Endura® Sleeve System

Introduction

ENDURA SLEEVE SYSTEM OVERVIEW

The Endura Sleeve System is a fully automatic shrink sleeve labeling system that applies and shrinks full body sleeve labels on a variety of container types and shapes at up to 400 containers per minute. Actual production speeds are dictated by the size and shape of the containers and whether the containers are full or empty when labeled.

THE ENDURA TRADITION

B & H's experience with shrink labeling began in 1984 when we invented and patented roll-on, shrink-on labeling. This process came to be known as Endura®, a registered trademark of B & H Labeling Systems. The Endura Sleeve System represents the next chapter for the Endura brand. We know shrink labeling, and this know-how translates into winning applications.

THE ENDURA VALUE PROPOSITION

From an operator's perspective, the Endura Sleeve System is based on an intuitive and simple design which makes it easy to learn. It is easy to operate and it offers true, fast and easy fifteen minute size change-overs.

A key contributor to these fast change-overs is a four blade cutter assembly that is easy to remove and install, and cutter blades that are inexpensive, and fast and easy to replace. Another key contributor to fast change-overs is a wide window of operation which enables the system to accommodate various container shapes and sizes with minimal set-up and adjustments from container to container.

From a maintenance manager's perspective, the Endura Sleeve System is durable and dependable, and it is easy to maintain. And last but not least, from a plant engineer's perspective, the Endura Sleeve System is flexible because of its compact footprint, and because it is available in right hand, left hand, and mirror configurations.

A PROVEN WINNER

The Endura Sleeve System is a proven winner for both empty and full container applications.

Our customers enjoy the system's short learning curve and the ease of operation. They also enjoy the system's wide window of operation, which enables them to run a range of container shapes and sizes on the system with minimal set-up and adjustment issues from container to container.

References are available, and site visits to see the system in action will be arranged by appointment.

Highlights

• Fully automatic shrink sleeve labeling system
• Available in left hand, right hand and mirror configurations
• Everyday production speeds of up to 400 containers per minute
• Intuitive and simple design makes system easy to learn and easy to operate
• Handles a variety of shapes including round, square, rectangular, and oval containers with contours
• Wide window of operation enables system to run a range of containers with minimal set-up and adjustments from container to container
• Runs PVC, PET, OPS and OPP shrink sleeve materials
• A four-blade cutting assembly reduces scrap, improves cut accuracy, requires minimal maintenance and extends blade life
• Fully automatic steam tunnel temperature monitoring and control system standard
• Easy to operate with a wide window of operation
• Durable, dependable and easy to maintain

Principles of Operation

Shrink sleeve labels are supplied from a roll in the form of a continuous web, unlabeled containers are transported via an infeed conveyor and then metered via a rotating feedscrew. As the containers enter the labeler, the labels in web form are opened and formed into a tube by a mandrel, fed in precise registration with a printed graphic, cut in precise registration, applied to a container which is then transported via conveyor to a steam tunnel where controlled steam heat shrinks the sleeve tightly onto the container in an enclosed steam tunnel. During this process, containers enter the sleeve applicator via an infeed conveyor and are precisely metered and separated using a rotating feed screw. After the sleeve label is registered and cut from the web, it is applied to the container. The containers then exit the applicator via a discharge conveyor which immediately transports them into a steam heat shrink tunnel which exposes the container and the label to controlled steam generated heat which causes the label material to shrink and tightly adhere and conform to the container. Containers then exit the shrink tunnel via a discharge conveyor.

ENDURA SLS OVERVIEW

Endura SLS shrink sleeve applicators are durable, dependable and easy to operate and maintain.

The heart of any shrink sleeve applicator is the cutter and cutter assembly, and the Endura SLS features a four blade cutter assembly that delivers superior cut accuracy, lower scrap, higher operating efficiency, long blade life, and minimal maintenance requirements.

The Endura cutter assembly features an annulus that is compressed by a series of low voltage solenoids which in-turn activate the cutter holders which in-turn drive the blades through the sleeve label wall. The cutting process is accomplished in milliseconds as each cutter holder and blade cuts its own share of the sleeve circumference. The cutter holders are retracted immediately after each cut by centrifugal force.

The cutter assembly is located within the solenoid platform and its rotational velocity is controlled by a variable frequency drive (VFD). The design features twist and lock clamps which allow easy removal and replacement of the unit.

This design offers lower costs, less maintenance and less downtime than cutters used in other shrink sleeve labeling equipment.

ENDURA SLT OVERVIEW

Endura SLT shrink tunnel modules use controlled steam, distributed through a series of adjustable, perforated stainless steel tubes contained within an insulated enclosure and served by a steam exhaust extraction system.

The use of controlled steam pressure provides a shrinking environment that acts on every part of the sleeve without exposing the sleeve to excessive temperatures that may distort the container. The steam extraction system assures that moisture is not trapped between the sleeve and the container. Dual steam settings eliminate over shrinking when line conditions ramp up or ramp down.

Control valves provide the ability to individually switch steam to any combination of the 6 to 12 heater tubes per module. To minimize internal condensation, Endura SLT modules feature pre-heat systems for the distribution tubes and the roof of the insulated enclosure. This pre-heating system ensures more consistent internal temperatures and minimizes steam loss through condensation and run-off.

Endura SLT shrink tunnel modules are consistent in operation and are free from zonal heat distribution problems. The modules are also easy to set-up since heat is virtually instantaneously applied when a valve is opened on a running tunnel.

Features

Specifications

ENDURA® SLEEVE SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS+

Speed Range*: Up to 400 cpm every day production speeds

Container Shapes:
Round, square, rectangular and oval containers with contours

Container Types:
Glass, plastic and metal

Sleeve Label Material:
PVC, PET, OPS, & OPP

Container Diameters*:
2 - 4.8 in (51-122 mm)

Container Heights:
2 - 12 in (51-305 mm)

Sleeve Lay Flat*:
2.3 - 7.85 in (59-199 mm)

Sleeve Cut Length*:
1.5 - 12 in (38-305 mm)

Controls Platform:
Allen-Bradley

ENDURA SLS SPECIFICATIONS+

Electrical Supply:
240-480 Vac, 3 Phase, 60Hz, 20 Amp

Air Supply:
70 psi @ 1.2 cfm

Unit Weight:
1,500 lbs. (680 kg)

Conveyor Height:
36 - 39 in (914-990 mm)

ENDURA SLT SPECIFICATIONS+

Electrical Supply:
240-480 Vac, 3 Phase, 60Hz, 20 Amp

Steam Pressure:
60 - 90 psi / 4 - 6 Bar

Steam Consumption:
180 kg / Hour

Unit Weight:
1,000 lbs. (454kg)

Conveyor Height:
36 - 39 in (914-990 mm) SLS and SLT

+ 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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