Marathon XLA + O

Introduction

SPEED + ORIENTATION

Marathon XLA + O labelers feature the linear roll-fed labeling concept invented by B & H to apply wrap-around labels to full or empty cylindrical containers at speeds up to 500cpm. Container handling and orientation on Marathon XLA + O labelers is performed by a dual feedscrew and pocketed starwheel system that accommodates both handled and unhandled containers.

HIGH PRODUCTIVITY, LOW TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP

Accurate labeling at high speeds requires precise, consistent synchronization of key labeler components. Marathon’s SMARTdrive, a PLC controlled motion control system using independent multi-axis servos communicating via a high-speed bus, delivers exceptional and dependable synchronization. Other labelers that achieve synchronization through mechanically linked and timed components such as sprockets, chains and belts lose their timing as they wear and stretch. Marathon’s all electronic drive train maintains precise synchronization over the life of the labeler and this translates into faster set-up and easier operation.

Marathon’s SMARTdrive platform also uses significantly fewer mechanical parts and components than other labelers, which reduces maintenance costs and increases uptime. No other roll-fed labeler can match Marathon’s low total cost of ownership.

FAST SIZE CHANGEOVERS

Measured from last bottle in to first bottle out, Marathon labelers with standard change parts are easy to changeover in 15 minutes or less. Add less than 2 minutes for orientation change parts.

How is this possible?

First, all change parts with one exception are tool less which makes removing one set of change parts and installing the next set of change parts fast and easy.

Second, labeler set-up parameters for each container and label combination are stored as recipes in the PLC, and a recipe is selected and downloaded as part of the changeover process. When selected, the PLC accesses the recipe and then automatically sets all key components to their zero positions so labeling can begin. This eliminates the need for tedious and time consuming labeler adjustments and retiming as part of the changeover process.

HANDLED CONTAINER ORIENTATION

Marathon XLA + O labelers offer accurate, consistent orientation of offset spout handled containers with diameters up to 6.25". Marathon XLA + O labelers are designed to accommodate both handled and unhandled containers.

Highlights

• Steady-state production speeds up to 350 cpm for handled containers and up to 500 cpm for unhandled containers
• 15 minute size changeovers for standard change parts
• 17 minute size changeovers for orientation change parts
• XLA + O model features straight-through configuration
• Allen-Bradley controls and drive train standard
• Glue wheel system with five zone temperature control and monitoring standard
• Intelligent Registration Control System standard
• High performance Invation Cutters available in 2, 3 & 4 station configurations
• Lower spare parts consumption and lower maintenance requirements versus mechanical or rotary labelers
• Higher operating efficiencies and productivity versus mechanical or rotary labelers
• B & H's Total Financial Impact (TFI) model and analysis process can calculate and compare the total financial impact of Marathon versus any other labeling 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 single rotating feed screw or dual rotating feed screws and pocketed 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 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 APPLICATION: glue wheel system

HOT-MELT SYSTEM: ITW Dynatec

VACUUM SYSTEM: multi-valve system with independent controls

ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURE: single mild steel electrical cabinet; built-in air conditioner

OPERATOR CONTROL STATION: Allen-Bradley color HMI touchscreen

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

Container Handling Features

CONTAINER INFEED: dual 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: stops labelers when missing container is detected at high speed

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 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

Options

2, 3, & 4 STATION INVATION® CUTTERS

10" INVATION CUTTERS

KINETI-COAT CUTTER SHELLS

2ND BACK SIDE HMI

UV EYEMARK SCANNER

BACK EYEMARK SCANNER

REMOTE ACCESS MODULE

ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS MODULE

CUSTOM ELEVATION SUBFRAMES

CONTACT B & H FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF AVAILABLE OPTIONS

Specifications

Speed Range*: 50 - 500 CPM (containers per minute)

Container Diameter Range:
Label Panel Diameter Range:
Marathon XLA/XLUA: 1.88 - 5.02 in
(47.8 - 127.5 mm)
Marathon XLA+: 1.88 - 6.25 in
(47.8 - 158.8 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 - 20.00 in
(159.5 - 508.0 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

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.
* Labeling speed is dictated by cutter configuration, container type, container shape, orientation requirements and line conditions.

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