Magazine unit for a packaging machine, packaging machine having a magazine unit and method for operating a packaging machine

Method for operating a packaging machine for producing packages filled with a pourable product, the packaging machine having a magazine unit comprising:

• a support device configured to rotatably carry a reel of a web of packaging material;
• and
• a reel brake device configured to decelerate a rotation of the reel around a central axis;
• wherein the reel brake device comprises a brake assembly adapted to interact with an outer lateral surface of the reel of the web of packaging material and being configured to selectively exert a deceleration force on the reel of web of packaging material for at least decelerating the rotation of the reel around the central axis;
• wherein the brake assembly comprises an interaction element configured to at least temporarily engage with the outer lateral surface of the reel and an actuator device adapted to advance at least the interaction element towards the outer lateral surface of the reel;
• the method comprises at least the steps of:
• rotating the reel of the web of packaging material for unwinding the web of packaging material;
• repeatedly activating the actuator device according to predefined time intervals so as to move the interaction element towards and to the outer lateral surface and to temporarily establish contact between the interaction element and the outer lateral surface;
• and
• deactivating actuator device so as to interrupt further advancement of brake wheel after establishing contact between brake wheel and outer lateral surface.