Decision summary: Pick the config by how many materials you place, how much the part pose moves, and how the station sits in the line—not by brochure headline. One material and a stable nest → start with single-head (VL-SS). Two materials in one pass → dual-head (VL-DD). Changing orientations, reach, or cell layouts → 4-axis robot (VL-4A). For definitions of CCD vision labeling, see the I1 buyer guide.
This page is about industrial vision label applicators (camera locate + servo place). It is not dataset “vision labeling” software, and not an AOI-only defect station.
Three questions before you pick a machine
- How many distinct materials land on one part in one cycle? One reel path, or two (or more) that must stay coordinated?
- How much does part pose vary? Fixed nest with small offset, or changing faces, angles, and reach into a cell?
- How does the station join the line? Free-standing cell, tray/PCB track, or embedded into an existing transfer?
Answer those first. Model codes come after. Final configuration is always subject to the mutually confirmed technical proposal and quotation—and to sample validation.
Single-head (VL-SS) — when it wins
VL-SS is the standard single-head single-feeder family: one applicator and one feeder for vision-guided single-material placement. Candidate uses on the catalogue include electronics/PCB and packaging labels; the PDP calls out PCB/FPC, plastic housings, and small packaging as typical selection scenes.
Choose VL-SS when
- One label or auxiliary material per part
- Nest or conveyor presentation is mostly repeatable; vision corrects residual offset
- You want the simplest path from sample to RFQ
Catalogue reference (example only): 1 applicator head; 1200–2000 labels/h, subject to sample validation. Real rate depends on part size, vision settle, peel length, and transfer—never treat it as a guarantee for every SKU.
When not to force VL-SS: two different materials that must both land in one conveyor pass, or placement faces that a fixed head cannot reach cleanly.
Dual-head (VL-DD) — two materials / sequenced place
VL-DD is dual-head dual-feeder: two applicators and two material reels so different labels or auxiliary materials can place during one conveyor pass. Catalogue applications include electronics/PCB and multiple-material placement; selection depends on locating both targets, material handling, and cycle coordination.
Choose VL-DD when
- Two materials (or two placement stacks) must finish before the part leaves the station
- You can supply both materials and placement drawings for tooling, changeover, and replenishment
- A second head is cheaper than a second station or a second pass
Catalogue reference (example only): 2 applicator heads; 1000–2000 labels/h, subject to sample validation.
When not to force VL-DD: only one material forever—stay on single-head (or economy CCD). Three or four coordinated places—look at multi-head (VL-4H) instead of stretching dual-head.
4-axis robot (VL-4A) — pose and reach
VL-4A is the 4-axis robot vision labeler for varied products and changing placement orientations or cell layouts. The catalogue lists robotic vision placement and electronics/PCB; the PDP also names electronic housings, medical-device parts, and packaging as candidate uses. Robot reach, pickup tools, and fixtures depend on the actual part.
Choose VL-4A when
- Placement faces or part orientations change across SKUs
- Reach and access into a cell matter more than a fixed-head footprint
- You will validate access and stable handling with real orientations before locking cycle targets
Catalogue reference (example only): 1 applicator head; 800–1500 labels/h, subject to sample validation.
When NOT to buy a robot
- One stable nest, one material, generous tolerance → VL-SS (or VL-EC for continuous single-SKU cost focus) is usually enough
- You mainly need two materials on a straight conveyor pass → VL-DD first
- You only need print-and-apply on a fixed path → look at VL-PA, not robot by default
Robots add reach and orientation flexibility; they also add reach/tooling/guarding validation. Do not default to VL-4A for marketing reasons alone.
When to look beyond these three
Short pointers—full catalogue on /products:
| Need | Look at | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Three/four coordinated applicators | Four-head | VL-4H |
| PCB / tray-carried flow | Track-type | VL-TR |
| Drop into an existing line | Embedded inline | VL-EM |
| Variable print + vision apply | Inline print-and-apply | VL-PA |
| Fast packaging pick-and-place | Delta robot | VL-DT |
| Soft / thin / die-cut feed | Rear-retract feeder | VL-RR |
| Large parts / long materials | Large-format | VL-LF |
For “what is vision labeling,” use I1. For name confusion with similarly spelled consumer brands, use I5.
Side-by-side checklist
| Decision axis | VL-SS | VL-DD | VL-4A |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials in one pass | One | Two | Typically one (pose-focused) |
| Heads (config dependent) | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Best when | Stable nest + single material | Two materials / sequenced place | Changing orientation / reach |
| Avoid when | Need two materials or odd faces | Only one material forever | Nest already simple |
| Catalogue rate* | 1200–2000 /h | 1000–2000 /h | 800–1500 /h |
*Catalogue reference rates are subject to sample validation. Not guaranteed for all parts.
For a first configuration recommendation, email sales@anjelio.com or use /contact.