What is the difference between a label feeder and a traditional feeder?

Label feeder and traditional feeder are two key devices in modern SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production lines, but they differ fundamentally in terms of their functions, principles, and application scenarios.

In simple terms, the core difference lies in:

Traditional feeder: It supplies electronic components (resistors, capacitors, chips, etc.).

Label feeder: It supplies labels/stickers (barcodes, QR codes, authentication labels, tamper-proof labels, etc.).

Work process:

After processing a PCB board, the SMT machine transfers it to the labeling station (or the pick-and-place head moves above the label feeder).

The pick-and-place machine sends a trigger signal (usually a dry contact signal or an Ethernet signal) to the label feeder.

Upon receiving the signal, the label feeder immediately drives the motor to feed a certain length of label roll, ensuring that the next label passes through the peeling plate precisely and is peeled off.

The label is stably presented above the peeling plate.

The patch head (sometimes a dedicated small suction nozzle) is lowered to pick up the label.

The patch head accurately attaches the label to the preset position on the PCB board.

The label feeder sends a "completed" signal to the pick-and-place machine, preparing for the next action.

Label feeder is an extension of the traditional SMT production line capability. It perfectly integrates the labeling operation that originally required offline manual completion into the fully automated production process, achieving product information traceability and high automation of production. Hanye Intelligence is a comprehensive company specializing in the research, development, production, and sales of various feeders, feeder supply devices, and label feeders.