Carton labeling system and process

An apparatus for printing labels and subsequently laminating labels to a carton wherein the labels have a precut size matching that of the carton to which they are applied comprising:

• a computer including a microprocessor and a graphics program for laying out label sizes, shapes, and graphic information to be contained on the label and providing an output digital file corresponding to such information;
• a digital printer for receiving said output file from said computer with a microprocessor and printing a plurality of labels identified by said output file on continuous web stock;
• a cutting machine for receiving the web stock and cutting and stacking individual labels therefrom;
• and
• a laminating machine for applying an adhesive to one side of each label opposite the printed side and carton and laminating the label onto a carton in indexed relationship to the carton.

A method of producing custom labeled cartons comprising the steps of:

• receiving digital data representing customer information including label graphics and printing to be printed on a package label;
• confirming that the received customer information is in a digital format suitable for use by a digital printing press and converting such received information to a suitable digital format when required;
• digitally printing labels in a shape conforming to cartons onto which the labels are to be applied on a web of continuous print stock employing a digital printing press;
• cutting and singulating individual labels from the printed web stock;
• applying an adhesive to a side of each label opposite the printed side;
• and
• laminating the label and carton by pressing the label and corresponding individual carton in indexed relationship to each other.

An apparatus for forming, printing, and laminating labels having a predetermined size and shape corresponding to cartons comprising:

• a computer including a microprocessor and a graphics program for laying out label sizes, shapes, and graphic information to be contained on the label and providing an output digital file corresponding to such information;
• a digital printer for receiving said output file from said computer and printing a plurality of labels identified by said output file on continuous web stock at a rate of up to about 48 feet per minute;
• a finishing machine for receiving the web stock, coating the printed side of the label, and cutting and singulating individual labels therefrom;
• an adhesive application station for applying an adhesive to the carton facing side of each label;
• a laminating station for aligning each label in indexed relationship to a carton and pressing the label and carton together to apply the label to the carton;
• a smoothing station comprising a rotary press for removing air bubbles between a label and a carton;
• and
• a stacking station for stacking labeled cartons.

A method of digitally controlling the production of custom labeled cartons comprising the steps of:

• receiving digital data representing customer information including label graphics and printing to be printed on a package label;
• converting the received customer information into a digital format for use by a digital printing press;
• digitally printing labels in a shape conforming to cartons onto which the labels are to be applied;
• cutting and singulating individual labels;
• applying an adhesive to a side of each label opposite the printed side;
• and
• laminating the label and carton by pressing the label and corresponding individual carton in indexed relationship to each other.

A high speed digitally controlled apparatus for forming, printing, and laminating custom labels having a predetermined size and shape corresponding to cartons comprising:

• a computer having a microprocessor and a graphics program for laying out label sizes, shapes, and graphic information to be contained on the label and providing an output digital file corresponding to such information;
• a digital printer for receiving said output file from said computer and printing a plurality of labels identified by said output file on print stock;
• a finishing machine for receiving the print stock, coating the printed side of the label, and cutting and singulating individual labels;
• an adhesive application station for applying an adhesive to the carton facing side of each label;
• a laminating station for aligning each label in indexed relationship to a carton and pressing the label and carton together to apply the label to the carton;
• a smoothing station comprising a rotary press for removing air bubbles between a label and a carton;
• and
• a stacking station for stacking labeled cartons.