Summary of AN AUTOMATIC LABEL DISPENSER FOR QUICKER STICKERS
This article describes an automatic label dispensing machine designed to eliminate the time-consuming and repetitive task of manually peeling stickers. Built by [Mr Innovative], the device automates the process by advancing, dispensing, and collecting waste labels using a stepper motor controlled by an Arduino Nano. An IR sensor ensures the machine only feeds a new sticker once the previous one is removed, preventing jams and optimizing workflow efficiency.
Parts used in Automatic Label Dispensing Machine:
- Roll of labels
- NEMA-17 stepper motor
- Arduino Nano
- A4988 motor driver
- IR sensor
- Take-up reel shaft
- Custom PCB (shared with bobbin winder)
If you have any kind of business, chances are it involves stickers at some point in the process. More accurately it involves you peeling the backs off of sticker after sticker, slowly wasting time and working your way toward a repetitive stress injury. Why do that to yourself when you could have a machine do it for you?
That’s exactly the thinking behind [Mr Innovative]’s automatic label dispensing machine. All he has to do is load up the roll of labels, dial in the length of each label, and away the machine goes, advancing and dispensing and taking up the empty paper all at once. In fact, that’s how it works: the take-up reel is on the shaft of a NEMA-17 stepper motor, which gets its instructions from an Arduino Nano and an A4988 motor driver. Our favorite part is the IR sensor located underneath the sticker that’s ready to take — the machine doesn’t feed another until it senses that you’ve taken the previous sticker. We stuck the demo and build video after the break.
Our other favorite thing about this build is that [Mr Innovative] seems to have used the same PCB as his freaky fast bobbin winder.
Source: AN AUTOMATIC LABEL DISPENSER FOR QUICKER STICKERS
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What problem does this machine solve?
The machine solves the issue of wasting time and risking repetitive stress injuries caused by manually peeling sticker backs. -
How does the machine know when to advance the next sticker?
An IR sensor located underneath the sticker detects when the user has taken the previous sticker before feeding the next one. -
Which microcontroller controls the system?
The system uses an Arduino Nano to send instructions to the motor driver. -
What type of motor drives the take-up reel?
A NEMA-17 stepper motor is mounted on the shaft to handle the take-up reel. -
Does the machine perform multiple functions at once?
Yes, it advances, dispenses, and takes up the empty paper all at once. -
Is there a specific component shared with another project?
The builder used the same PCB for this dispenser as he did for his freaky fast bobbin winder. -
Can users adjust the label length?
Yes, users can dial in the length of each label before starting the machine. -
What happens if you try to grab a sticker too quickly?
The machine will not feed another sticker until the IR sensor senses that the previous one has been taken.
