Improved label printing and applying apparatus (10) is provided which
includes an improved digital printing assembly (12) having a rotatable
impression drum (18) presenting an outer surface (20), as well as at least
one digital print head (22) adjacent the drum outer surface. The overall
apparatus (10) also includes a downstream label cutting and application
assembly (14) having an adhesive applicator (32), laser cutter (40) and a
label applying device. In use, a web (16) traverses the drum (18) with
essentially no relative movement between the web (16) and drum surface
(20), and the print head(s) (22) are actuated to form images on the web
(16), which may be identical or varied. Thereafter, the printed web passes
into and through the assembly (14) where adhesive is applied, the
individual images are laser cut, and the labels are thereupon applied to
products (54).
