How is the Bottle-Matic OS different than other Bottle-Matics? The OS stands for optical sensor. The standard bottlematic detects labels with a microswitch. When labels near 2 mil and thinner, the label doesn't have enough body to push the microswitch.
The Bottle-Matic OS (optical sensor) is everything you get in the standard Bottle-Matic, plus more! The optical sensor is able to handle label rolls which have odd spacing between the labels, can operate with labels thinner than 2 mils, and has improved tapered containers abilities.
The standard machine will label objects from 1" to 10" diameter with labels up to 9" or 15" wide depending upon model. The Bottle-Matic OS includes all the bells and whistles: the rewinder, bottle detector, optical label sensor, and fully adjustable front roller. The OS is also pre-wired for the compatible Smart-Jet Ink Jet Printer.
If you are labeling round objects from .5" up to 1" make sure to check the box for the larger roller blocks.
Works with all paper liners. If you have a clear liner or labels, you may need an upgrade to the black dot sensor. The fully adjustable front roller guide handles all sorts of tapered containers by allowing slight widening of the rollers as needed.
We strongly encourage you to send sample containers and a roll of label for testing. In some cases we may need to modify the front rollers to accommodate bulges, lips, caps, and ridges in your container. It's simple - just send us your container and roll of labels, we'll get you set up.
What does OS mean? What's with the higher price?
OS stands for optical sensor. Before the OS, the standard Bottle-Matic - using a micro-switch - could detect labels as thin as 3 mil. There's a wide world of labels thinner than 3 mils, so they designed this machine, while also improving the standard machine's micro-switch. The standard machine now has a micro-switch that can now detect as thin as 2 mil labels, and the OS can detect even thinner.
So, initially the machine helped fill the need for customers with labels thinner than 3 mils. We still recommend testing for any of our bottle machines, but especially if you're right at that line (2.0-2.3 mil) of 'too thin' or 'just enough'.
Also, the OS comes included with a rewinder ($325), bottle detector ($125), and a front roller that sits in a channel. Take note that the standard machines will have an up-charge of $325 & $125 if you want the rewinder or bottle detector respectively.
If you have a tapered container, the OS may handle the taper better due to the wider adjustment ability. The standard machine uses drilled holes to adjust the front roller, and the OS has a channel that the roller rides in. You can see the channel in the image below, just in front of the small blocks on the left.
Do I need the Tall Blocks?
This image shows a side-by-side of the regular blocks (left) & the tall blocks (right). The taller blocks are helpful for small (.5" diameter) containers. Typically, customers who need these blocks experience the issue of the label continually popping up behind the container. The label cannot arc across the black roller properly, and instead goes straight up or over the bottle.
If you have a Bottle-Matic OS, and have moved the silver roller right up against the black roller, and are still experiencing issues where the label is shooting up behind the bottle, the tall blocks may help. You can order just the blocks here.
Just because you have a .5" diameter container, that doesn't mean you will need the tall blocks. We will test your products in the machine, just send them in.
