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)