BLA1

Overview

The Hobart BLA1 is a bottom label applier built for packaging lines that need labels applied to the underside of a container. Hobart catalogued it under model number ML-44106, and the designation in the parts manual is explicit: the BLA1 applies labels left to right. Its companion unit, the BLA2 (ML-44145), handles the same job right to left, so operations with lines running in either direction could spec the matching machine.

PartHubz provides the Form 33777 parts manual for this model and supplies the replacement parts it lists. For a machine of this vintage, that documentation is the difference between ordering the correct 115 VAC gear motor and guessing at a part number.

Key Features

Drive system

• Gear motor, 115 VAC at 72 RPM (part 00-047295): the gear motor drives the label application mechanism at a fixed 72 RPM on 115 VAC power.
• Motor capacitor, 5.6 MFD/370V (part 00-047297): a dedicated capacitor in the motor circuit, listed at quantity 1.

Sensing and switching

• Microswitch with roller (part 00-084732): a roller-actuated microswitch, wired through its own cord assembly (part 00-047360).
• Left-hand switch mounting: the switch mounting (LH) in the mechanical section is secured with 10-32 hex machine nuts cut with left-hand thread (part NS-047-11, quantity 2) — a detail worth confirming before reordering hardware.
• 6-32 hex Keps nut assembly (part NS-044-07): quantity 1 in the assembly.

Label handling

• Guide stripper pin (part 00-047133): the guide stripper pin listed in the mechanical section of the manual.

Cabinet and fasteners

• Cabinet assembly PL-52627: the BLA cabinet section of Form 33777, covering the enclosure and its mounted components.
• Resistor cover assembly (part 00-047123): the cover enclosing the resistor inside the cabinet.
• SC-123-88 machine screws: 8-32 x 5/16 slotted truss head, used in quantity 4 with WL-006-02 #8 medium lockwashers in the cabinet section.
• SC-115-26 machine screw: 6-32 x 5/16 pan head, item 57 on the parts list, quantity 1. This is a genuine Hobart part, and it is listed for 19 models across the GE/Hobart line.

Specifications

• Product type: Bottom Label Applier
• Model: BLA1
• Model number: ML-44106
• Label application direction: left to right
• Parts manual: Form 33777 (6-97), catalog of replacement parts, © Hobart Corporation 1997
• Cabinet illustration: PL-52627
• Gear motor: part 00-047295, 115 VAC, 72 RPM, quantity 1
• Motor capacitor: part 00-047297, 5.6 MFD/370V, quantity 1
• Microswitch: part 00-084732, with roller, quantity 1
• Microswitch cord assembly: part 00-047360, quantity 1
• Guide stripper pin: part 00-047133, quantity 1
• Resistor cover assembly: part 00-047123, quantity 1
• Switch mounting (LH): listed in the mechanical section, quantity 1
• Machine nut: part NS-047-11, 10-32 hex, left-hand thread, quantity 2
• Nut assembly: part NS-044-07, 6-32 hex Keps, quantity 1
• Machine screw: part SC-115-26, 6-32 x 5/16 pan head, quantity 1
• Machine screw: part SC-123-88, 8-32 x 5/16 slotted truss head, quantity 4
• Lockwasher: part WL-006-02, #8 medium, quantity 4
• Related model: BLA2, model ML-44145, right-to-left application

Applications

Bottom label appliers earn their keep in food production, packaging, and distribution settings where the base of the container is the right home for a label. Typical jobs include date codes, lot numbers, price and promotional labels, and brand or origin markings applied to the bottoms of cans, jars, tubs, clamshells, and trays as they pass through the machine on a line. Putting the label on the bottom keeps the top and sides of the package clear for product visibility and barcodes while still giving inspectors and checkout systems a readable surface.

The BLA1's left-to-right orientation matches lines that feed the applier from the left; operations running the opposite direction spec the BLA2 (ML-44145), which applies right to left. Both machines share the same parts documentation — Form 33777 covers the BLA1 and BLA2 together — and components such as the SC-115-26 pan head screw are listed for both.

For maintenance planners, the SC-115-26 screw is worth noting beyond this machine: it is listed for 19 models across the GE/Hobart brand — 6614, 6801, BLA1, BLA2, EL3, FT1000, FT1000-ADV, FT1000-ER, FT1000-ER-BD, FT1000S, FT1000S-ER, FT1000S-ER-BD, FT1000Se, FT1000e, FT1000e-ADV, FT1000i, FT1000iS, FT900S, and LT1. One hardware SKU therefore covers the BLA1 and much of the surrounding labeling equipment in the same facility.