Correct Hose Length
Case packing and sealing in packaging lines depends on several components to run steadily and reliably. In order for a system to run continuously at all times, each piece of equipment needs to be concisely installed. The usual suspects of precision engineering on your case sealer adhesive systems are the pump, applicators and nozzles. Most line operators undervalue the importance of heated hose length in the overall operation and efficiency of the line.
Heated adhesive hoses get attached to the hot melt tank and run from the tank to the application gun, which is mounted on the packaging line itself. Heated hoses are typically attached to the tank with a straight connector, but can have both a 45 degree or 90 degree connection option, depending on where the tank is placed on the line. The applicator plug at the end of the hose is also sent out as a straight connection, but can be switched to a 90 degree plug if needed. There are typically two – four hoses used on each packaging line. With a two hose line, one hose will run up the line, across the top and down to the applicators. This hose transfers the adhesive that will seal the top of the carton and is mounted using straps. The second hose will typically run straight along the side of the packaging line to seal the bottom of the case. No matter how many hoses you run or how you mount them, it is very important to have the correct length hose.
Our technicians visit several packaging facilities each year, and their biggest take away is that most purchasing agents are ordering the wrong length hose. Typically, the hoses that we see are too long. They are either running extra length on the ground, which is a safety hazard, or there is excess hanging before the applicator connection, which can cause heating inconsistency issues. It is important to measure from the tank through the entire hose travel process, including mounting straps, before ordering. Universal Systems SE manufactures our ClearFlow™ line of heated hoses in 2 ft increments. So, if you measure 6 ft, order a 6 ft hose and if you measure 7 ft, order an 8ft hose. Make sure that you measure precisely! If need a hose longer than 24 ft, we can custom make you any length up to 50 ft.
To speak with a USSE representative about our ClearFlow™ hoses or to consult with a technician about the hose length you need, please call (800) 848-5018 or email sales@ussefl.com.
CPGs Wrestle with Workforce
If you follow the packaging industry, whether through news articles, industry periodicals or first hand through direct buyers at CPG companies, one of the largest drivers in packaging is the stress on workforce demands. This can include how difficult it is to find reliable workers that are dedicated to the success of the company. It can also be in the aspect that most of the line operators working the packaging line equipment are not trained properly on that piece of equipment and all of its capabilities.
As the packaging industry tries to modernize technology, not all of their workforce can keep up. As a hot melt equipment manufacturer, one of our core competencies is our knowledgeable technical support. If you have any Universal Systems SE equipment or ProBilt™ machines on your packaging lines, you can rest assured that you will get speedy, knowledgeable sales and technical support. However, in many instances, line operators do not have that type of experience or knowledge base. That can lead to “on the fly” fixes, which usually equates to weakened product and voided warranties. At Universal Systems SE we understand that knowledge is power, and we want to make line operators jobs easier, not harder. With that in mind, we have kept all of the ProBilt™ hot melt application systems uniform and easy to operate. We also try to make our clients smarter when they call with issues, asking questions to help them learn or giving them some simple troubleshooting tips to follow for the future.
In addition to being able to help line operators with questions and knowledge, we also make sure to include in every shipment all of the pertinent manuals and information guidelines needed. For example, if your company is ordering ClearFlow™ heated hoses (Universal Systems SE’s proprietary line of heated hot melt hoses), each shipment will include installation and care instructions. The same goes for our ProBilt™ applicator guns. With the purchase of any ProBilt™ application gun, we include a list of maintenance recommendations on the gun, modules and nozzles.
So, as CPGs continue to have concerns with their workforce, we here at Universal Systems SE we will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that we keep them knowledgeable on our equipment.
To learn more about our ClearFlow™ hoses or any other ProBilt™ products, please reach out to sales@ussefl.com or call (561) 272-5442.
RTD Sensors
RTD Sensors (resistance temperature detectors) are used in hot melt packaging systems because of their precision in sensing and proportioning temperature. They consistently maintain a temperature control stability of +/- 1-degree Fahrenheit. With the ever-increasing price of adhesive, it is important that RTD sensors are used in all of Universal Systems’ hot melt hoses and glue applicators for steady adhesive application. When combined with USSE’s patented AccuScan™ solid-state control system, RTD sensors provide precise bead uniformity for all of our ProBilt™ applicators.
Since RTD sensors are so key to the adhesive application process, it is important to check them first whenever you notice glue inconsistencies. If you see that your glue bead is not sticking properly or getting clogged, it could be caused by inconsistent glue temperature. There are several causes of inconsistent glue temperature. For example, if your tank operators are opening the cover to add glue, that will cause a temperature change. RTDs control that process, by notifying the heater to turn on and run longer when those situations occur. If your RTD is weak, then the heater will not be able to maintain steady temperature. It is the easiest, most overlooked and one of the least expensive components in your application process, but is worth it’s weight in glue!
When it comes to understanding the components that make up your adhesive application system, we believe that knowledge is power. So, if you have any questions, or think that you may be having issues with your RTD sensor, do not hesitate to call Universal Systems at (800) 848-5018 to speak with one of our technicians. We can walk your line operator through testing RTD sensors and how to switch them out correctly and safely.
The Importance of Utilizing Cross-Referencing
The packaging industry is entering the time of year when budgets are getting tight, but replacement parts are still needed. Universal Systems SE will cross-reference any of our competitor item numbers and get you high quality replacements. Cross-referencing Nordson item numbers to Universal Systems SE item numbers will help to lower your cost and keep your packaging lines running longer!
You will also notice that our competitors change their part number often. This is why we offer the search bar on our website for any cross-reference numbers you might have. Some of the most common cross references are listed below. If you purchase any of the parts listed on a regular basis, please feel free to call us today! We guarantee that all of our products are quality control tested before leaving our facility and we stand by all of our products with strong warranties.
Adhesive Systems:
P10, 1022234, 1022235, 276881, 276882, 276883, 276884, 276885, 276886, 276033, 276034, 238310, 243666, 168204, 166535 à ALL of these item numbers match USSE # D100-644
Heated Hoses:
4 Ft. Hose:
107288, 129556, 100120, 274791, 276151 –> 4104
6 Ft. Hose:
107286, 129557, 100121, 274792, 276152 –> 4106
8 Ft. Hose:
107287, 129559, 100122, 274793, 276153 –> 4108
10 Ft. Hose:
107289, 129561, 100123, 274794, 276154 –> 4110
12 Ft. Hose:
107310, 129562, 100124, 274795, 276155 –> 4112
16 Ft. Hose:
104008, 129564, 100125, 274796, 276156 –> 4116
20 Ft. Hose:
223838, 223836 –> 4120
24 Ft. Hose:
129565, 100832, 100126, 274797 –> 4124
Applicator Guns:
H200 1 Module AO/AC
8503717, 8505756, 8505768 –> 39105
H200 1 Module (AO/SC)
274596, 224939, 8503591, 8503686 –> 39107
Modules:
H200 (AO/AC)
1052927 –> 29215
H200 (AO/SC)
272282, 276119, 326583, 331979, 1048115, 2210, 2219, 2400, 2410 –> 29219
For any other questions on cross-referencing, please call (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.
Water Wash Heated Hoses vs. High Flex Heated Hoses
Universal Systems SE manufactures our ClearFlow™ line of heated hoses. ClearFlow™ hoses can be used to transfer many different types of heated materials, however the most common is adhesive. There are two different types of heated hoses that USSE manufactures, high flex and water wash. Water wash, also known as washdown hoses, are manufactured with the same high-quality materials as our high flex hoses, but with a secure water wash connection between the hose and glue head. They are also encased with state of the art, high temperature, extremely durable, waterproof jacketing.
The main question that we get from customers is: why would we need a water-resistant hose? These are not hoses that get submerged under water. These water-resistant hoses, are used in facilities where machines are required to get washed down during or after operation. Hence the name water wash. For example, any type of food manufacturing plant such as ice cream, frozen food, cheese, etc. would be required by the FDA to wash down their equipment regularly. These wash downs impact all of the equipment in the facility, so if you are purchasing a water-resistant heated hose, you will also need a water-resistant gun applicator. The washdown gun applicator will also have the special waterproof jacketing on the cordset and water-resistant adaptor that fits with the hose. As displayed in the picture below.
All ClearFlow™ water wash hoses are manufactured with PTFE Teflon® inner cores and RTD temperature area-sensing. They have a maximum operating temperature of 450 degrees Fahrenheit, maximum operating pressure of 1,500 psi and are 240v. Universal Systems SE manufactures our washdown hoses in multiple lengths that range from 2 feet to 24 feet long.
If you are interested in getting pricing on a ClearFlow™ Water Wash heated hose, please call (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.
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.
ClearFlow Hot Melt Heated Hoses
Heated hoses are an important component for your production line and have several uses. Universal Systems SE manufactures our ClearFlow™ line of heated hoses that can transfer most any heated material needed for different applications. ClearFlow™ hoses offer the latest technology in heating and insulation to lengthen the life of your hose. Our newly designed insulated jacket will keep a steady, consistent temperature, improving molten flow and reduce charring and curing. Given that char is the biggest cause of gun misfires and nozzle clogs, the reduction in char will lengthen not only the life of the hose, but your entire system.
The key benefits of using a ClearFlow™ hose over any other hose manufactured today includes the upgraded insulation and nylon fiberglass cuffs that improve the durability of the hose connection. Those factors, coupled with our heat flow technology that keeps your materials heated at a consistent temperature throughout your production process, will reduce downtime, maintenance costs and increase overall efficiency.
In some cases, your lines may require waterproof hoses, which we also manufacture. All of the above benefits are the same, but come with a secure waterwash connection between the hose and glue head. All ClearFlow™ waterwash hoses are encased with state of the art, high temperature, extremely durable waterproof jacketing.
Whether you are transferring hot melt adhesive or other materials such as cosmetics, it is important to understand the materials being used to manufacture the correct hose needed for your business.
Below is a list of the key factors needed when ordering a heated hose:
Diameter of Core: