Troubleshooting Made Simple:
5 Common Labelling Issues & Quick Fixes

Your guide to diagnosing and fixing the most common
label applicator problems, fast.

Even the most reliable label applicators need occasional adjustment. When issues appear, they typically affect accuracy, speed, and line efficiency, three things no production manager wants to compromise.

The good news?
Most labelling problems have simple, fast fixes that operators can resolve without shutting down the entire line. Below are the five most common label applicator issues, why they happen, and the quickest way to correct them, based on Tronics decades of automation and labelling expertise.

1. Label Misalignment

The most common issue and often the easiest to fix.

Why it happens:

  • Incorrect web tension
  • Dirty or misaligned sensors
  • Incorrect product spacing
  • Worn rollers

Quick Fix:

  1. Check and reset label web tension to manufacturer specs
  2. Clean product and label sensors with a lint-free cloth
  3. Verify product spacing is consistent entering teh labeller
  4. Inspection rollers for wear or slippage

Pro Tip:

If misalignment keeps recurring, the root cause is almost always sensor calibration or a worn mechanical component.

2. Wrinkled, Bubbles, or
Flagged Labels

When labels don't lay flat, they don't look professional and can fail inspection

Why it happens:

  • Incorrect wipe-on pressure
  • Uneven product surfaces
  • Humidity or dust on containers
  • Low-quality or inconsistent label stock

Quick Fix:

  1. Adjust application pressure or tamp force
  2. Clean product surfaces before application
  3. Ensure labels are stored in a climate-controlled area
  4. Try a different label material of problems persist

Pro Tip:

If labels wrinkle in the same place every time, check the peel plate angle. A small adjustment fixes most issues.

3. Labels Not Dispensing or Skipping Labels

If your label roll isn't feeding correctly, production slows instantly

Why it happens:

  • Incorrect label sensing mode
  • Dirty sensors
  • Incorrect label liner opacity
  • Worn drive rollers or slipping belts

Quick Fix:

  1. Confirm the machine is using the correct sensing technology for your label type
  2. Clean label gap/eye sensors using isopropyl alcohol
  3. Check that labels are wound correctly, and the liner is suitable
  4. Inspect drive rollers forwear and replace if slipping

Pro Tip:

If the line “double-feeds,” slow the speed so the sensor can properly detect each label gap.

4. Frequent Label Jams

Jams not only slow production, but they can also damage labels and machine components

Why it happens:

  • Worn rollers or peel plate edges
  • Incorrect label size for the applicator setup
  • Loose label backing
  • Excess adhesive build-up

Quick Fix:

  1. Inspect the peel plate, dull or damaged edges cause snags
  2. Verify label size matches the applicator configuration
  3. Tighten the roll to eliminate slack
  4. Clean adhesive residue from rollers and guides

Pro Tip:

Switching to high-quality labels with consistent adhesive reduces jamming by up to 80% in many applications.

5. Sensor Errors or False Reads

Sensors are the heart of label placement accuracy, but they need proper care.

Why it happens:

  • Dust, ink overspray, or adhesive build-up
  • Uncalibrated sensors after roll change
  • Shiny or transparent labels requiring special sensors
  • Incorrect product detection timing

Quick Fix:

  1. Clean sensors weekly (or more frequently in dusty/wet environments)
  2. Recalibrate sensors after every major changeover
  3. Use specialised sensors for clear or reflective labels
  4. Ensure consistent product spacing entering the detection point

Pro Tip:

If your labeller behaves unpredictably, 90% of the time it’s a sensor calibration issue.

How to Prevent Labelling Problems Before They Start

Preventive maintenance is the most cost-effective way to protect your production line.

Routine servicing helps you:

Aldus Tronics Service technicians can evaluate your system, replace worn components, recalibrate sensors, and ensure your equipment performs like new.

Fix Problems Fast, or Prevent Them Altogether

These five issues represent the majority of labelling line problems operators experience daily. The good news? Nearly all of them can be diagnosed and corrected quickly when you know where to look. But if issues keep returning, that’s a sign your equipment needs a deeper inspection, or that your line has outgrown its current labelling setup.

Keep Your Label Applicator Running at Peak Performance

If you want expert help troubleshooting your labelling equipment, or if you’d like to schedule preventive maintenance Aldus Tronics is here to support your production line.

Contact Aldus Tronics’ Service Team today to diagnose issues, boost performance, and keep your line running without interruption.

Ready to see if Tronics has the right solution for you?