INTRODUCTION

SPEED FOR FULL & EMPTY APPLICATIONS

The Marathon SLA utilizes the in-line roll-fed labeling concept invented by B & H to apply wrap-around labels to cylindrical containers at speeds up to 450 containers per minute. Container handling is performed by B & H's patented Constant Velocity Starwheel System that accommodates both flattop and air conveyor systems. 

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 and increases uptime. No other roll-fed labeler can match Marathon's low total cost of ownership. 

FAST, 15 MINUTE SIZE CHANGEOVERS

Measured from last bottle in to first bottle out, Marathon labelers are easy to changeover from 
one container to another in 15 minutes or less. 

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.

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

From UV eyemark scanners to 10" Invation Cutters to remote access modules Marathon labelers can be equipped with a wide range of options to meet application or plant requirements.


HIGHLIGHTS


Steady-state production speeds up to 450 containers per minute
Patented constant velocity starwheel system delivers smooth, efficient container handling
15-minute size changeovers, from last bottle in to first bottle out
Straight-through conveyor 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 2.0 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

Marathon SLA Overview
( CLICK TO ENLARGE )
MARATHON SLA - 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 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.


FEATURES

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 or four variable frequency drives 

PLC: Allen-Bradley 

HOT-MELT APPLICATION: glue wheel system 

HOT-MELT TANK: ITW Dynatec 

VACUUM SYSTEM: multi-valve system with independent controls 

ELECTRONICS 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: 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: stops labeler when missing container is detected at high speeds 

ROLL-ON PAD: fine adjustment for pitch control

LABEL HANDLING FEATURES

REGISTRATION CONTROL: Marathon Intelligent Registration Control System standard 

LABEL ROLL STANDS: single 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 SOFTWARE FEATURES

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


OPTIONS


2, 3, & 4 STATION INVATION® CUTTERS 

10" INVATION CUTTERS 

CUTTER OIL PUMP 

KINETI-COAT™ CUTTER SHELLS 

2ND LABEL ROLL STAND 

WEBTRACKER 

ROLL-ON BELT SYSTEM 

INVATION PASSIVE STARWHEEL SYSTEM 

2ND BACK SIDE HMI 

UV EYEMARK SCANNER 

BACK EYEMARK SCANNER 

REMOTE ACCESS MODULE 

ETHERNET COMMUNICATIONS MODULE 

CUSTOM ELEVATION SUBFRAMES 

SPECIFICATIONS

Speed Range*: 
Base model: 
50 - 200 CPM (containers per minute) 

With roll-on belt: 
50 - 350 CPM 

With roll-on belt and Invation passive starwheel: 
50 - 450 CPM 

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 - 6.25 in (47.8 - 158.8mm) 

Label Size Range*: 
Length (for complete wrap): 
Marathon SLA: 6.28 - 16.24 in (159.5 - 412.5 mm) 
Marathon SLA+: 6.28 - 20.00 in (159.5 - 508.0mm) 

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: 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, left-hand infeed, stainless steel 

Conveyor Height: 
Adjustable 36.5 to 39.0 in (927mm - 991mm)