A Process for Automatically Correcting Defects on Self-Adhesive Labels on a Continuous Band

A method for automatically correcting defects or non-compliances in self-adhesive labels on a continuous band, comprising steps of:

• a) providing a main continuous band, on which the self-adhesive labels, juxtaposed in a direction of travel of the main continuous band are attached;
• b) providing inspection means adapted to detect any non-compliance in the self-adhesive labels;
• c) advancing the main continuous band so as to expose one or more of the self-adhesive labels to the inspection means;
• d) if the inspection means detect a non-conformity in at least one self-adhesive label, imparting a bend to the main continuous band downstream of the inspection means, thereby giving the main continuous band a radius of curvature such as to cause an at least partial detachment of the at least one self-adhesive label from the main continuous band;
• e) removing the at least one self-adhesive label detached from the mam continuous band, leaving a corresponding empty space on the main continuous band;
• f) applying a replacement label on the main continuous band, in the empty space left by the at least one removed self-adhesive label, to replace the removed self-adhesive label;
• and
• g) rewinding the main continuous band in a direction opposite to the direction of travel, until the portion of the main continuous band corresponding to the at least one non-compliant self-adhesive label is upstream of the inspection means.