The paint manufacturer C. Kreul has opted for a comprehensive labelling and marking solution from b+b Automations- und Steuerungstechnik and has thus invested in a future-proof system, which is also intended to be an important step towards digitalisation.
C. Kreul GmbH & Co. KG, based in Hallerndorf, is a manufacturer of colours for artists, children and creative people. Founded in 1838, the company now produces 4,000 different items with around 100 employees. Every day, 20,000 bottles leave the bottling line - and the production volume is increasing. Once the colours have been produced and approved by quality assurance, they are currently distributed to 14 filling lines. A few lines are multifunctional. However, the majority of the lines are customised for specific glass or plastic bottles as packaging materials.
The paint manufacturer was recently looking for new solutions to label the filled paint bottles around their circumference. A high labelling accuracy was particularly important here. In addition the labelling solution can be connected to the existing merchandise management system via an interface. After testing various solutions, the company opted for b+b Automation- und Steuerungstechnik GmbH from Oberzent in Hesse as its partner.
System for wrap-around and lid labelling
b+b supplied a complete solution - consisting of the fully automatic VRM-DS-2PA labelling system for wrap-around labelling and lid labelling of round paint cans and paint jars, the Labelsplatform 4 (LP4) labelling software and integration into existing and new label printing systems. The labeller operates at an output of approx. 30 to 40 inline-printed labels per minute.
The Labelsplatform 4 labelling software enables simple and flexible label design entirely according to the customer's specifications. The design tool can be used to create appealing labelling layouts ranging from simple barcode labels to high-performance, automated product labels with continuous text and printing conditions. The Label editor thus forms the centre of the automation solution. Thanks to LP4 Remote and LP4 Format Manager, the use of additional PC workstations in production is not necessary. The LP4 guideline modules enable compliance with local or industry-specific guidelines and laws. The LP4 database manager enables simple data management and integration into other systems. The complete automation of label printing and the associated workflow can be achieved thanks to the LP4 Commander and the LP4 AutomationCentre.
Modular solution has convinced
Kreul uses SQUIX industrial printers alongside existing printing systems. The development of the printers is consistently focussed on simple and intuitive operation and high reliability. As a partner of well-known printer manufacturers, b+b offers various printing systems for integration into existing or new production lines.
The modular solution from b+b convinced the paint manufacturer. With this created a basis for the future to integrate further printing systems or new labellers into the system, without having to check or use customised software solutions again.
The project ran smoothly. During the realisation of the project, the direct printing on the label at the line and the quality of the print image had to be just right. Thanks to the LP4 AutomationCentre Workorder centre 2019 and LP4 Premium in the background, targeted printing on the label is no problem. With LP4, Kreul now has a future-proof system for label design and the use of additional product information, with which it can react quickly and flexibly to changes and customer requests can. Centralised data maintenance and use are a major advantage, combined with significant time savings. For the paint manufacturer, it is also important to have a basis in LP4 that can be successively expanded on a modular basis.
Intuitive and easy to use
The user interface on the labellers is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly via the touchscreen. The predefined hierarchy of settings ensures that there are no operating errors or unintentional changes to the settings. The user interface can be reprogrammed at any time. The same applies to the installed software - this is characterised by simple operation, staggered access and support from b+b via remote access. This ensures Fast response time for queries and the fastest possible help in the event of support.
In principle, Kreul sees added value in the improved quality of the label, the positioning and printing of the contents and the standardisation of the production line in the labelling area. By consistently using the LP4 solution, time can be saved in various areas - from article maintenance to work preparation and production processes. With regard to the topic of digitalisation this is a first, but very important step.
The continuation of the collaboration is planned, and initial discussions about further investments in machine planning have already taken place. For the management of the paint manufacturer, one thing is certain: „We will continue on the path of labelling with b+b.“
