B&H Introduces the High Speed Marathon XL Roll-Fed Labeler with SMARTdrive

11-04-2004 - (Ceres, CA) B&H Labeling Systems introduces the new Marathon(TM) XL, the fastest labeler in the successful Marathon family of roll-fed labelers, which features SMARTdrive(TM), the industry's first all-electronic drive train. With a servomotor-driven feedscrew and container stabilization features, the Marathon XL handles containers from 8 oz. to 3 liters at speeds up to 650 containers per minute.

Compared to the complex, high-speed rotary machines, the advanced in-line design of the Marathon XL greatly simplifies operations, maintenance and changeovers using fewer moving parts and digital automation. As a result, Marathon XL improves productivity and reduces the total cost of ownership.

Marathon XL features SMARTdrive(TM), an advanced digital, multi-axis servomotor control. Five independent servomotors communicate on a high-speed digital bus to precisely synchronize component operations such as label feeding, cutting, gluing and container transport. Eliminating the gears, belts and chains found on traditional labelers, SMARTdrive improves labeling accuracy over the life of the machine; B&H guarantees labeling defect rates of less than 0.05 percent with all Marathon roll-fed labelers. Fewer moving parts improve reliability, ease maintenance and increase uptime.

With its all-electronic, servomotor-based design, Marathon XL achieves the fastest changeover in the industry by eliminating time-consuming machine adjustments. Recipe downloads for each new container allow Marathon XL to automatically adjust the needed machine settings. Lightweight, color-coded RCO (Rapid Changeover) change parts further ease changeover. As a result, the Marathon XL sets a new industry record for high speed changeovers: less than 15 minutes from one full production speed to another, including the replacement of change parts.

Built-in intelligence and 24/7 self-monitoring diagnostics reduce maintenance, ease troubleshooting and simplify repairs to maximize Marathon's reliability and uptime. Designed for ease of use, the Marathon XL features a ten-inch color touchscreen monitor with intuitive drop-down menus, graphics, navigation bars and drop-down keyboard for data entry.
Marathon XL features B&H's powerful ProWatch(TM), the monitoring tool that tracks labeler productivity and scrap by container type, operator, shift, day and week. Screen and hard-copy summary reports provide data for process improvements. Optional Ethernet connectivity allows access to labeling machine data from plant-wide host computers. Monitoring and reporting critical data in real time enables packagers to maximize the productivity and the efficiency of the labeling operation.

About B & H Labeling Systems

Since introducing the first viable roll-fed labeling system over 35 years ago, B & H Labeling Systems has been known worldwide for innovation, dependability and responsive customer service. B & H maintains its role as a labeling solutions provider by successfully developing new labelers and applications for multiple industries. B & H maintains global representation to offer service and technical support to its worldwide customer base.