Marathon XLUA

Introduction

SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

The Marathon XLA and XLUA utilize the linear roll-fed labeling concept invented by B & H to apply wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers at speeds up to 650 containers per minute. Container handling is performed by a feedscrew and pocketed starwheel system that accomodates both flattop and air conveyor systems. The XLA and XLUA also offer a variety of available options to help it run a wide range of applications in the food, beverage, and household product markets.

HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND LOW TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

Accurate labeling of containers requires precise synchronization of key machine operations. Marathon is the first labeler to feature SMARTdrive®, a digitally based timing control system using multi-axis, independent servomotors communicating on a high-speed bus to achieve accurate repeatable synchronization. In other labelers, synchronization is achieved by mechanically linking and timing key components using gears, belts or chains. As these components wear, synchronization becomes harder to achieve and maintain.

Marathon's simplified SMARTdrive design also uses significantly fewer mechanical parts and delivers more consistent and accurate label application over the machine life. Other benefits include higher reliability and uptime, and lower total cost of ownership over the life of the labeler.

FAST, 15 MINUTE CHANGEOVERS

Key machine set-up parameters are stored in a "recipe" database and downloaded for each container and label combination. The PLC then automatically sets all key components to their zero position so labeling can begin. This eliminates the need for tedious machine adjustments after replacing change parts. Marathon XLA sets a new standard for container changeover time - less than 15 minutes from one full production speed to the next.

DESIGNED WITH THE OPERATOR IN MIND

Set-up and control is simplified with an operator HMI that swivels for easy viewing. Its color touchscreen interface offers intuitive features such as drop-down menus, graphs, and navigation bars.

Highlights

• Everyday production speeds up to 650 containers per minute
• XLA features straight-through configuration
• XLUA features "U" configuration
• Allen-Bradley controls and drive train standard
• Single electrical cabinet can be located up to 80' from labeler
• 15 minute production speed to production speed size changeovers on XLA models
• 25 minute production speed to production speed size changeovers on XLUA models
• Intelligent Registration Control System is standard
• Marathon XLA or XLUA PLCs can be programmed to execute upstream and downstream line control functions to maximize productivity
• Lower maintenance requirements and lower spare parts consumption versus mechanical or rotary labelers
• Superior Total Financial Impact (TFI) versus other labelers based on higher productivity and lower total cost of ownership
• B & H's TFI model and process can calculate and compare the total financial impact of Marathon versus any competitive technology

Principles of Operation

Roll-fed labels are supplied from a roll in the form of a continuous web, fed in precise registration with a printed graphic, cut in precise registration, transferred to a rotating vacuum drum, and then a hot melt adhesive is applied to the label using a rotating glue wheel. Cut labels with adhesive are then applied to individual containers which are rotated to complete the label application process. During this process, containers enter the labeler via an infeed conveyor, and are then metered and separated by a rotating feed screw and pocketed starwheel or by a rotating constant velocity starwheel. The starwheel delivers containers to a rotating vacuum drum that transports the label from the cutter, to the glue wheel, and then onto the container as described above. Precise label application is achieved by rolling the container across the label-bearing surface of the vacuum drum. The labeled container then ends contact with the vacuum drum, and it exits the labeler via a discharge conveyor.

Features

General Features

CONVEYOR: straight-through or U-conveyor configurations, stainless steel, left hand feed

TABLETOP & LOWER GUARDING: stainless steel

UPPER GUARDING: swing out, polycarbonate doors with safety interlocks standard

MAIN DRIVE SYSTEM: SMARTdrive®, all electronic drive train with five servo axes and four variable frequency drives

PLC: Allen-Bradley

HOT-MELT SYSTEM: Nordson recirculating, continuos flow

VACUUM SYSTEM: multi-valve system with independent controls

ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURE: single electrical cabinet can be attached or located up to 80' away; built-in air conditioner

OPERATOR CONTROL STATION: color HMI touchscreen

CHANGE PARTS: color-coded, Rapid Changeover (RCO) change parts standard

Container Handling Features

CONTAINER INFEED: feedscrew with pocketed starwheel system

AUTOMATIC LINE SPEED CONTROLS: automatic adjustment of machine speed based on container supply at infeed and discharge

MISSING CONTAINER DETECTION & ALARMS: standard

ROLL-ON PAD: fine adjustments for pitch control

Label Handling Features

REGISTRATION CONTROL: Marathon Intelligent Registration Control System standard

WEBTRACKER: standard

LABEL ROLL STANDS: dual, enclosed label roll stands with automatic tensioning system standard

LOW REEL ALARM: detects low reel status and automatic alarm notifies operator; label countdown capability allows operator to minimize butt-roll label scrap

BROKEN WEB SAFETY & ALARM: detects broken web condition and automatically shuts down machine

VACUUM DRUM SAFETY & ALARM: detects missing label on vacuum drum and automatically shuts down machine

ADVANCED HMI FEATURES:

SYSTEM SECURITY: configurable by site and by logon ID

EXTENSIVE TROUBLE SHOOTING DISPLAYS: standard

DOWNLOADABLE SET-UP RECIPES: easy machine set-up and fast size changeovers

Options

INVATION™ CUTTER

REMOTE ACCESS MODULE

SIEMENS PLC AND DRIVE TRAIN

QUICK RELEASE HAND-VALVES FOR LABEL ROLL CORE CHUCKS

ADVANCED LINE CONTROL PROGRAMMING

ADDITIONAL SETS OF RCO CHANGE PARTS

CONTACT B & H FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Specifications

Speed Range*: 50 - 650 CPM (containers per minute) depending on container size and cutter configuration

Container Diameter Range*:
Label Panel Diameter Range:
Marathon XLA/XLUA: 1.88 - 5.02 in
(47.8 - 127.5 mm)
Marathon XLA+: 1.88 - 6.14 in
(47.8 - 155.9 mm)

Label Size Range*:
Length (for complete wrap):
Marathon XLA/XLUA: 6.28 - 16.24 in
(159.5 - 412.5 mm)
Marathon XLA+: 6.28 - 19.79 in
(159.5 - 502.6 mm)

Width:
Marathon XLA/XLA+/XLUA: 1.0 - 9.5 in
(25.4 - 241 mm)

Container Materials:
Plastic, glass, metal, fiberboard

Label Materials:
Paper, PP, BOPP, PVC, PE, and PS, in single and
multi-layer structures

Ambient Operating Conditions:
Temperature: 50o- 120o F (10o- 49o C)
Relative Humidity: 10 - 90%, non-condensing

Controls and Drive Train:
Allen-Bradley standard
Siemens available option

Electrical:
Main voltage: 380 - 480 VAC; 3 phase;
40 amps max

Air:
80 PSI via 0.5 NPT;
Consumption approximately 2 CFM

Conveyor Configuration:
Straight-through or U-conveyor configurations

Conveyor Height:
Adjustable 36.5 to 39.0 in (927 mm - 991 mm)

+ Specifications subject to change without notice.
* Container diameter, label length, and speed range specifications are based on a standard machine configuration. Applications outside of this range require evaluation by B & H.

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