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.
Are you running a Nordson® ProBlue®?
If you are running a Nordson® ProBlue®, then you might be worried about how long it’s been taking you to get parts for your tank. You should be. Recent reports from industry insiders are calling out the 3-month lead time on Nordson® ProBlue® tanks and parts. The same industry insiders are confirming that Nordson® has decided to discontinue their most popular line of hot melt tanks.
What does that mean for you?
Currently, the only facilities who are running into an issue are the ones who need new hot melt tanks. Without the ProBlue® as an option, your next best Nordson® tank is the Flex®, which can run you upwards of $20K. That is where we come in. Universal Systems SE has a line of high quality, low maintenance, affordable, reliable hot melt tanks called ProBilt®. Our ProBilt® line of hot melt tanks are designed to be an easy to use, plug and play style machine, with interchangeable parts no matter what capacity size pot you order. We offer 8 lb. – 20 lb. tank capacities, but they all use the same control board, pump and tank filters. That means, you can streamline your inventory, not having to worry about which part goes with which tank. All our ProBilt® tanks start under $8K, are made in the USA and are in stock. You won’t need to wait 3 months to be up and sealing, only a few days for shipping.
But is USSE as good?
We always get the question; how do you compare to Nordson®? The proof is in our story. We have been in business for over 40 years and have always manufactured in the US. We have real time tech support and answer any and all questions quickly. But will our ProBilt® tanks last? The simple answer is yes, but if you don’t believe us, they all come with a 10-year heater warranty. In addition, they are built using 316 stainless steel which will stand the test of time.
So, don’t feel like you are being forced to bust your budget and buy plastic hot melt tanks that require so much technology your facility can’t support it and your operators can’t run it. Keep it simple and reliable with Universal Systems ProBilt® stainless steel tanks. We also manufacture ALL of the components that will pair up with your existing Nordson® tanks and our ProBilt® tanks. Hoses, guns, modules, nozzles and so much more!
Interested in a USSE ProBilt® melter? Call or email us today and find out how to get one in only a few days!