Technical Support & Common Questions

LES Incorporated, or Labeling Equipment Specialists, Inc., specializes in service, support, and replacement parts for Krones labeling machines. The company focuses primarily on Krones labelers used in packaging plants and provides field service, spare parts, and training for many models of Krones labeling equipment.

LES primarily serves the food and beverage packaging industries, where Krones labeling machines are widely used. The company has also supported labeling equipment used for motor oil, household cleaners, and air freshener products.

LES has been in business since 2002. The company was founded by two former Krones field service specialists who started the business after years of working directly with Krones labeling equipment in packaging plants.

LES often provides faster service and more flexible options compared to ordering directly from the manufacturer. Customers can purchase new, used, or remanufactured parts depending on their needs. As a smaller company, LES can respond quickly to customer requests and adapt to urgent maintenance or production situations.

LES is headquartered in Gilmer, Texas, where the company operates its main manufacturing and parts facility. LES provides service and parts throughout the United States and Canada, and has also supported labeling equipment in U.S. territories including Puerto Rico and American Samoa.

LES supports a wide range of Krones labeling machines, including both older and newer models. These include machines such as the Canmatic, Solomatic, Solomodul, Topmatic, Starmatic, Protomatic, Rotina, Rondella, Robusta, Polymatic, and Contiroll labelers. LES technicians have experience servicing many generations of Krones labeling equipment used in packaging plants.

Yes. LES provides service on rotary Krones labelers as well as Krones in-line labeling machines. Rotary labeling machines are the most common type used in high-speed beverage and packaging production lines, and LES has extensive experience maintaining and troubleshooting these systems.

Yes. LES services both cold glue and hot melt labeling systems used on Krones labelers. Services include field service, replacement parts, technical training, equipment audits, and consultation to improve labeling performance and reliability.

Yes. LES can assist with label and container changeovers and can manufacture custom parts required for new labels or container sizes. LES can also help establish or improve machine centerlining by installing counters, scales, and pointers that make changeovers faster and more repeatable.

Yes. Troubleshooting labeling problems is a core service provided by LES. Field service technicians can assist customers on-site, and LES also provides free technical support by phone to help diagnose labeling issues and keep production running.

Yes. LES maintains a large inventory of spare parts for Krones labeling machines, including components such as label magazines, glue mechanisms, and other wear parts. Many custom parts can also be manufactured at the LES facility in Gilmer, Texas, allowing faster turnaround and shipping.

LES supplies both OEM and aftermarket parts depending on what makes the most sense for the customer. The company regularly performs cost comparisons to determine whether it is more economical to purchase certain parts directly from Krones or manufacture them in-house. This allows LES to help customers reduce maintenance costs without sacrificing quality.

Yes. Aftermarket parts supplied by LES are manufactured to match the dimensions and function of the original components used on Krones labeling machines. LES guarantees that all parts sold will fit correctly and perform the same function as the OEM part.

Many of the most commonly supplied spare parts are for Canmatic labelers and other cold glue Krones labeling machines. These parts include wear components from labeling stations, glue systems, and container handling assemblies that require periodic replacement in packaging plants.

In many cases, yes. LES maintains documentation for some discontinued parts, which allows them to manufacture replacements when the original part is no longer available. The success of reverse engineering is even higher when customers can provide a sample part for measurement and reproduction.

Yes. When provided with a sample part or technical drawing, LES can often manufacture replacement parts for other labeling equipment as well. The company has produced parts for labelers from manufacturers such as PE Labellers, Kosme, Alfa, and Gernep.

Yes. LES regularly reverse engineers parts used on Krones AG labeling machines when original components are discontinued, unavailable, or have long lead times. The LES engineering team can reproduce parts using existing documentation or by measuring a sample component. In many cases, providing a sample part allows LES to manufacture a replacement that fits and functions the same as the original.

Yes. Designing and manufacturing custom change parts for new containers is one of the core capabilities of LES. In many cases, LES can produce new change parts without needing to visit the plant by working from an existing set of change parts. By measuring and referencing the original components, LES can manufacture new parts that properly fit the labeling equipment and container.

The term “change parts” refers to machine components that are designed for a specific container size, shape, or label format and must be replaced when switching production to a different product. During a changeover, these parts are removed and replaced with another set that matches the new container and label.

Label Handling Parts: Examples include label magazines, brush stations, sponge rollers, hot-melt glue rollers, grippers, and pallets used to apply and position labels.
Container Handling Parts: Examples include feed screws, starwheels, center guides, bottle plates, centering bells, and bottle plate sprockets used on hot-melt labelers.

All of these components are considered change parts because they are specific to a particular container or label and must be swapped during a machine changeover.

Yes. LES has a team of technicians trained to support labeling machines manufactured by Krones AG. Field service includes on-site equipment audits, machine overhauls, labeler training, and production support to help packaging plants maintain reliable labeling operations.

Yes. LES can help troubleshoot labeling machine issues remotely by phone, text, or email. In many cases, problems can be diagnosed quickly without requiring an on-site visit, helping plants reduce downtime and get production running again.

Yes. Most LES technicians can be reached after normal business hours for urgent technical issues. The company’s General Manager also regularly assists customers with after-hours troubleshooting questions when production problems occur.

Yes. LES can assist with machine setup and adjustments to improve labeling accuracy and changeover repeatability. The company also provides label inspection systems that help prevent defective labels from reaching downstream equipment such as packers. LES can additionally help diagnose line control issues, including conveyor speed coordination and accumulation problems.

Yes. LES assists with new line installations and can provide consultation when purchasing used labeling machines. Because LES also manufactures change parts for Krones labelers, the company can supply the necessary parts required to run new containers and labels on existing equipment.

Customers can contact LES by visiting www.lesincorporated.com or by calling 800-391-4867. The LES team can assist with replacement parts, field service, troubleshooting, and technical support for labeling machines manufactured by Krones AG.

Flagging can be caused by improper magazine finger tension, poor glue flow or labels with high coefficiency of friction.

Yes, we clean, resurface, and re-coat vacuum drums for Contiroll and Canmatic machines to restore proper label transfer.

We offer both on-site cutting unit calibration and a complete rebuild service to sharpen and gap blades to factory specs.

Stringing is usually a result of low glue temperature, clogged spray nozzles, or worn glue roller scrapers.

Yes, we stock rubber and silicon vacuum drum segments for various Contiroll HS and ED models.

LES can perform a "Teach-in" for your contrast sensors to ensure the machine cuts the label exactly at the registration mark.

Charring indicates thermal system failure or infrequent cleaning. We offer glue pot cleaning and heater replacement services.

We can retrofit older glue systems with modern Timmer pumps and heated hoses for better consistency.

The gap must be set precisely (typically in microns) based on label thickness; our techs carry precision gauges to set this.

While Prontomatic is a cold glue machine, we service the hot melt variations and can source parts for them.

Blades should be rotated or replaced when you see jagged cuts or "hanging" labels; we stock stationary and rotary blades.

Slippage usually means the friction coating on the drum is worn or the vacuum ports are clogged with paper dust/glue.

Yes, we stock silicone rollers and scrapers for Krones hot melt units.

We troubleshoot sensor faults, PLC timing issues, and vacuum leaks that cause missed labels.

HS (High Speed) and ED (Ergonomic Design) use different drum sizes and cutting geometries; we identify and supply the correct parts for both.

We recommend using specific purging compounds and non-abrasive tools; we also offer an Exchange Program for pre-cleaned pots.

Yes, we carry magazine fingers and other magazine components for Krones label magazines.

We troubleshoot and replace electrical slip rings that cause heating failures in the rotating aggregate.

Curling often results from excessive glue temperature or grain direction issues in the label stock.

Yes, we ship rebuilt, plug-and-play aggregates for Solomatic and Topmatic machines to minimize your downtime.

Uneven patterns are caused by worn pallets; LES offers professional new pallet and pallet refacing services to restore flatness.

Dog-ears (bent corners) are caused by poor gripper release timing or sticky sponge rollers, which we can adjust.

Yes, we perform complete aggregate overhauls, including shaft replacement, bearing swaps, and timing synchronization.

We stock and manufacture standard and custom glue pallets for various bottle shapes.

We recommend the tim®GLUE D4 pneumatic piston pump for low-pulsation cold glue delivery.

Jamming is often due to worn feedscrews or starwheels; we can audit and replace these handling parts.

Gripper timing requires precise cam adjustment; our technicians can zero and re-time your cylinder for perfect transfer.

Yes, we sell high-density sponge rollers that ensure proper label wipe-down without tearing.

We supply change parts (starwheels, guides, centering bells) to adapt your machine for new bottle shapes.

Flagging in wet glue is usually due to insufficient compression time or worn brushes; we supply upgraded wipe-down brushes.

Yes, we service smaller inline models like the Rotina and Polymatic commonly used in smaller breweries.

We teach operators how to use a wet film gauge and adjust the scraper gap for optimal consumption.

Leaking shafts indicate worn seals or bearings; our aggregate rebuild service addresses this common issue.

We provide support and parts sourcing for Universella models.

Yes, our machine shop can reface pitted pallets to factory tolerances, saving you the cost of buying new ones.

Magazine fingers and slide rails must be cleaned and aligned regularly to prevent multiple label pulls.

We adjust the magazine retention fingers and air-assist blowers to ensure smooth feeding.

We can make custom bottle plates and centering bells for diverse container types.

We optimize glue formulations and air-blow-off systems to handle wet bottles in breweries.

Custom pallets typically have a lead time of 1-2 weeks, compared to months from overseas suppliers.

It is our philosophy of providing OEM-quality parts and service at a fraction of the cost, keeping your budget intact.

Yes, our rebuilt units come with a warranty that matches or exceeds the original manufacturer's coverage.

We exchange Glue Pots, Aggregates, Centering Heads and some Gearboxes.

We ship you a rebuilt unit immediately; you install it and send us your "core" back for credit.

We build custom spare parts kits (hardware, springs, seals, fingers, etc) tailored to your specific machine model.

All of our machined parts are fabricated locally to ensure high quality and fast availability.

Yes, we supply hard-to-find metric bolts, screws, and fasteners specific to German machinery.

We stock sensors, relays, switches, and can source obsolete PLC components.

Rebuilding is significantly cheaper (often 40-60% less) and faster than purchasing new OEM assemblies.

Yes, we offer high-durability centering bells and heads for bottle hold-down.

Yes, send us a photo of the broken part, and our technicians can identify the replacement.

Yes, we offer expedited air freight for critical breakdown parts.

Yes, all material handling parts meant for food environments meet industry hygiene standards.

We have a flexible return policy for non-custom parts; please check our terms for details.

We do not sell manuals, but we can provide specific drawings, partslists and training that covers the content found in OEM documentation.

We can recommend and supply the correct food-grade greases and oils for your specific aggregates.

Yes, we rebuild main drive gearboxes and feedscrew drive gearboxes.

We carry a wide variety of nylon and hair brushes for final label compression.

Yes, we support modular labeling stations found on Topmodul series equipment.

Yes, we provide hands-on training at your facility to teach operators startup, cleanup, and basic adjustments.

We teach timing, synchronization, aggregate rebuilding, and electrical troubleshooting for your maintenance staff.

Yes, we offer electrical upgrades to retrofit older button-panels with modern HMI touch screens.

Timmer NFC pumps allow you to scan the pump with a smartphone to see stroke counts, maintenance alerts, and diagnostics.

We audit your machine to establish "Centerline" settings that speed up SKU changeovers and reduce waste.

We offer "Onboarding" training packages to get new staff up to speed quickly on Krones equipment.

We can audit and upgrade interlocks and E-stop circuits to meet current OSHA/safety standards.

Timmer pumps offer lower pulsation (smoother glue film), integrated heating, and higher reliability than older diaphragm pumps.

Yes, we can guide your team through repairs using video calls to save travel costs.

We can retrofit modular machines (like Topmodul) with new PSL aggregates, though fixed machines are harder to convert.

We train staff on proper film thickness settings and upgrade to precision pumps to reduce waste.

We provide documentation of training completion for your HR and safety records.

We can install high-speed handling parts and optimize timing to increase your BPM (Bottles Per Minute).

We analyze the entire loop—from label stock and glue type to machine settings—to find the root cause of issues.

Yes, we can inspect a used machine before you buy it to warn you of expensive hidden repairs.

We do not sell date coders, but we can mount and integrate your third-party coder into the labeler's controls.

We identify obsolete PLCs and drives and propose modern replacements before they fail.

Not at this time, but we do have spanish training material.

Our electrical engineers are proficient in troubleshooting and modifying logic for standard labeling operations.

Better-trained operators cause fewer jams, break fewer parts, and reduce waste, paying for the training within weeks.

We can consult on paper vs. plastic labels and grain direction to ensure they work with your machine.

We can install digital temperature controllers for tighter control over adhesive viscosity.

We use diagnostic software to read servo drive error codes and pinpoint the failure.

Yes, we can design and machine custom starwheels and guides for unique bottle shapes.

Krones machines are complex; general mechanics often miss the nuance of "cam timing" and "transfer geometry" that we specialize in.