5 Tips For Keeping Your Labelling Machinery In Top Condition

Labelling machines are vital to the smooth operation of many packaging and production lines. Whether you’re applying labels to bottles, jars, cartons, or pouches, the performance of your labelling equipment directly affects product quality, efficiency, and output.

Like any piece of industrial equipment, labelling machines require regular care and attention to operate at their best. Neglecting routine upkeep can result in unnecessary downtime, reduced accuracy, and costly repairs. To help you protect your investment and maintain consistent performance, our experts at Atwell Labellers share five essential tips for keeping your labelling machinery in excellent condition.

Regular Cleaning

Over time, dust, adhesive residue, and product debris can build up on your labelling machine — particularly around rollers, print heads, sensors, and dispensing components. This build-up can cause jams, affect label alignment, and degrade the quality of print or application.

Regular cleaning should be part of your daily or weekly maintenance routine, depending on usage. Make sure to clean:

• The print head, to avoid poor-quality prints or thermal errors
• Rollers and cylinders, which are prone to adhesive and dust accumulation
• Sensors and label paths, to ensure consistent detection and placement

Use appropriate cleaning solutions and lint-free cloths as specified by the machine manufacturer to avoid damaging sensitive parts.

Lubricate Moving Parts Appropriately

Friction is the enemy of mechanical longevity. That’s why proper lubrication of your labelling machine’s moving components is so important. Applying the correct lubricant helps parts move smoothly, reduces wear and tear, and extends the lifespan of critical mechanisms like motors, gears, and rotating assemblies.

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for lubrication intervals and product types. Using the wrong lubricant — or failing to lubricate altogether — can accelerate part failure and lead to costly repairs.

Regular Maintenance

Routine inspections are key to catching small issues before they turn into major problems. This includes checking belts and drive mechanisms, tightening loose bolts, replacing worn-out parts, and ensuring alignment settings remain accurate.

By scheduling preventative maintenance — weekly, monthly, or quarterly depending on machine usage — you reduce the risk of unscheduled downtime and maintain consistent labelling quality. If your business relies heavily on your labelling machinery, consider keeping a log of maintenance activities to track performance and anticipate future service needs.

At Atwell Labellers, we also offer maintenance support contracts to help ensure your equipment is always running at full capacity.

Always Use Genuine Replacement Parts

Using non-original or generic components might seem like a way to save money — but in the long run, it could cost far more. Non-approved parts may not meet the required tolerances or compatibility standards, leading to performance issues, premature wear, or even system damage.

Whenever replacement is needed, make sure to use genuine parts from your labelling machine manufacturer or an authorised service provider. These components are designed specifically for your equipment and come with proper guarantees for quality and fit.

Support And Services

Even the most well-maintained machines need expert attention from time to time. Working with an experienced labelling machinery provider like Atwell Labellers ensures you have access to professional advice, installation assistance, and timely repair services when you need them most.

From staff training and troubleshooting to emergency repairs and part sourcing, we offer a complete support package to help you protect your investment and avoid disruptions to your workflow. Whether you need a one-time service call or a fully managed maintenance plan, our engineers are here to help.

Keeping your labelling machines in top condition is essential for its performance and longevity. By following these expert tips, such as regular cleaning, proper lubrication, regular maintenance, using original parts and seeking support and services from a professional, you can ensure that your label applicator is always in top condition and ready to work. 

Keep Your Labelling Machine Working at Its Best

Your labelling machine is a valuable asset — and with the right care, it can continue to deliver accuracy, efficiency, and performance for years to come. By following these simple maintenance tips and partnering with a trusted support provider, you can reduce downtime, lower repair costs, and maximise the return on your investment.

If you’re looking for maintenance advice, spare parts, or ongoing support for your labelling system, get in touch with the team at Atwell Labellers today. We’re here to keep your production line moving — and your labelling flawless.