Marathon XL
THE MARATHON® XL is the high speed model in the Marathon series of labelers. Marathon roll-fed labelers feature SMARTdrive®, the industry's first, all-electronic drive train. Based on a five-axis servomotor design supported by four variable frequency drives, SMARTdrive eliminates the mechanical complexity of other labeling machines. As a result, Marathon offers simpler operation, faster changeovers, and increased uptime and productivity for the lowest total cost of ownership over the life of the machine.
- Introduction
- Highlights
- Principles of Operation
- Features
- Options
- Specifications
- More Information
Introduction
( Click to enlarge )
Actual recorded data taken on changeover from 2 liter to 20 oz containers. Changeover time -- defined as the time between full production speeds -- including the removal and replacement of change parts.
SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS
The Marathon XL utilizes the in-line, roll-fed labeling concept invented by B & H to apply wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers at speeds up to 650 containers per minute (CPM). The XL model offers a variety of available options to help it adapt to a wide range of applications in the food, beverage, and household products markets.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND LOW TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP
Accurate labeling of containers requires precise synchronization of all machine operations. Previously this was achieved by mechanically linking and timing machine components using gears, belts or chains. 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. Marathon's highly simplified SMARTdrive design uses significantly fewer mechanical parts and results in more consistent and accurate label application over the machine life - a guaranteed defect rate of <.05%. Other benefits include smaller footprint, simplicity of use and operation, and significantly higher reliability and uptime.
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 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, graphics, and navigation bars.
Highlights
- Everyday production speeds up to 650 containers per minute
- Available in straight through or U-conveyor configurations
- Siemens controls and drive train components standard
- 15 minute production speed to production speed size changeovers on straight configuration models
- 25 minute production speed to production speed size changeovers on U-configuration models
- Feedscrew and pocketed starwheel deliver high speed container handling
- Advanced Registration Control system is standard
- Marathon XL PLC 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 calculateand compare the total financial impact of Marathon versus any competitive technology
Principles of Operation
Labels are supplied in the form of a continuous web, cut in precise registration with a printed graphic, and then a hot melt adhesive is applied to the label using a rotating glue wheel. Containers enter the machine via an infeed conveyer and are precisely metered and separated using a rotating feedscrew and starwheel with pockets. The starwheel delivers the container to a rotating vacuum drum that is carrying the glued label. Precision label application is achieved by rolling the container across the label-bearing surface of the vacuum drum. The labeled container is then discharged from the vacuum drum and exits the machine via a discharge conveyor.
Features
General Features
CONVEYOR: straight-through or U-conveyor configurations, stainless steel, left hand feed
TABLET0P & 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: Siemens
HOT-MELT SYSTEM: Nordson re-circulating, continuous flow
VACUUM SYSTEM: multi-valve system with independent controls
ELECTRONICS ENCLOSURE: dual cabinets, stainless steel; 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 adjustment for pitch control
Label Handling Features
REGISTRATION CONTROL: Siemens, Marathon Advanced Registration Control System standard
WEBTRACKER: standard
LABEL ROLL STANDS: dual, enclosed label roll stands with automatic tensioning system standard
LOW-REEL ALARMS: detects low reel status and automatic alarm notifies operator; label countdown capability allows operator to minimize butt-roll 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 Software Features
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 changeovers
Options
INVATION™ CUTTER
REMOTE ACCESS MODULE
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*: 300 - 650 CPM (containers per minute) depending on container size
Label Panel Diameter Range*:
Marathon XL: 1.88 - 5.02 in (47.8 - 127.5 mm)
Marathon XL+: 1.88 - 6.14 in (47.8 - 155.9 mm)
Label Size Range*:
Label Length (for complete wrap):
Marathon XL: 6.28 - 16.24 in (130 - 389 mm)
Marathon XL+: 6.28 - 19.79 in (130 - 502 mm)
Label Width:
Marathon XL/XL+: 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
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.
