Primera AP550e Manual

Operator's Guide
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
© 2013 All rights reserved.
For the most recent version of this manual please visit
www.primeralabel.eu

Notices: The information in this document is subject to change without notice. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE WITH
REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. No liability is assumed for errors contained herein or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. This document contains proprietary
information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or
translated into another language without prior written consent.
Trademark Acknowledgments: Primera is a registered trademark of Primera Technology Inc. Windows is a registered trademark of
Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Printing History
Edition 1.1, 101113, Copyright 2013, All rights reserved.
FCC Compliance Statement: This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
For Users in the United States: This product is intended to be supplied by a UL listed Direct Plug-In Power Supply marked "Class 2"
or a UL listed ITE Power Supply marked "LPS" with output rated 12v, 5 amps or higher. This equipment has been tested and found
to comply with the limits for a "Class B" digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. In a domestic environment this product
may cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. This equipment generates, uses,
and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cables is required to comply with the "Class B" limits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules. You are cautioned that any changes
or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this
equipment.
For Users in Canada: This digital apparatus does not exceed the "Class B" limits for radio noise for digital apparatus set out on the
Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits
radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le
brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

AP550e Label Applicator 3
Section 1: Unpacking and Setup ............................................................................................................. 4
Section 2: Loading Label Stock and Arm Adjustment ....................................................................... 5
2.1 Loading Label Stock ................................................................................................................ 5
2.2 Application Arm Height Adjustment ................................................................................. 12
Section 3: Label/Container Settings ..................................................................................................... 13
3.1 Operating Basics .................................................................................................................... 13
3.2 Die Cut/Reflective ................................................................................................................. 14
3.3 Application Roller Position .................................................................................................. 15
3.4 Sensor Calibration.................................................................................................................. 15
3.5 Label Position ......................................................................................................................... 16
3.6 Platform Position ................................................................................................................... 16
3.7 Container Guide Adjustment............................................................................................... 17
3.8 Platform Speed ....................................................................................................................... 18
Section 4: Applying Labels .................................................................................................................... 19
Section 5: Container and Label Specifications .................................................................................. 20
Section 6: Troubleshooting, Maintenance and Other Settings....................................................... 23
6.1 Troubleshooting ..................................................................................................................... 23
6.2 Maintenance ........................................................................................................................... 25
6.3 Other Settings ......................................................................................................................... 25
6.4 Control Panel Functions ....................................................................................................... 26
6.5 Technical Support .................................................................................................................. 26
Section 7: Specifications ......................................................................................................................... 27
Appendix A: Label Path Diagram ........................................................................................................ 28
Appendix B: Control Panel Flowchart ................................................................................................. 29
Index ........................................................................................................................................................... 30
Table of Contents

4 AP550e Label Applicator
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Thank you for purchasing the AP550e Label Applicator (hereafter referred to as "Label
Applicator"). Boxes, bags, bins, bottles, packages, cans etc. will collectively be referred to as
"containers."
The Label Applicator includes a Power Cord, 12 volt Power Adapter and the parts shown
below. The Roll Bar, Roll Guides and Roll Drag Arm are located in the supply box along with
the Power Cord. You will need to assemble them as shown. Attach the Power Cord and switch
on the power as shown below. Remove all tape securing parts of the unit.
Place the unit on the back edge of a table at least 30" deep so that the Container Platform does
not extend beyond the edge of the table when fully extended. This will prevent the platform
from accidentally hitting the user during operation.
Section 1: Unpacking and Setup
Roll Bar
Roll Guides
Control Panel
Container Guide
Container Platform
Application Roller
Application Arm
Roll Drag Arm
Power Adapter
Power Input (12v)
Power Cord
Power Switch
Push Bar

AP550e Label Applicator 5
Power Cord
2.1 Loading Label Stock
1. Remove the Roll Bar and Roll Guides from the Label Applicator. The Roll Guides and Roll
Drag Arm are removable and adjustable. They are held in place magnetically.
2. Remove one Roll Guide and the Roll Drag Arm from the Roll Bar.
3. Place the label stock roll on the Roll Bar with one side against the upright of the remaining
Roll Guide. Place it on the Roll Bar with the loose end of the stock feeding over the top of the
roll (labels facing up). The Roll Bar should be oriented with the holes to the rear as shown.
Roll Guides
Roll Drag Arm
Tip! For narrow label
rolls you may need to
reverse the Roll Guides
to allow the uprights
to be placed next to the
roll. (The bottom of the
guides will face away
from the roll on each
side.)
holes to the rear
labels facing up
Section 2: Loading Label Stock
Roll Bar

6 AP550e Label Applicator
AP550
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode Recall
Reset
+-
4. Place the Roll Drag Arm under the Roll Bar. The Roll Drag Arm may be placed on either
side of the Roll Bar but the rounded tip of the Roll Drag Arm should be located inside the
core near the center. The arm is spring loaded so that there is downward pressure on the
inside of the roll. This helps prevent problems toward the end of a roll.
5. Place the removed Roll Guide back on the Roll Bar and slide it close to, but not pinching the
label stock roll.
6. Pull approximately 12" [30 cm] of label stock out beyond the front of the unit.
7. Remove approximately the first 15" [38 cm] of labels from the liner. This will be important
later when you calibrate the label sensor to the label stock.
Roll Drag Arm
Tip! Roll Guide Uprights
must not pinch the label
stock roll. (The label stock
roll must have free-play
between the guides.)
15"
[38 cm]

AP550e Label Applicator 7
AP550
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode Recall
Reset +-
For additional instruction, see the diagram in Appendix A of this manual or the label
attached to the left side of the applicator.
8. Push the label stock back until the leading edge of the stock is just before the Label Guide
Roller. Push the Guide Collars to the sides so they are out of the label path. These will be
adjusted later.
AP550
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode Recall
Reset +-
Move Guide Collars to
the sides.
slack loop behind
Label Guide Roller

8 AP550e Label Applicator
9. Use both index (pointer) fingers to roll the leading edge of the label stock UNDER the Label
Guide Roller. Feed the stock forward until it enters the Sensor Housing.
Important Note: Do not feed the label stock into upper slot!
Feed under this plate.
Do NOT feed here!
Label Guide Roller
Side View
Sensor HousingLabel Path
Label Guide Roller Label Guide Roller

AP550e Label Applicator 9
10. Continue feeding the stock in the same manner until it protrudes from the front of the unit.
Pull the remaining slack through the applicator.
11. Feed the leading edge of the label stock between the Liner Drive and Idler Rollers.
Liner Drive Roller
Liner Idler Roller
Pull remaining slack
through.

10 AP550e Label Applicator
12. Feed the leading edge of
the label stock under the
stock coming off the roll.
Align the leading edge of
the label stock so that it is
directly under the stock
coming off the roll. Pull it
tight.
Note: Make sure the stock is
aligned so the labels pass under
the line marked on the push bar.
The line represents the location of
the label sensor. Also, if the label
stock has not been used before,
make sure the first label does not
extend beyond the Liner Drive
Roller, as shown.
13. Once the upper and lower label paths are aligned, press up on the middle of the Liner Idler
Roller firmly to lock the label stock in place. You will hear a "snap" when it locks into place.
Liner Drive Roller
Liner Drive Roller
Liner Idler Roller
Lock
Unlock
Align Here
Distance from
label stock to
arm side plate
should be equal
in these
locations.
Sensor Location Line

AP550e Label Applicator 11
14. Feed any remaining label stock over the Motor Cover, under the label roll and out the back
of the applicator.
Important! As you apply the first few labels and more liner becomes available, make sure to route the
excess liner off the table and toward the floor. The weight of the liner hanging to the floor will prevent the
liner from bunching up and causing problems.
15. Move the Guide Collars so they are close to, but not pinching the label stock.
Motor Cover
Guide Collars

12 AP550e Label Applicator
2.2 Application Arm Height Adjustment
The Application Arm basically consists of the upper half of the applicator. This entire assembly
can be moved manually to four different positions to accommodate various container heights.
The maximum container height is 20 cm. There is no minimum height other than the height
required to make the container stiff enough for labeling.* To move from one position to
another, squeeze the Pin Release Bar to move the pin out of the notch. Move the Application
Arm up or down until the pin snaps into the desired notch.
Note: When moving the Application Arm from one position to another, be sure to maintain upward
force at the front and rear of the arm. This will prevent the arm from falling when the Pin Release Bar is
squeezed and it will allow the arm to move more easily.
*Containers less than 2 cm tall may require a riser to elevate the container above the back lip of
the platform. This will prevent the forward-moving platform from hitting the Application Arm.
Important! Set the height of the Application Arm as low as possible without causing any part of the
arm, other than the Application Roller, to touch the container or platform at any time during the
application process. Keep in mind that the Application Roller is pliable and will flex during application.
Pin Release Bar Pin
Position Container Height
Notch 4 15-20 cm
Notch 3 10-15 cm
Notch 2 5-10 cm
Notch 1 0-5 cm
Application Roller and/or
label should touch container
first.
Container

AP550e Label Applicator 13
Section 3: Label/Container Settings
3.1 Operating Basics
The AP550e has two common modes: Label Application Mode and Setup Mode. In the Label
Application Mode, either the current label count or the current memory location is displayed.
By default, the current label count is displayed. This allows you to keep track of the number of
labels applied. To reset the label count to zero, press and hold the Recall/Reset button for two
seconds. Similarly, press and hold the + or – buttons for two seconds to increase or decrease the
label count.
The AP550e has ten different memory locations to store various label/container settings.
During use, the unit must operate in one of ten available memory locations (0-9). The default
memory location is “0”, but different memory locations can be used to store different settings
for various label/container combinations. This allows you to quickly switch between common
jobs.
To display the current memory location, press the Mode button. “F #” will be shown, where
“#” is the location number. With the current memory location displayed, you can press the
Recall/Reset button to index to any of the other nine memory locations. Press and hold the
Recall/Reset button for two seconds to clear all the settings for the memory location currently
displayed. Press the Mode button to return the display to the current label count, otherwise,
after four seconds of inactivity the display will automatically revert back to the current label
count.
To access the Setup Mode, first index to the desired memory location as described above. With
the memory location still displayed, press and hold the Mode button for two seconds. The
various settings will now be presented in the order shown in the following table. Press the
Recall/Reset button to index through the settings. For some of the settings, the +/- buttons will
change the values. Pressing the Mode button at any time will store the existing setup values
and return the unit to the Label Application Mode. See the descriptions on the following pages
for more details on each setting.
Note 1: Any changes made in Setup Mode will only apply to the current memory location. The settings
in all other memory locations will remain unchanged.

14 AP550e Label Applicator
Mode
Recall/
Reset +-Mode
Recall/
Reset +-
Note 2: See Appendix B for a flowchart of the control panel menu.
To access the Setup Mode:
Below is a chart describing the label/container settings.
Text Displayed Settings Description
dIE/rEF Die Cut / Reflective Sets the label sensor for gap sensing or black mark
sensing.
r-1/r-2 Application Roller Set to "r-1" for longer labels. Set to "r-2" for shorter
Position labels.
SC- Sensor Calibration Calibrates the label sensor to the liner material.
LPo Label Position Sets how far the label protrudes from the peel edge.
PPo Platform Position Adjusts the Container Platform start point.
gPo Guide Position Moves platform out for Container Guide adjustment.
S-1 to S-8 Platform Speed Sets the Container Platform return speed between S1
and S8. S1 is slowest. S8 is fastest.
3.2 Die Cut / Reflective
Die Cut (default): If you are using standard die cut labels that look similar
to the labels pictured to the right, use this setting regardless of the size of
the label. Also use this setting for through-hole label material where a hole
is punched through each label or a notch is cut in the side (not common).
Reflective: Use "Reflective" for label material where a black pre-
printed line (black mark) on the back of the label stock indicates the
break between labels. Black marks are required on clear label stock
or where the label waste matrix is left on the liner. Black marks can
also be used for irregular-shaped labels or on any stock where the
print starting position cannot be sensed using the label itself.
Mode
Recall/
Reset +-Mode
Recall/
Reset +-
Die Cut Label Stock
Reflective Label Stock
With label count displayed,
press "Mode" once.
Hold "Mode" for 2 seconds.

AP550e Label Applicator 15
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
For reflective stock, the black mark
should be positioned directly under this
guide roller.
3.3 Application Roller Position
r-1: The default Application Roller Position is r-1 which is the position furthest from the peel
edge. The r-1 position is the most forgiving for container surfaces that are not completely flat.
It also works with the widest variety of container heights.
r-2: The r-2 position should be used if you are using a shorter label that does not reach the
Application Roller before falling off the liner. The label should always extend underneath the
Application Roller so that the roller will press the leading edge of the label to the container
when the arm is lowered.
To adjust the physical position of the Application Roller, remove the thumb screws on either
side of the Application Arm. Push or pull the roller to align the thumb screw holes with the
desired holes in the side plates. (The r-1 holes are closer to the front of the unit than the r-2
holes.) Replace the thumb screws.
Note: Make sure the physical position of the Application Roller always matches the setting selected.
3.4 Sensor Calibration
The Label Sensor must be calibrated to the specific label stock being used for each memory
location. Use the following procedure to calibrate the applicator for your specific label stock/
liner material:
1. Load the label stock as described in Section 2. Be sure to remove labels from the liner back
to the Liner Drive Roller. For reflective stock, the black mark should be positioned directly
under the Label Guide Roller. The goal is to feed only clean liner through the sensor area.
This will give the sensor a good reading of the liner material.
2. Once the liner is loaded, follow the steps above to navigate to the SC- setting in the
Setup Mode.
3. Lower the arm to trigger the calibration.
4. The label stock will
move forward until the
first label is presented
for application.
5. Calibration for this liner
is now complete and
the values are stored
in the current memory
location.
Note: It is not necessary to
recalibrate the label sensor
between rolls of the same label
stock.
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Thumb Screw
Application Roller
Thumb Screw
Liner Drive Roller
For reflective stock, the black mark
should be positioned directly under this
guide roller.
Remove labels from liner
to this point.

16 AP550e Label Applicator
2.50" Start Position
6" Container
Container Platform
Leading Edge of Label
3.5 Label Position
This setting will adjust the distance the label stock extends past the peel edge. You may adjust
this setting +/– 8.1 mm. Use the +/– buttons to adjust the position. Press "Recall/Reset" to
store the position in the current memory location. Depending on your container and the angle
of the Application Arm, you may change this setting to achieve a more consistent label position
on the container.
Note: For some thinner label stock, if the Label Position is increased too much, the label could fold or
wrinkle at the leading edge.
3.6 Platform Position
The location of the label applied to the container in the direction of Container Platform
movement can be adjusted by changing the start position of the platform. To determine the
correct Container Platform start position:
1. Place your container on the platform, push the container back until it touches the back edge
of the platform.
2. At the "Platform Position" [PPo] setup option, press the +/– buttons to adjust the starting
Application Roller
Label
Label Position
[distance from peel edge]
Peel Edge

AP550e Label Applicator 17
Mode
Recall/
Reset +-
LABELAPPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Container Platform position in 0.01” [0.25 mm] increments. Press and hold the +/– buttons
to quickly adjust the position. The tray will move as you press the +/– buttons. Once the
container is near the leading edge of the label stock, push down on the Application Arm
to visually verify the correct position. In this mode the label will not apply. Readjust as
necessary. The default position of the platform is 0.0” and will place the leading edge of
the label about 8.0 to 9.0" [20 to 23 cm] from the back of the container. If you are applying
a label to the front edge of a 6” container, for example, your platform position should be
approximately 2.5” (8.5” minus container height = PPo setting). Press "Mode" or "Recall/
Reset" to store this value in the current memory location.
3.7 Container Guide Adjustment
The Container Guide can be used to quickly and consistently position containers on the
platform. The horizontal [side-to-side] location of an applied label
on a container is determined by the horizontal position of the label
stock in the Applicator Arm and the position of the Container Guide.
At the "Guide Position" [gPo]setting, the platform will fully extend
so you can access the Container Guide Thumb Screw on the
underside of the platform. Loosen the Thumb Screw and move the
guide to the appropriate position so that the container is in position
to receive the label at the desired location. Retighten the Thumb
Screw.
Caution: Stand clear of the front of the unit to avoid being hit by the
platform as it extends.
Note 1: The platform can also be fully extended outside of the Setup Mode by pressing "Recall/Reset"
and "-" simultaneously. Press the Mode button to
reset the platform.
Note 2: You may also remove the Container Guide if
your container is wider than the platform.
Note 3: You may also install an additional Container
Guide to hold containers more securely.
Note 4: The Primera Container Holding Kits can be
used to hold odd-shaped containers or any smaller
container in place. They are Primera part numbers
074398 and 074399.
Mode
Recall/
Reset +-
LABELAPPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Container Guide

18 AP550e Label Applicator
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Height
Width
Length
3.8 Platform Speed
The Platform Speed setting controls the speed of the platform when it returns to the start
position. S-1 is the slowest speed. S-8 is the fastest. Press "+/– " to select the desired speed.
Press "Recall/Reset" to store the setting in the current memory location. Faster speeds will allow
the platform to get into position for the next container more quickly. However, faster platform
speeds may cause the platform to stall with heavier containers.
After completing the setup options you are now ready to start labeling your containers. The
applicator accepts many types of flat or tapered containers. Please see Section 5 for complete
container specifications.

AP550e Label Applicator 19
1. Press the Mode button to display the current memory location.
2. If needed, press the Recall/Reset button to index to the desired memory location.
3. Assuming the desired label stock is loaded (see Section 2), place a container on the platform.
Hold the container biased against the back edge of the platform and Container Guide until
labeling begins.
4. Lower the Application Arm quickly until it touches the container. The platform and
container will move toward you as the label is pulled from the liner at the peel edge. This
motion will apply the label. Maintain downward force on the arm until the label is
completely applied.
Note: If you stop or delay when bringing the arm toward the container, the label could be ejected before
the arm reaches the container. Excessive force may cause the platform to stall.
6. Lift the Application Arm to return the platform to its starting position.
7. Remove the container and repeat the process.
The display will automatically indicate the number of labels applied. To reset the counter, press
and hold the Recall/Reset button for two seconds.
Section 4: Applying Labels
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Push here

20 AP550e Label Applicator
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
These specifications are provided for preliminary compatibility purposes only! Any questionable
container/label combinations should always be tested by Primera Technical Support!
Container Specifications:
Length 19 mm – 310 mm (on platform)
310 mm – 457 mm (overhanging platform)
457 mm or greater with external support of hand or other mechanism that
allows the platform to move
Width 19 mm – 305 mm (on platform)
305 mm – 457 mm (overhanging one side of platform)
457 mm or greater (overhanging one or both sides of platform* subject to weight
restrictions below and external support, if needed.)
Height 20 mm – 203 mm **
Weight 9.1 kg ***
Shape Flat, tapered front-to-back, flat front with rounded edges, cube, cuboid, cylinder on
end, prism on end
Type Tapered bottles, boxes, packages, bags, pouches, lids (canning-jar lids, jelly-jar lids,
any flat lid), tins, bins, packages, cans, and many more.
* Container may extend over both sides of platform if Container Guide is removed.
** Flat containers/bags can be labeled if a
2 cm riser is used to raise the level of the container so the Application Arm does not interfere
with the fixed metal guide on the back of the platform. The riser can be made from wood or any
other solid material and secured to the platform if desired.
*** This is a recommended maximum based on a 9.1 kg container centered on the platform.
Heavier containers and/or containers biased to the edges of the platform may work, but may
shorten the life of the platform bearings.
Label Placement (Application Area)
Labels may be placed within the back 8" [20 cm]
of any container. For example, an 18” long container that
overhangs the front of the Container Platform can only
have a label applied within the back 8” of that container
which would result in a label that is not centered on the
container.
Section 5: Container and Label Specifications
LABEL APPLICATOR
Mode
Recall/
Reset
+-
Height
Width Length
Application Area
8"