and/or the second digital print, comparing the recorded image information with stored data for the predetermined first and/or second digital print, and initiating a corrective measure as a function of the comparison, insofar as it is determined that the recorded image information about the first and/or second digital print deviates beyond a predetermined tolerance range from the stored data for the predetermined first and/or second digital print.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6) is formed in an edge region (17) of the source material web (15) at a lateral distance, with respect to a main extension direction (R) of the material web (10), from a continuous use region (18) of the source material web (15) provided for the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2).

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicating element comprises a first indicating element (5) and a second indicating element (6) which are formed continuously with respect to a main extension direction (R) of the material web (10), the indicating elements (5, 6) differing from one another in a detectable manner and the first indicating element (5) being assigned to the first label variant (1) and the second indicating element (6) being assigned to the second label variant (2).

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicating element (3) is formed in the transition region (13) between the first and the second label variants (1, 2), so that the indicating element (3) is arranged between the first and the second digital print with respect to a main extension direction (R) of the source material web (15).

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6) is formed by means of printing on the source material web (15) and comprises a barcode, a data matrix code and/or a printed image.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6) is formed so as to comprise machine-readable processing and/or control information relating to the subsequent label variant (1, 2), and processing of the subsequent label variant (1, 2) is carried out in dependence on the detected processing and/or control information of the indicating element (3, 5, 6).

12. The method according to claim 1, comprising: applying a further print, a laminate and/or an iron-on element to the source material web (15) and/or the material web (10), which is respectively associated with the first and/or the second label variant (1, 2).

13. A material web (10, 16) with labels of different label variants (1, 2), comprising: at least one label layer to which a predetermined first digital print and a predetermined second digital print are applied, the first and the second digital print differing with respect to a respective print image and the first digital print being assigned to a first label variant (1) and the second digital print being assigned to a second label variant (2), and a machine-readable indicating element (3, 5, 6) which is detectably formed differently from the first and the second label variant (1, 2) on the label layer and is set up to indicate a change of type of the label variants (1, 2), so that, by means of processing the common material web (10), the first label variant (1) can be checked and made up, the indicating element (3, 5, 6) can be detected by means of a control device (104, 106), the material web (10) can be cut in a transition area (13) between the label variants (1, 2) and a control and finishing of the second label variant (2) can be carried out, so that a first label web (11) with the first label variant (1) and a separate second label web (12) with the second label variant (2) can be formed.

14. The material web (10, 16) according to claim 13, wherein the machine-readable indicating element (3) is formed in the transition region (13) between the first and the second label variant (1, 2), so that the indicating element (3) is arranged between the first and the second digital printing with respect to a main extension direction (R) of the material web (10).

15. The material web (10, 16) according to claim 13, wherein the machine-readable indicating element comprises a first indicating element (5) and a second indicating element (6), which are formed continuously in an edge region (17) of the material web (10) with respect to a main extension direction (R) of the material web (10), the indicating elements (5, 6) being detectably distinguishable from one another and the first indicating element (5) being assigned to the first label variant (1) and the second indicating element (6) being assigned to the second label variant (2).

Description

[0037] In the following, embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings. They show:

[0038] FIGS. 1-4 various embodiments of a material web with labels of different label variants,

[0039] FIGS. 5-7 embodiments of a system for producing material webs with labels of different label variants, and

[0040] FIG. 8 a flow chart for a method for producing labels of different label variants.

[0041] Elements of the same design and function are marked with the same reference signs across the figures. For the sake of clarity, not all the elements shown in all the figures are identified by the corresponding reference signs, possibly.

[0042] FIGS. 1 to 4 schematically show embodiments of a material web 10 with labels of different label variants 1 and 2. The material web 10 comprises at least one label layer with a plurality of labels assigned to the different label variants 1 or 2. The labels of the first label variant 1 have a predetermined first digital print and the labels of the second label variant 2 have a predetermined second digital print, which are applied to the labels by means of a digital printing device 102 (see FIGS. 5-7). The two digital prints are configured to be distinguishable with respect to a respective print image, and the first digital print is associated with the first label variant 1 and the second digital print is associated with the second label variant 2.

[0043] The material web 10 further comprises a machine-readable indicating element 3 which is detectably formed differently from the first and the second label variants 1, 2 on the material web 10 and is arranged to indicate a change of type of the label variants 1, 2. The common material web 10 is therefore designed in such a way that by means of processing the material web 10, which comprises checking and making up the first label variant 1, detecting the indicating element 3 by means of a control device 104, 106, cutting the material web 10 in a transition region 13 between the label variants 1, 2 and checking and making up the second label variant 2, a first label web or label roll 11 with the first label variant 1 and a separate second label web or label roll 12 with the second label variant 2 can be formed in a single sort.

[0044] According to FIG. 1, the indicating element 3 is arranged in the transition area 13 and is printed, for example, as a data matrix code. Alternatively or additionally, the indicating element 3 may also comprise a barcode, a printed image or a marking symbol. With respect to a main extension direction R of the material web 10, which also corresponds to a winding or unwinding direction with respect to a label roll, the machine-readable indicating element 3 is formed between the first and second label variants 1, 2.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, the machine-readable indicating element 3 is designed in such a way that it comprises a first indicating element 5 and a second indicating element 6, which are formed continuously with respect to the main direction of extension R of the material web 10 and are formed in an edge strip 17 of the material web 10 (see FIG. 2). The edge strip 17 forms a side section of the material web 10, which runs laterally along the main extension direction R to a usage area 18, which is provided for the labels of the first and/or second label variants 1, 2. The indicating elements 5, 6 are detectably differently formed and associated with the first or the second label variant 1, 2. The transition area 13 can be free of an indicating element 3, 5, 6 or other symbols or, as shown in FIG. 3, can have a plurality of blank labels or blank labels 4 which additionally indicate the change between the label variants 1 and 2.

[0046] Alternatively, only a sequence of first or second indicating elements 5, 6 may be formed. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a respective row of labels of the first label variant 1 each has the first indicating element 5 associated therewith, with no indicating element being arranged in the transition region 13 and subsequently in the section of the material web 10 which has the second label variant 2. When the first indicating element 5 is read and identified, for example by means of a camera or a scanner, it is detected that the first label variant 1 is present. After detecting the last indicating element 5, no further indicating element would then be detected and it can be automatically concluded that the successor variant is present, which corresponds to the second label variant 2.

[0047] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a label arrangement 16 as a section of the material web 10, which comprises at least one label of the first label variant 1 and one label of the second label variant 2 as well as at least one machine-readable indicating element 3. This may be formed in the transition region 13 or alternatively may be associated with one of the labels. It can also comprise two indicating elements 5 and 6 or still the indicating element 3 or more, in order to set up a particularly safe and reliable detection of a change of variant of the labels on the material web 10.

[0048] FIGS. 5 to 7 show possible embodiments for a system for producing a design of the material web 10 and separate label rolls 11 and 12 with a plurality of labels of the first or second label variant 1, 2. A corresponding flow chart for a method for producing the material web 10 and the label rolls 11 and 12 with different label variants 1, 2 is illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0049] The system according to FIG. 5 comprises a printing device 101, the digital printing device 102 and a die-cutting device 103.

[0050] In a step S1, a source material web 15 in the form of a label roll is provided, which has at least one continuous label layer arranged, for example, on a liner or a silicone paper by means of an adhesive. As long as a defined label contour of a label variant is not yet present, the label layer provided can also be referred to as a film layer, from which the label layer with die-cut labels emerges after processing, for example by means of die-cutting. By unwinding the label roll, the source material web 15 is fed into the printing device 101, by means of which, for example, conventional printing can take place. Alternatively or additionally, a laminate or label components for the first and/or the second label variant 1, 2 can be applied in the process.

[0051] In a further step S2, digital printing processes are carried out by means of the digital printing device 102, thereby forming the first digital print and the second digital print, which is different therefrom, on the source material web 15. By means of the digital printing device 102, different print images for the different label variants 1, 2 can be applied without requiring a machine change or a machine stop. Thus, the material web 10 can be produced with different label variants 1 and 2 in a time-saving and cost-effective manner.

[0052] The formation of a respective indicating element 3, 5 and/or 6 can be carried out by means of the printing device 101 and/or by means of the digital printing device 102 in the step S1 and/or the step S2. Alternatively, in an additional step S3, an indicating element 3, 5 and/or 6 may be formed and/or arranged on the source material web 15.

[0053] In a further step S4, a die-cutting operation is then performed, for example, to form the labels of the respective label variants 1, 2. This can be carried out after the printing operation or operations by means of a die-cutting device 103, as illustrated in FIG. 5. In this process, a format die-cutting may be performed to form a predetermined label size and contour of the first and/or second label variants 1, 2. The labels of the two label variants 1 and 2 can be formed with the same shape and dimensions or can be different in shape and/or size. Alternatively, the labels can also be provided already pre-punched on the source material web 15, so that, in contrast to the illustration in FIG. 5, a punching process has already taken place before the printing process or processes. Alternatively or additionally, a functional die-cutting operation can also be carried out, which enables a predetermined function to be provided, such as, for example, the folding out of label sections.

[0054] Furthermore, cuts, slits and/or perforations can be made in the source material web 15 by means of the die-cutting device 103, for example to set up easy severing or cutting of sections of the source material web 15 or the material web 10. For example, this may involve severing the edge strip 17 which is no longer required after the material web 10 has been processed. Furthermore, this may concern one or more perforations in the transition area 13 between the label variants 1 and 2, which can be used to form the two separate label rolls 11 and 12. The material web 10 thus represents a processed version of the source material web 15 and includes elements such as those illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, for example.

[0055] The material web 10 is then wound up and is then available for further processing as a continuous label roll with at least two different label layouts. Further processing of the material web 10 to form the individual first and second label rolls 11 and 12 is then carried out in a step S5, which is carried out, for example, in further equipment comprising a processing device 107 (see FIG. 6). For example, the first label variant 1 forms the leading label type which is processed first when unwinding the material web 10. The processing of the material web 10 then comprises checking and making up the first label variant 1 until one of the indicating elements 3, 5, 6 is detected by means of a control device 106. Thereupon, a machine stop takes place and the checking and making-up of the first label variant 1 is terminated.

[0056] The material web 10 can now be cut in the transition area 13 between the label variants 1, 2. Subsequently, a working area in the processing device 107 is cleaned of all components associated with the first label variant 1. This may include, for example, removing samples, accompanying papers and/or replacement labels of the first label variant from the machine work station. Subsequently, the processing of the successor variant is started, which is designed by the second label variant 2. After completion of the inspection and finishing of the second label variant 2, the two label variants 1 and 2 are stored separately and sorted by type on the associated label rolls 11 and 12.

[0057] FIG. 7 schematically shows a further embodiment of a system for processing the source material web 15 and the material web 10. In addition to the components described above, the system comprises a further control device 104, which may be referred to as a first control device with respect to a processing direction. Accordingly, the control device 106 forms a second control device. Furthermore, the system comprises a data control device 105 and a control unit 108 which is signal-technically coupled to the data control device 105 and is adapted to initiate control measures with respect to the processing of the source material web 15 and/or the material web 10. To this end, the control unit 108 may be signal-coupled to one or both of the control devices 104, 106, the punching device 103, and/or the processing device 107, and may sense signals and/or send control signals.

[0058] The system thus comprises a graphics workflow unit which detects, for example, by means of the first control device 104 in the form of a camera in the first system, defective labels or labels with defects of the first and/or second label variants 1, 2. This information can be stored together with position information on the material web 10 by means of the data control device 105. In the second system, in which the material web 10 is processed, the processing device 107 can be stopped with positional accuracy by the control unit 108 in accordance with the stored information in order to be able to replace the defective labels. This can be done, in particular, in combination with previously removed web sections which, for example, were specifically removed when forming the material web 10. For example, at the beginning of the first label variant 1 and/or at the end of the second label variant 2, sections of the material web 10 with a plurality of labels of the respective label variant 1, 2 have been severed and are available for any necessary replacement. A severing of such sections may be carried out, for example, by means of the punching device 103 and may be made available for possible use in the working area of the processing device 107.

[0059] Furthermore, the control unit 108 may, for example, prevent or disable punching by means of the punching device 103 if, for example, it is determined by means of the first control device 104 that a defective label or insufficient digital printing of the first and/or second label variants 1, 2 has been detected. Thus, for example, defective labels can be prevented from being peelable and used.

[0060] The material web 10 comprises the first label variant 1, the adjoining transition region 13, in which the indicating element 3 can be arranged as a machine-readable feature, and the adjoining second label variant 2. The material web 10 thus realizes an intermediate product as a preliminary stage to the end product manufactured in a single sort, which comprises two separate label rolls 11 and 12, of which the first label roll 11 has labels of the first label variant 1 and the second label roll 12 has labels of the second label variant 2.

[0061] The described methods for producing designs of the material web 10 and the label rolls 11, 12 enable, in particular due to a continuous digital printing process, a simple and cost-effective production of a series of different label variants 1, 2 on a carrier web or a label roll. After processing the material web 10 with the different label variants 1 and 2, single-sort label rolls 11, 12 are formed with only one label variant 1, 2 each.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0062] 1 first label [0063] 2 second label [0064] 3 indicating element [0065] 4 blank label [0066] 5 first indicating element [0067] 6 second indicating element [0068] 10 material web [0069] 11 first label roll [0070] 12 second label roll [0071] 13 transition area [0072] 14 material web section [0073] 15 source material web [0074] 16 label arrangement [0075] 17 edge strip [0076] 18 usage area [0077] 101 printing device [0078] 102 digital printing device [0079] 103 die-cutting device [0080] 104 first control device [0081] 105 data control device [0082] 106 second control device [0083] 107 processing device [0084] 108 control unit [0085] R main direction of extension of the material web/source material web [0086] S(i) step of a method for producing a functional label