SLA-5A

Overview

The Hobart SLA-5A Security Label Applier adds an electronic article surveillance (EAS) label to the adhesive side of a standard Access scale label. In an Access Prepack System, the Access Printer expels the merchandising label and the SLA applies the security label before compatible wrapping or label-applying equipment places the finished label on the package. When the label’s barcode is scanned, the security label is deactivated by the store’s security equipment so it will not be detected by the store security system.

The operator manual identifies the unit as SLA-5, model ML-44206; the replacement-parts catalog identifies the SLA-5A, also ML-44206. The unit operates with an Access Prepack System and an Access Wrapping System (AWS), Ultima Wrapping System (UWS), or Compact Label Applier (CLA). Application can be set according to minimum unit price, minimum total price, or selected product lookup units (PLUs).

Key Features

• Automatic label application: Adds a security label to the adhesive side of the printed Access merchandising label.
• Label monitoring: A sensor detects when labels are out or are not advancing. If it does not detect a label edge within five seconds, it assumes the unit is out of labels and sounds a beep.
• Selectable application rules: Apply security labels according to minimum unit price, minimum total price, or a PLU setting.
• Manual indexing: A manual label index button advances labels when needed, including during label loading.
• Label take-up: A take-up spool winds the label backing paper as labels are dispensed.

Specifications

• Product: Hobart Security Label Applier, model SLA-5A.
• Manual and parts reference: ML-44206.
• Label function: Applies an electronic article surveillance label to a standard Access scale label.
• Electrical connection in the operator manual: Standard 110 VAC electrical connection.
• Grounding: The operator manual calls for connection to a properly grounded outlet to provide continued protection against electric shock.
• Transformer listed in the replacement-parts catalog: 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz.
• Fuse listed in the replacement-parts catalog: 1 amp, 250 V.
• Label monitoring response: The sensor assumes labels are out if it does not find a label edge within five seconds, and the unit emits a beep.
• Label formats described in the operator manual: Two security-label types are available, selected to suit the store security system. One is similar in size to a safe-handling label; the other is similar to a label used with audio CDs. Contact the security system provider for label ordering information.
• Named unit components: Tension arm, on/off power switch, power-on indicator, label sensor assembly, stripper plate, stripper plate roller assembly, manual label index button, take-up spool, delay control, label guide, and label hub.

Installation & Requirements

The operator manual specifies that power runs to the SLA through a standard 110 VAC electrical connection and cautions that the unit must be connected to a properly grounded outlet. The on/off power switch is inside the unit. The replacement-parts catalog separately lists a transformer rated 115/230 V, 50/60 Hz; consult the equipment’s applicable electrical information when confirming the connection for a particular unit.

The manual does not provide clearance, ventilation, or physical-placement requirements. It instructs operators to turn the unit off before loading labels.

Operation

Loading security labels

Switch the SLA off before loading a roll. Open the label supply door and place the roll on the label hub. If the roll has no leader, strip approximately 12 inches of labels from the backing paper to make one. Thread the leader between the label guide and guide roller, then through the label sensor guide plates. Continue around the stripper plate and back up between the stripper plate and the stripper roller bracket assembly.

Pull out the captive key, wrap the leader around the take-up spool, and slide the key back onto the spool. Turn the spool counterclockwise a few times to secure the backing paper. Switch the SLA on and press the Label Eject Switch to position a label at the stripper plate; this may take several presses. Close the label supply door. If an empty roll is being replaced, the manual notes that its backing paper and label core may be removed before loading the new roll.

Configuring when labels apply

For price-based application, use the Access console’s Main Menu to open System, then Supervisor Mode, Setup, Labels, and Security Labels. Supervisor permission is required if Supervisor Mode is password-protected. Enter a minimum for “Unit price is at least” and/or “Total price is at least” using the on-screen keypad, then touch Enter to save each value. A security label applies to packages whose unit price or total price is equal to or greater than the applicable threshold.

For PLU-based application, open System and Supervisor Mode, then Product, Product Changes, and All Fields. Enter the product number to retrieve the PLU information. Select page 3 of 6, enable “Always apply a Security label,” and repeat for other PLUs as needed. Return to Operate Mode when setup is complete. With the settings in place, labels are generated, combined, and applied automatically to eligible packages with minimal operator intervention.

Cleaning & Maintenance

The manual recommends regularly removing paper dust from inside the unit. For exterior cleaning, dampen a soft cloth with mild detergent and water, then wipe the surfaces. Protect the unit from direct water entry. Remove adhered labels with an alcohol-soaked cloth; do not scrape labels or adhesive off with metal.

Troubleshooting

• “Out of security labels” appears: Load security labels or touch “OK” to continue. If the alert appears while labels should be available, check that the SLA power switch is on, then check the power cord and power source. The merchandising labels continue to print even when security labels are out. The alert may also appear if the SLA is switched off while the Access Prepack System is operating.
• Power-on indicator is off and the unit does not function: Check that the SLA power switch is on, then check the power cord and power source. If the problem remains, contact a local Hobart office.
• Power-on indicator is lit, but the unit does not issue a label automatically or from the manual eject button: Check whether security labels are out. If labels are present and the problem continues, contact a local Hobart office.
• A label issues only when the manual eject button is pressed: Check whether the minimum unit price or minimum total price is set too high, or whether the PLU is configured correctly in Supervisor Mode. If the settings are correct and the symptom remains, contact a local Hobart office.
• Label does not peel from the backing paper: Verify that the label stock is threaded correctly. If it is, change the security label stock; contact a local Hobart office if needed.
• Several labels issue, followed by a beep: Verify that the labels are threaded correctly. Contact a local Hobart office if the issue persists.
• No label issues, followed by a beep: Check whether the unit is out of labels or labels are missing from the backing paper, then verify the threading. Contact a local Hobart office if the problem remains.
• Security label placement on the Access label is incorrect: Check that the delay control lever rests against the backing paper on the take-up spool and verify that the labels are threaded correctly. Contact a local Hobart office if the placement remains incorrect.

Applications

The SLA-5A is used in Access Prepack workflows that add EAS labels to eligible packaged products. Price thresholds can target packages at or above configured unit or total prices, while PLU settings can specify products that should always receive a security label regardless of price. The applied label is combined with the Access merchandising label before the package is labelled by compatible wrapping or label-applying equipment.