Labelling machine and method for applying labels

A labelling machine (1) for applying labels (2) to receptacles (3) comprising:

• a web (11) of labelling material positioned along a feed path (Q);
• said web (11) of labelling material having a succession of decorative patterns (15), each of which defining the extension of an individual label (2);
• a cutting unit (12) configured to cut said web (11) of labelling material into individual labels (2) at a cutting station (13);
• a conveying means (14) configured to advance the individual labels (2) from the cutting station (13) to at least one application station (5), at which the individual labels (2) are applied to the respective receptacles (3);
• a control unit (17) configured to control the labelling machine (1) in at least one set-up configuration in which the web (11) of labelling material is positioned in relation to a reference station (18);
• a determination device (19) configured to determine and/or detect at least in the set-up configuration of said labelling machine (1), a relative positioning of the decorative patterns (15) in relation to the reference station (18);
• a removal device (20) configured to remove labels (2) from the conveying means (14) at a removal station (19), at least when said labelling machine (1) is controlled into the set-up configuration;
• wherein said determination device (19) comprises a processing unit (32) configured to determine and/or detect the advancement of an incorrect label (2) by said conveying means (14), the detection of an incorrect label is detected as a function of the relative positioning of the decorative patterns (15) in relation to said reference station (18), the relative positioning of the decorative patterns is obtained as a function of an advancement position of said web (11) of said labelling material, and the individual label (2) is marked by the processing unit (32) as an incorrect label where said individual label has portions of two subsequent decorative patterns (15) or has a longitudinal length that differs from a predetermined length;
• wherein said control unit (17) is configured to control at least said removal device (20) so as to remove said incorrect label (2) from the conveying means (14);
• and
• wherein the machine further comprises a position sensor configured to determine and/or detect an advancement position of said web (11) of labelling material.