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.
Hot Melt Equipment Compatibility
Most all packaging lines come with an already installed hot melt adhesive system. This is the entire system that melts the adhesive pellets and transfers that adhesive to the boxes before they are sealed.
It is important to know that just because your packaging line comes with a hot melt system, that does not mean you need to buy the exact brand name replacement parts. Universal Systems SE manufactures an array of hot melt components and equipment at economical prices, that are most likely compatible with your current system.
The key term to focus on is compatibility. The devices and parts used to construct an applicator system are in depth, and we know they can get confusing. Not only do you need the melter itself, but you also need applicator gun heads, modules, nozzles, hoses and pumps.
Choosing the right part, or replacement part, to best fit your company’s needs may be difficult. Universal Systems SE has tried to make this process easier by building our technology to be compatible with all of our largest competitors. We also offer online search capabilities and list all cross-reference part numbers on our website, so that you can match your current part with our Universal Systems part number. This helps to eliminate confusion when ordering replacement components.
Example Cross-Reference Compatibility Comparisons:
ProBilt™ 20 Melter – Compatible to Nordson® P10, 3500 Series, 2300 Series
ClearFlow™ Hoses 4100 Series – Compatible to Nordson® 107286, 107287, 107288, 107289, 107310, 104008, 223838, 100832
ProBilt™ H200 Module #29219 – Compatible to Nordson® 1052925, 1048115
In addition to compatibility, Universal Systems offers one of the longest product warranties in the market. So not only will you be purchasing a component that is more economical for your budget, it will last you longer than your current parts.
With a combined experience of over 40+ years in the hot melt industry, Universal Systems offers the highest level of technical support. If you have a question on a part or if your machine is no longer running at its maximum capacity, just call in and speak with a technician.
If you need more information on how you can get the best pricing on hot melt applicator units, call USSE today at 1-800-848-5018 or visit our website at www.ussefl.com. When you click on a product of interest on the site, USSE will show you all of the cross-referenced product numbers from our competitors that this part is compatible with.
From Leaves and Baskets to Hot Melt and High Speed Packaging
People have been packaging products for thousands of years. From the time the earliest humans stepped out to go on a long hunt, it was necessary to wrap food for the journey in something – be it leaves or grass – in order to keep the food from spoiling. As time progressed, new innovations allowed new foods to be packaged for transportation. And innovations were made to package non-food items, as well. Packaging allows for the easy transport of anything and everything that people produce.
But fast-forward a few thousand years. People no longer produce things on a small scale. Even when an entire year’s worth of a harvest was required to be packaged for transport across the country, it did not compare to the production capacity of the twentieth century. New manufacturing technology has made it possible to produce thousands of pieces of a product in a single day. Anyone who has walked into a big-box store or supermarket has experienced firsthand the overwhelming mass production that is possible with modern techniques.
With high-speed production comes the need for high-speed packaging. This is not something that can be accomplished by hand, and requires specialized machines and technology for the process. An important part of high-speed packaging is hot melt equipment. Since hot melt is literally what holds the packaging in an industrial world together.
Hot melt glue has the ability to rapidly cool and bond materials, which allows manufacturers to quickly seal and secure products. Companies across all industries know if items are not properly packaged and available to ship immediately after production, they will lose money. Humans continue to build on the idea of wrapping things in leaves and putting items in a containers for transport. The key to continued progress is incorporating new technologies as well as adapting to the needs of an ever changing global market.
Know Your Equipment, Not Just the Part Numbers
The hot melt equipment industry has evolved over the last 40 years. Each manufacturer has made design and material modifications to their product line, which has had a significant impact on the creation and assignment of part numbers. Unfortunately for our particular niche industry there have also been an abundance of variations created solely for clerical purposes. These superfluous numbers make it extremely difficult to place orders and keep inventory organized.
Let’s say you are looking for a single orifice right angle nozzle with a .014 inch diameter hole. The correct manufacturer number can be 244519, 244-519, 244 519, 24-4519US, 320014, 320-014, 320 014, 32-0014US, 1011014, 1011014US, or SR19014. These are all correct manufacturer parts numbers and as you can see the variations are sometimes nothing more than a space or dash. This has already created a very high level of confusion, but wait, it gets even worse.
If you are not purchasing directly from the manufacturer you add a whole other coded level of alpha numeric characters, dashes and mystery spaces. Each buying house has their own system, each aftermarket dealer makes up their own numbers, and even legitimate distributes from time to time will add a character to a part number purely for tracking purposes.
It is important for anyone using hot melt systems to understand the function of each piece of equipment so that there is not a complete dependency on just a part number. We at Universal Systems SE work with our customers to identify parts through a combination of part numbers, descriptions, and photographs. It is especially important to take the time to talk to one of our associates if you haven’t ordered a replacement part in several years or are order a new part for the first time. Our website has a part number search function for your convince; but know you can always call 1-800-848-5018 for personal assistance.
The Growth of Hot Melt Adhesive Systems
Unlike water and solvent based adhesives, the adhesives used in a hot melt system do not require any dryer after being applied. This gives these machines a unique and efficient advantage over other types of adhesives being used. Also known as “hot glue,” hot melt is a thermoplastic adhesive that begins to bond as soon as it’s applied to the object due to it being able to cool down to its solidification point almost immediately.
Who Benefits With Hot Melt Adhesive Systems?
Hot melt adhesive is ideal for those who work throughout several industries. This type of adhesive equipment is ideal industrial applications that include, but are not limited to:
- Bonding versatility.
- High-speed manufacturing.
- Minimal shrinkage.
- Large gap filling.
Within the packaging industry, hot melt adhesive systems are extremely popular because they allow for major applications to be accomplished in a faster time while increasing production value. Whether you work in construction, woodworking, stock and tape manufacturing, bottle labeling, or any type of bonding industry, this adhesive system can only benefit your business.
Using a Hot Melt System
With a majority of hot melt glues being composed of polyolefin compounds, acrylics, polyamides, and urethane materials, there’s no need for any pre-surface treatment when you begin bonding. Hot melts are easy to apply systems because the only process is turning a solid into a liquid then it immediately turns back into a solid (remember: no dry time). Although durable and long lasting, this type of adhesive is easy to repair by reheating and re-separating.
If you think a hot melt adhesive system can benefit you and your business, contact us at Universal Systems and we can inform you of the equipment that has the best benefits in terms of what you’re attempting to achieve.
How Advanced Adhesive Systems Benefit Your Business
Within production corporations, advanced adhesive systems are beginning to play a larger role in terms of joining agents, fasteners, and sealants because they’re proving to be stronger than the standard bolts and rivets. When you have severely strong bonds that were created by an adhesive formula, you’ll notice that your machine and tool construction has been enhanced. Plus, using adhesives allows for any tools or machinery to be lighter, stronger, and last longer.
If you’re using bolts and rivets, your product won’t be able to absorb shock from shipping like another bonding agent like a strong adhesive will be able to do. When you invest in adhesive machinery, or a hot melt system, you’re keeping your products above production value because adhesives allow you to create a stronger product that will survive any type of deformation or stress caused by:
- Heavy Impact
- Load Transfer
- Thermal Expansion
- Vibration
Adhesive hot melt equipment can be used to join together carbon steel, plastics, and other composites that will increase the value of your product and make production easier. With the machine industry being one of the least explored sectors in terms of technological potential, advanced adhesive systems are certainly making a name for themselves throughout today’s machine shops.
In the event that you want to add an adhesive system to your business, you want to make sure that you choose a retailer that can assist you with any issues you may run into. Whether there’s a problem with the machine and it needs a repair, or if you just need troubleshooting tips – find an adhesive system retailer that you can trust. Especially if you’re introducing your hot melt system into your business as soon as it’s received.
Hot Melt Adhesive Equipment: Troubleshooting Tips
Whether you’ve already invested in hot melt glue equipment, or you’re considering it, knowing how to troubleshoot any potential problems is highly advised by any hot melt adhesive machinery as well as equipment distributors and manufacturers. However, before we get into common troubleshoots; let’s define what hot melt adhesive systems actually do.
What is a Hot Melt Adhesive System?
Hot melt adhesive systems are composed of different pieces of equipment that come in a variety of pump, hopper, and hose gun connection sizes in order to satisfy your individual production needs. Hot melt glue machinery can be used to assist several different industries including, but not limited to:
- Bookbinding
- Breweries
- Graphic Arts
- Labeling / Laminating
- Packaging
Troubleshooting Mechanical Problems With Your Hot Melt System
Now, we don’t advise that you should try and troubleshoot a hot melt dispensing unit on your own unless you’re a qualified professional. If you are a qualified professional, observe and follow the safety instructions within your OEM manual that you were given for your specific machine.
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IF YOUR PISTON PUMP ISN’T WORKING PROPERLY
First, check to see if the unit has reached its operating temperature, if it has, then there could be a problem with your air supply, the solenoid valve, or there’s something wrong with the assembly of the shifter valve.
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IF THE PISTON PUMP IS STROKING ERRATICALLY
If this problem is occurring, then you may be low on adhesive, if you’re adhesive level is fine, then check to make sure that the adhesive is actually melted. You’ll also want to check the pump seats in case anything became lodged within them, as well as make sure that the o-ring in the crossover tube isn’t broken.
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IF THE GEAR PUMP IS NOT PUMPING PROPERLY
One of the first things to check if your gear pump is not pumping properly is the motor. If the motor is not running, you want to check the motor control as well as the capacitor. If you don’t see anything wrong with the motor than look for any fault indicators, as well as making sure that the pump ready light is on. In the event that none of these tips help, then there may be a blown fuse.
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IF NO ADHESIVE IS PUMPING OUT
If your motor is running, but there’s no adhesive being pumped out, then you’ll need to check your adhesive levels and make sure it’s melted. There’s a chance that the nozzle could be clogged on the head however, if it’s not then you’ll need to check the inline head filters, the tank filters, the coupler between the motor and the pumped, and the pressure regulator.
Hot Melt Adhesive System: Electrical Troubleshooting Tips
Hot melt adhesive systems are a great investment if you’re looking to increase your production rate, and if you have the right equipment that works properly, then that’s even better. However, in the event that something goes wrong with your hot melt glue equipment or your adhesive machinery, you’re going to want to know how to troubleshoot the problem yourself. While your OEM manual that came with the machine should be able to help you solve the problems, you may not necessarily know what to look for, and that’s where we come in.
In the event that your hot melt adhesive dispensing unit malfunctions in any way, it’s highly advised that you seek someone who’s qualified and familiar with this machinery – if you’re not already. Now, with that being said, you want to make sure you follow all the safety instructions within the manual as well.
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IF THE TANK IS UNDER / NOT HEATING
In the event that your tank is under heating or if it’s not heating at all, there are a few things that you could look into – the first being the system fault light and making sure there isn’t a blown fuse. After that, you’ll want to look into the resistance on the tank heater and the tank RTD, there’s also a chance that you have a burned off or broken wire leading into the tank heater.
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IF THE HOSE IS UNDER / NOT HEATING
If your hose is either under heating or not heating at all, check the system fault light as well as a blown fuse. Checking the issues surrounding the hose is similar to checking if the tank is under heating. So, you’ll want to check the resistance on the hose heater and the hose RTD. Also, make sure that none of the electrical collectors are unplugged.
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IF THE HEAD OF THE HOSE IS UNDER HEATING
A majority of the issues surrounding electrical deal with a blown fuse or the system fault light, therefore you’ll want to check that if the head of the hose is under heating or not heating up what so ever. You’re also going to want to check for unplugged electrical connectors, wire connectors (look for backed out pins), and the control boards.
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IF THE TANK IS OVERHEATING
If your tank if overheating, there’s a good chance one of the four following things is wrong: – The system fault light, the resistance on the tank’s RTD, the control board, or the triac. If you’ve found that one of those four things is the issue, you should be able to find a solution in your OEM manual to get your hot melt adhesive unit is back up and running.
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IF THE HOSE OR HOSE HEAD IS OVERHEATING
For both the hose and hose head, you’re going to want to first check the system fault light as well as the resistance on the hose RTD and the head RTD. Another thing that could have a problem is the control board.