Preventative Tips to NOT Char Your Glue
One of the most dangerous, yet inevitable, occurrences running hot melt systems in your packaging lines is char. Universal Systems SE has updated technology running in our ClearFlow™ hoses that reduces char, however the main char that runs through the hoses comes from the tank itself. Once your tank is infested with char, no matter how efficiently your hoses and guns run, there is always the potential to transfer this char onto your packages. You also run the risk of char clogging your nozzles and modules, which can back up through your guns and kill your pumps. Our Universal Systems SE technicians have seen it all. That is why we have created a list of preventative tips that each line operator should follow to effectively reduce char and keep your ProBilt® system running at top capacity.
Preventative Maintenance
Universal Systems Se recommends a complete hot melt system cleaning at least twice a year using our Purge Plus™ system cleaner.
Contaminated Adhesive
Hot melt adhesive should always be stored in a strong container such as a heavy-duty plastic waste container. Do not set boxes or open bags of adhesive on the floor or on the top of the container. The container should be labeled “Adhesive Only” and include your adhesive part number.
Low Quality Adhesive
With hot melt adhesives, higher price usually means higher quality, the opposite is also true. Adhesive manufacturing is a highly un-regulated industry and many companies use low cost waxes and fillers in their products to reduce cost. These products tend to burn quickly. Due to the fillers and heavy waxes, low cost adhesives can greatly reduce your adhesive mileage whereas high quality adhesives are lighter and have a lower specific gravity. The bottom line is a higher dollar per pound does not necessarily translate to higher packaging costs. We also recommend that you do not mix old adhesives with new brand adhesives. Please read our past blog to help you understand why.
Old Equipment
Hot melt systems are not cheap, so most of the ones in operation today have been on their packaging lines for 10 – 20 years, whether they are running properly or not. That means that most likely, these older machines have char built up in their tanks. It may be time to evaluate the performance and efficiency of your aging equipment and trade up to a new ProBilt®.
To get the latest pricing on ClearFlow™ hoses, Purge Plus™ system cleaner or ProBilt® adhesive melters, please email sales@ussefl.com. If you are experiencing issues with char, please feel free to call one of our technicians at (800) 848-5018 and we would be happy to help you.
The Difference Between a Glue Gun Head and Module
By far, the most commonly asked question we receive is – what is the difference between a glue gun and a module? A misconception that many packaging line buyers make is that when a module fails, you need to replace the entire gun. That is not true. In most cases, the modules attach to the gun and can be easily removed and replaced.
Below is a breakdown of the components that comprise a hot melt adhesive gun application system:
- Gun Head – this is the gun body that attaches to the packaging line and initiates the application of melted adhesive into the module. There are a variety of different style gun heads, ranging from 1 module to multi module capacities.
- Module – the module attaches to the gun head via two screws. Each gun applicator will come with modules, but these can be replaced regularly once they get clogged. The module is the conduit that applies the adhesive to the package.
- Nozzles (not always included when you purchase a gun) – at the end of every module is a nozzle. Most standard nozzles will screw on to the end of the module. The diameter of the nozzle will determine how much hot melt is applied to each package. Some modules, such as reduced cavity, zero cavity and ProBead’s, will come with an integrated nozzle seat attached. Replacement kits for these integrated nozzles are sold separately, instead of buying a brand-new module.
If you only need to replace the module, and not the entire gun applicator, make sure you check which type of module you need. Below is a list of the most common modules in use today.
- Standard H200 Module
- ProBead Self-Cleaning Module
- Reduced Cavity H200 Module
- Zero Cavity Micro Adjust H200 Module
- Swirl Pattern Modules
- Weave Pattern Modules
- H20 Modules
If you have any questions on which items you may need, please reach out to a sales representative by either calling (561) 272-5442 or emailing sales@ussefl.com. We manufacture all products in the United States and are here to offer the best price possible to get your packaging line up and running as quickly as possible.