THE MARATHON®
SLA is the low to mid 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 four-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 machine lifetime.
SPEED AND FLEXIBILITY FOR MULTIPLE
APPLICATIONS
The Marathon SLA utilizes the in-line, roll-fed
labeling concept invented by B & H, and B & H’s
patented Constant Velocity Starwheel System, to
apply wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers
at speeds up to 350 containers per minute (CPM).
The SLA offers a range of options and operating
speeds to fit a wide range of applications in
the food, beverage, and household product
markets. A base model Marathon SLA can also be
upgraded in place to increase its operation speed
or to add available options like a second roll stand
that can increase productivity.
HIGH PRODUCTIVITY AND LOW TOTAL
COST OF OWNERSHIP
Accurate labeling of containers requires precise
synchronization of key 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
to achieve accurate repeatable synchronization.
In other labelers, synchronization is achieved by
mechanically linking and timing key components
using gears, belts or chains. As these components
wear, synchronization becomes harder to achieve
and maintain.
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.
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®
SLA HIGHLIGHTS
---------------------------------------------------------
• Everyday production speeds up to 350
containers per minute
• Available in straight-through conveyor
configuration
• Allen-Bradley controls and drive train
components standard
• Siemens controls and drive train are an
available option
• Electrical cabinet can be located up to
80’ from labeler
• 15 minute production speed to production
speed size changeovers
• Patented constant velocity starwheel system
delivers smooth, efficient container handling
• Advanced Registration Control system is
standard
• Marathon SLA 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
“INNOVATION FORTHE LONG RUN®
”
---------------------------------------------------------
(Picture shown is Marathon SLA+ with double roll stand)
FAST, 15 MINUTE CHANGEOVERS
Key machine set-up parameters are stored in a
“recipe” database and downloaded for each con-
tainer and label combination. The PLC then au-
tomatically 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.
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 conveyor configuration,
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 four servo axes and three to four
variable frequency drives
PLC: Allen-Bradley or 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 touch-
screen
CHANGE PARTS: color-coded, Rapid Changeover
(RCO®
) change parts standard
CONTAINER HANDLING FEATURES
CONTAINER INFEED: patented Constant Velocity
Starwheel System for smooth container handling and
fast changeovers
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: Allen-Bradley, Marathon
Advanced Registration Control System standard
LABEL ROLL STANDS: single, enclosed label roll stand
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 TROUBLESHOOTING DISPLAYS: standard
DOWNLOADABLE SET-UP RECIPES: Easy machine set-
up and fast changeovers
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
INVATION™ CUTTER
WEBTRACKER
ROLL-ON BELT SYSTEM
SECOND ROLL STAND
REMOTE ACCESS MODULE
QUICK RELEASE HAND VALVES FOR LABEL ROLL
CORE CHUCKS
ADDITIONAL SETS OF RCO CHANGEPARTS
CONTACT B & H FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
MARATHON®
SLA SPECIFICATIONS+
-------------------------------------------------------------
Speed Range*: speed range: 50 - 350 CPM
(containers per minute) depending on
container size, cutter configuration and selected
options
Container Handling:
B & H’s patented Constant Velocity
Starwheel System
Container Diameter Range*:
Label Panel Diameter Range:
Marathon SLA: 1.88 - 5.02 in (47.8 - 127.5mm)
Marathon SLA+: 1.88 - 6.14 in (47.8 - 155.9mm)
Label Size Range*:
Length (for complete wrap):
Marathon SLA: 6.28 - 16.24 in (159.5 - 412.5 mm)
Marathon SLA+: 6.28 - 19.79 in (159.5 - 502.6mm)
Width:
Marathon SLA/SLA+: 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, left-hand infeed, stainless steel
Conveyor Height: Adjustable 36.5 to 39.0 in
(927mm - 991mm)
--------------------------------------------------
+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