THE MARATHON®
XLA is the high speed, straight-through configuration 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.
SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE
APPLICATIONS
The Marathon XLA 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 XLA 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. 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. In other labelers,
synchronization is achieved by mechanically
linking and timing machine components using
gears, belts or chains. 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
sets a new standard for container changeover
time - less than 15 minutes from one full
production speed to the next.
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.
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.
MARATHON®
XLA HIGHLIGHTS
---------------------------------------------------------
• Everyday production speeds up to 650
containers per minute
• XLA features straight-through configuration
• Allen-Bradley controls and drive train
standard
• Siemens controls and drive train are an
available option
• 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 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 calculate
and compare the total financial impact of
Marathon versus any competitive technology
“INNOVATION FORTHE LONG RUN®
”
---------------------------------------------------------
XLA
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 ap-
plied 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.
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 or Siemens
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
AVAILABLE 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
MARATHON®
XLA 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: 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: 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+: 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: 50
o
- 120
o
F (10
o
- 49
o
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
--------------------------------------------------
+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.
B & H Labeling Systems
3461 Roeding Road
Ceres, California 95307-9442
Tel: +1.209.537.5785
Fax: +1.209.537.6854
www.bhlabeling.com
XLA