How to Make a 4-Way Solenoid work as a 3-Way
There are several different types of solenoid valves used for hot melt application equipment. We are specifically referencing gun applicator solenoids in this article. The gun solenoid is what is used to fire the gun and apply the glue onto boxes in a packaging line. The two most common types of solenoids used to fire automatic pneumatic glue guns are 4-way and 3-way. The difference between the two is simple: a 4-way solenoid is used when you have an air open/air closed gun and a 3-way is used for an air open/spring closed gun. Essentially, a 4-way solenoid utilizes pneumatic pressure to open the piston, initiating glue flow, and close the piston to shut off glue flow. Whereas a 3-way solenoid utilizes pneumatic pressure to open the piston and when the air shuts off an internal spring closes the piston, shutting off glue flow.
Now let us say your packaging facility has multiple glue lines, and some are air open/air close applicator systems and some are air open/spring close applicator systems. You can standardize your inventory by purchasing only 4-way solenoids and converting them to 3-way on an as needed basis. However, please note that you cannot run a 3-way as a 4-way.
Below are the steps to change a 4-way solenoid valve into a 3-way solenoid valve:
- Remove air line #2 from solenoid
- Plug air line #2 on solenoid with a ¼ NPT flush plug
It’s that easy!
For any further questions about solenoids, give a sales rep at Universal Systems a call at 561-272-5442 or email us at sales@ussefl.com.
Independent Air vs. Common Air Glue Guns
Hot melt applicators are used in high-speed packaging to apply melted hot glue onto the sub-straights of boxes. There are several different styles of applicators that Universal Systems manufactures, both single module and multi-module. If you are running a multi-module pneumatic applicator, you can run the air to the module either independently or at the same time, otherwise known as independent air versus common air.
If you are running your system where your modules all fire at the same time, common air applicators are what you want. They are easy to use and only require one solenoid to fire all the modules on that gun. They are by far the most machined and used applicator gun in the industry.
If you are running your system where your multi-module gun fires the modules at different times, then you will need an independent air applicator. An independent air applicator requires each module to have its own airline and solenoid to fire independently of the other modules on the manifold. It allows for more versatility, but is more expensive to operate due to the need for multiple solenoids.
If you are running a multiple module applicator and don’t know if you need a common air or independent air operation, call your sales rep at Universal Systems. We will help you identify the positives and negatives of each set up and understand which is the best for your line. An added value of using a Universal Systems ProBilt applicator gun, is that our manifolds are machined with our unique design to allow you the versatility to go from common air to independent air with just the addition of one of our patented plates. This way, if you decide to change your setup after purchasing a manifold, they can be easily converted between common air and independent air.
For more information, call us at (561) 272-5442 or email a sales representative at sales@ussefl.com.
How to Properly Mount Your Hot Glue Gun
When setting up your cartoner or tray former, you need to think through placement of hot melt equipment for maximum glue hold and minimal glue usage. That includes both determining the ideal length of hoses needed, as well as the placement of the glue applicator. There are a few things that you really need to take into consideration for both, but this article will focus on properly mounting your glue gun.
- Make sure that wherever you are placing the applicator guns, the module and nozzle are positioned approximately an inch to an inch and a half away from the sub-straight. That will lessen stringing and popping. The shorter the distance the glue must travel in the air to hit the sub-straight, the less likely it is to cool and cause stringing and poor adhesion.
- Fit and position the module so that you can easily hit the sub-straight with either a straight or right-angled nozzle. If you are tight on space, consider using a slim-line or mini applicator so that you have more maneuverability of the manifold. You want to set it up so that both the module and nozzle are easy to access for replacement and or troubleshooting.
- Placement of an in-line filter assembly is also key for maximum long-term efficiency. You need to be able to get the filter body positioned in a way where you can easily access and replace the filter. Take into consideration utilizing a right angle or 45 degree fitting to make it easier to access.
- Try to mount the gun so that the in-line filter assembly can go directly into the hose without kinking the hose. The more secure the hose is, the longer it will last you.
If you are struggling with the logistics on how to set up your glue system within your packaging line, reach out to a Universal Systems technician, who will be able to get your hose and gun mounted in the best possible way.
Mini Modules and Gun Applicators
Several Years ago, Nordson® introduced the MBII gun applicators and modules. Initially, the small module and applicator manifold was made for packaging lines that were designed with little room for glue application. Then, they started offering them in a low-profile design for case sealers. Over time, Nordson® started using MBII guns and modules as standard equipment on all of their packaging line set ups. Why? Even though it is not clear the need for the MBII in most standard application setups that have room for an H200, the price surely made it a much more profitable product in Nordson’s® arsenal. The MBII is more than double the price of a standard H200 module and gun applicator.
The key question to ask is, when do you need to use a MBII applicator versus a standard H200 applicator? Like we mentioned earlier, a MBII applicator is essential on packaging lines that have about half the space to fit an applicator than typical lines. Not only is the manifold about half the length and height of a standard H200 gun, the modules measure a mere 1” x 2” in size. Additionally, MBII applicators have the filter built into the manifold. This is a space saver because it eliminates the need for the in-line filter assembly off of the back of a standard gun into a hose. This allows for the MBII gun to attach directly to the hose and still be able to filter out all of the char and debris travelling through the hose and into the manifold. MBII guns also are air open, air close systems, so you can only run them if you have your line set up with two air lines running to the gun. MBII modules do still fit all of the standard H200 nozzle tips. So, even though you cannot use your standard H200 module on the MBII manifold, you can use all of your current stock nozzles.
If your new packaging line comes in with a MBII system installed, our recommendation is to measure the space where the applicator is mounted. If you have room for a standard H200 applicator and in-line filter assembly, you can always switch to a standard H200 set up. The only thing you will need to change out is the gun, filter assembly and solenoid. This will save you thousands of dollars in the future…but only if it fits.
For more information about the mini modules and applicators manufactured by Universal Systems SE, please visit https://www.ussefl.com/products/applicator-gun-heads/h201t-guns/#1544128561143-eeff57c6-9818.
Custom Manifolds & Gun Applicators
There are not many manufacturers in the hot melt industry that have the ability to work with clients and create custom manifolds and gun applicators to fit their unique needs. Universal Systems SE has that ability and is willing to pair up our engineers with our client’s team to ensure that we manufacture the exact applicator needed for any job.
Over the last forty years, Universal Systems SE has manufactured an array of different custom manifolds and gun applicator systems for different types of industries. Not only can our custom gun manifolds distribute adhesive onto boxes in packaging lines, but they can be used for distributing make-up, candle gel, etc. Depending on the viscosity and melt rate of the substance needed to make the transfer, our custom manifolds and applicators will work with several different types of materials.
The custom manifold and gun process is simple. Contact one of Universal Systems SE’s customer service representatives, by either calling in to (561) 272-5442 or submitting a custom gun online form. You will then be connected with a USSE mechanical engineer. After all of the client’s needs are communicated with our engineering team and all questions answered, USSE will provide the customer with a custom manifold drawing for approval. The drawing will include dimensions of the manifold, spacing of modules, type of modules and all cordsets that are included and the location of those cordsets. Once the drawing is signed off on by the customer, we then manufacture the manifold body. After a vigorous quality control process, each custom manifold is inspected and tested to ensure all dimensions are correct and that the custom gun matches the approved drawing. Once the manifold passes all initial testing, modules are added and the custom gun is created and tested internally by two different QC Engineers. Once there is approval by both engineers, the final product is cleaned and ready for shipping.
The normal process for custom manufactured manifolds and completed guns is four to six weeks, with extra time potentially added in depending on customer turnaround time for drawing approvals.
If you are interested in learning more about the types of custom manifolds and gun applicators that Universal Systems SE can engineer for you, please call (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.