How to Prevent Your Glue from Stringing
One of the most common issues that many packaging line operators experience with their adhesive melter is stringing. Stringing is when the adhesive is applied to the box, but before the flaps are closed on the cartoner, the glue starts to dry and string like cotton candy floating through the air.
There are a couple of fixes for this issue. Whether you are using a straight, right angle or swirl pattern nozzle, try moving the applicator gun closer to the box flap where you are applying the adhesive. The stringing could be caused because it is travelling too far of a distance from the applicator gun to the box. The shock from hitting the cooler factory air could be causing it to lose viscosity and start drying before it even hits the box. Not only will that cause stringing, that might also compromise the integrity of the glue hold on your product packaging.
Another cause of stringing glue could be temperature. Every adhesive is different and each one might require a different melt temperature. In order to keep the adhesive a consistent viscosity, make sure that the temperature on your glue tank and applicator guns are set correctly per the adhesive requirements. If the adhesive is too viscous then you might need to increase the tank temperature or change to an adhesive with a lower viscosity. If your tank temperature is correct, but your guns are not hot enough, then the glue could start to cool while travelling from the tank to the applicator gun. In this scenario, you would see that the thickness of the glue as it leaves the nozzle. Some line operators might try fixing the issue by putting a larger diameter nozzle on the module, which could be a temporary fix, but the real issue could be the temperature setting on the gun. Simply increase the gun temperature as needed to ensure a smooth, consistent adhesive flow.
There could also be an issue with the adhesive you are using on your packaging line. Like many products, if the adhesive is too old, has been sitting for too long, or has been heated and cooled too many times, this could cause stringing. We recommend that you drain all old adhesive from your tank, clean the tank with a cleaner such as Purge Plus™, and refill with fresh adhesive.
Universal Systems SE recommends trying to correct stringing if it is happening to your packaging line. Some line operators may think it is not that big of an issue, or they might blame the adhesive manufacturers, when in fact it could be a simple and important fix.
For more information or technical support to help you better understand how to fix your stringing glue, please call Universal Systems SE at (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.
A Personal Touch
Are you tired of listening to an automated phone system prompting you through a series of directories just to get someone on the phone? Then, after 20 minutes you still get sent to an operator and have to leave a message. At Universal Systems SE, that definitely will not happen. We pride ourselves in the personal relationships that we build with our customers. You will always have a direct sales representative that can help you with quotes and orders, or that will put you in touch with a technician or engineer that can help with any operation related inquiries.
Easy Online Quotes
If you would rather get a formal quote than speak to a sales representative, our website offers easy online quote forms for all of our products. Simply search for the product that you need, or the cross-reference number you may have, in the search box at the top right of our website. Then fill out the custom online quote form. An email will be sent directly to a sales representative who will get back to you within a couple of hours with a formal price quote. It’s quick and hassle free.
Instructional Videos
Universal Systems SE also offers several instructional videos on our YouTube channel. You can watch Meredith and Chris explain how an adhesive melter works, how to set your melter temperature, and even an introduction to the newly launched ProBilt® Phoenix on-demand melter system.
Order Confirmations
At Universal Systems we always want to make sure that you know when your order ships with an estimated time of delivery. At the end of each day, all of our order shipment confirmations get emailed out with your UPS or FedEx tracking numbers. This way you are never left wondering when you are going to get your products.
These amenities add value and a personal touch that not every company in the packaging industry offers. To create your own personal working relationship with Universal Systems, call us today at (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.
A Class Above the Rest
There are five main components that should go into your search for the right hot melt equipment manufacturer: Innovation, Knowledge, Quality, Price & Compatibility. Universal Systems SE has made it our top priority, over the last four decades, to ensure our customers get all of these. We do not compromise price for service and we stand behind all of our equipment with the strongest warranty program in the industry.
Innovation
Universal Systems SE has just launched our latest product in the ProBilt Series: The ProBilt Phoneix. This on-demand melter system allows packagers to melt and use adhesive only when they need it. The adhesive storage container eliminates the need to manually fill the melter tank, reducing adhesive spillage and waste, while improving safety. Our state of the art adhesive sensor and innovative vacuum technology will automatically fill your tank with adhesive to your desired level.
Universal Systems SE also manufactures 8 lb., 12 lb., 15 lb., 20 lb. and 40 lb. tanks that are the same footprint as most Nordson melters on the market. Our ProBilt systems continue to lead the industry with minimal down-time, easy to operate components and consumer flexibility.
Knowledge
When researching manufacturers to partner with, knowledge and availability are key. Our technicians have over 40 years’ experience in the hot melt industry and can help solve almost every issue you might run in to, because we have seen it all! Universal Systems SE’s facility is located in the United States and we are available for service calls, even if it’s a video conference to walk through any issues you might be experiencing.
Warranty, Price, Compatibility
We stand behind all of our products 100%, which is why we offer the longest warranty in the industry on our ProBilt tanks, 10 years! Also, if you find a cheaper rate from another direct manufacturer, which we are confident you won’t, we will match that price! Whether the pricing is from Nordson, Graco, ITW Dynatec or Robatech. We also ensure that almost all of our equipment is Nordson compatible. This means that even if you bought your main hot melt machine from Nordson you don’t have to stay with them forever. Even if your Nordson melter has been discontinued, such as the 2300 or 300 Series, you can still buy all of your replacement parts from USSE. We will warranty all parts that you buy from us, even if they are being paired with a competitor part.
For more information on Universal Systems SE or the ProBilt Series, please contact us at (561) 272-5442 or email us at sales@ussefl.com.