Marathon XLA + O

THE MARATHON® XLA + O is the glue wheel equipped handle orientation 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 platform supported by four variable frequency drives, SMARTdrive replaces the mechanical complexity of other labelers with a dependable, high performance electronic motion control system. The payoff is easier set-up, simpler operation, faster changeovers, increased uptime, and decreased maintenance.
- 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 + 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.