Troubleshooting 10 common VFFS packaging machine ...

19 Aug.,2024

 

Troubleshooting 10 common VFFS packaging machine ...

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It's not fun when your VFFS packaging machine throws an error code.

But with proper preventive maintenance and training, vertical form fill seal troubleshooting should be infrequent and easy.

Need help troubleshooting your Viking machine? Contact support here >>

General vertical form fill seal troubleshooting

Error messages report issues with the VFFS machine. Every trouble report will stay displayed on the HMI screen until it is acknowledged by an operator.

Before getting into the specifics of your issue, ask yourself 3 general questions:

  1. Is the machine set up in the correct environment as specified?
  2. Are the ambient temperature and humidity levels as specified?
  3. Are there any other factors that may cause potential issues with the machine, product, or film?

If the environment, temperature, or humidity levels in your facility deviate from what your vertical form fill machine was specified for, this can cause malfunctions. Additionally, if you have recently changed the machine over to an untested new product or film, it may need some tweaking. If the above questions don't uncover anything abnormal, you can move on to more specific VFFS troubleshooting, starting with 10 common issues and their possible causes below:

NOTE: These are general tips. Your machine may not have all features listed. Consult your owner's manual or machine manufacturer's service department for VFFS troubleshooting specific to your machine.

1. The machine does not power up

Possible causes:

  • Incoming power issue
  • Main disconnect is off

2. The machine does not reset

Possible causes:

  • Safety circuit not reset
  • Low air pressure
  • Guard doors open
  • E-Stop
  • Faulty wiring
  • Bad safety relay

3. Low air pressure

Possible causes:

  • Machine not reset
  • Safety circuit not reset
  • Incoming air pressure low
  • Low air pressure during run mode
  • Supply airline too small

4. The temperature of the jaw is out of range

This means the set jaw temperature does not correspond to real temperature. In this situation, you should check all wiring and connections using electrical prints. Also verify the solid-state relay light is coming on.

Possible causes:

  • Sealing jaws are not warmed up
  • PLC fault
  • Temperature sensor fault
  • Heater fault
  • Faulty fuses or breakers

5. Jaws are not working

This error means the jaws cannot completely open.

Possible causes:

  • Assembly not able to function freely
  • Low air pressure
  • Air cylinder fault
  • Cylinder slide fault
  • Piston position sensor fault
  • Air distribution fault
  • E-Stop during machine run

6. Printer does not work

Possible causes:

  • Printer is not ready to run
  • Printer is switched off
  • Printer cable is damaged or disconnected
  • Printer ribbon is broken
  • Printer is damaged

7. Film is not tracking properly

This means the film is not moving through the machine properly. First, check to make sure the film carriage moves freely. Also check all wiring, relays, and power to the motor. Wipe the film brake roller clean.

Possible causes:

  • Film is not centered on spindle
  • Film is not webbed up properly
  • Rollers and dancer levels are parallel
  • Film is loose on one side and tight on the other
  • Splice table clamps down
  • Rollers not spinning freely
  • Auto film tracking not working
  • Forming tube damaged or not installed properly
  • Splice tape stuck in forming tube
  • Pull belts not set up properly
  • Brake roller dirty

8. Bad vertical seals

This error means the vertical seals on the packages are inadequate. First check the film tracking to make sure film is properly loaded, folded, and in position. Work with time, temperature, and pressure settings to create acceptable seals. Also check the foam and tape on the forming tube.

Possible causes:

  • Forming tube backstop set improperly
  • Incorrect distance between film and forming tube

9. Bad cross (horizontal) seals

This error means the horizontal seals on the packages are inadequate. First check to make sure the jaws are properly aligned and that there are no wrinkles on the film. Work with time, temperature, and pressure settings to create acceptable seals.

Possible cause:

  • Product in end seal

10. Jaw jam

This means there is something causing a jam in the sealing jaws.

Possible causes:

  • Product in end seal
  • Incorrect timing between filler and bagger
  • Jaws not set up properly
  • Jaw air pressure low

VFFS troubleshooting and maintenance

With a proper preventive maintenance plan, vertical form fill seal troubleshooting should be infrequent and easy. Need help getting started? Download our free VFFS Preventive Maintenance Planner:

 

Have a bigger issue and need to talk with a certified Viking technician about your VFFS packing machine? Contact us today.

Automatic Roll to Sheet Cutting Machine

What does a roll to sheet cutter do?

A roll to sheet cutter is an efficient tool to accurately cut a roll of material into sheets. With an automatic roll to sheet cutting machine, the blades safely transform the rolls into sheets or labels of the desired length and size.

With an automatic roll to sheet cutting machine, the roll is fed directly to the cutter, offering a fully programmable and automated cutting system. Depending on the automatic roll to sheet cutter machine chosen for the job, it is possible to adjust the settings for each project.

The GEMfix XC Cutters are available in a range of size options to suit any specific roll cutting and slitting needs. GEMfix cutters can produce 450 cuts her hour at 30cm length and are available in various widths:

  • 60xc &#; 57 cm roll width (most popular)
  • 110xc &#; 107cm roll width
  • 120xc &#; 117cm roll width
  • 130xc &#; 127cm roll width
  • 160xc &#; 152cm roll width

What are important things to consider when buying

an automatic roll to sheet cutting machine?

Not all roll cutting machines are created equal! When buying a roll cutting machine, it&#;s important to consider the specific requirements of the business or project.

What are the size, thickness, and speed of the roll cutting machine as well as the required size of sheets produced? See below for some essential questions to ask when purchasing a roll cutting machine.

For more information, please visit Eopac Machinery.

1. Machine Size &#; What size of roll will the machine take? When buying a roll cutting machine or slitter machine, consider the size of the roll used. For example, the GEMfix 60XC cuts rolls with a width of up to 570mm while the 110XC cuts to a width of 1,070mm.

Tip: You can determine the maximum cutting width of a roll cutting machine by subtracting 30mm from the model of the machine in cm.

2. Thickness of Material &#; What is the material thickness the machine will cut? This will vary between machines and size, so be sure to consider the thickness of the material the machine will need to cut.

In terms of roll thickness, standard cutting machines will hold a maximum diameter of 400mm. GEMfix offers a second option that raises the roll diameter to 100mm &#; meaning your machine will easily support rolls of materials with a larger diameter, such as foam and bubble wrap.

3. Sheet Size &#; What size sheets will it cut? Depending on the size of the roll cutting machine, it will cut rolls into different size sheets.

4. Speed &#; What is the speed of the machine? Speed is measured by the number of cuts. Smaller cuts take more time. For example, the GEMfix XC can make a cut of 100mm in 10 seconds.

5. Split Options &#; Can the machine split and cut? A splitter (or slitter) will cleanly slice through a standard-sized roll to create custom sizes. If both roll cutting and slitting are necessary, ensure the machine has the option for roll cutting and splitting.

With a wide variety of options, GEMfix will help you find the correct machine for projects of any size.

What are some of the benefits and uses of a roll

cutting machine?

1. Cutting down on Time and Labor &#; A higher-quality roll cutting machine will reduce your cutting time. With more efficient use of time, it is possible to expand production without increasing the labor force.

With the GEMfix cutters, sold by ColDesi, Inc. on their ecommerce site in the U.S., changing the blade is also fast and simple. Depending on the level of expertise, changing the blade will take between 5 and 10 minutes, significantly cutting down on the machine&#;s downtime.

2. Variety of Materials and Jobs &#; The possibilities of what you can achieve with a roll cutting machine are endless. Automatic roll to sheet cutting machines are fully programmable and adapt to the needs of any job.

For example, GEMfix Cutters can cut down rolls of heat transfer vinyl for shirts. Cutters can also make transfer sheets from larger rolls for bling machines.

A commercial, high-quality cutter/slitter like this precisely cuts:

  • Transfers
  • Teflon
  • Papers
  • Plastics or opaque and glitter vinyl
  • Bubble foam / wrap
  • Fabric
  • Interfacing and backings
  • and other materials.

3. Precision and Accuracy &#; The GEMfix XC cutter machines offer incredible accuracy. With a margin of error of approximately 1mm, users can cut with confidence.

No huge warehouse? No problem. Thanks to its portable and efficient structure, the GEMfix xc cutters function well in working areas with minimal space for equipment.

4. Safety &#; GEMfix XC machines are safe and easy to use. With fully automatic roll cutting machines, the operator has no contact with the blade, reducing the risk of accidents.

How much does an automatic machine cost?

Pricing for the GEMfix rolled material cutters ranges from approximately $5,700 to $10,400, depending on the size.

Although purchasing an automatic roll to sheet cutting machine is an investment, GEMfix offers a standard warranty on all machines. Electric and electronic parts are covered for 1 year and mechanical parts are under warranty for 2 years from the date of purchase.

For pricing in Europe or Asia visit www.gemfix.pt/en

What&#;s the best automatic paper roll to sheet cutting

machine?

The GEMfix xc line of roll cutting machines is the best option for efficiently transforming rolls into sheets of any desired length and size.

The best automatic paper roll to sheet cutting machine from the line of GEMfix machines will depend on the project and material&#;s specific needs and requirements.

The GEMfix xc cutters can handle 400mm diameter and 30 kg of weight or up to mm diameter and 50kg of weight by special request. No matter the project or roll type, the GEMfix line has the right machine for the job.

For any questions regarding GEMfix&#;s extensive options of automatic roll to sheet cutting machines or to place an order visit this page.

The company is the world’s best paper roll wrapping machine supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.