Line Operators: The First Line of Defense

Understanding hot melt tank systems is no simple task. It usually takes years of experience to learn how to effectively manage adhesive systems and keep your packaging line running efficiently and effectively. Universal Systems SE understands that new line operators come into work and might need help learning which items to replace and how to replace them the correct way. That is why we offer technical support to all of our ProBilt™ customers!

There are several maintenance tasks that we recommend be completed on a regular basis to keep your adhesive system free of char and debris, which is the number one culprit in bringing down a line. Below is an easy maintenance checklist that each line operator should have in hand.

We recommend that you print this checklist out and give it to every shift that operates the packaging line. Keep in mind that changing out items such as gun heads, modules, filters and pumps all require you to clear the old lines and remove the air pressure before re-installation. Releasing the air pressure and removing all old adhesive will ensure that all seals stay intact and reduces the char transferred from the old to the new parts.

If you need help changing out parts or have questions about which items need to be changed regularly, please call (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.

Read More

Piston Pump Troubleshooting

There are several things that can cause a piston pump to stop working. The most common reason is that it is clogged. Unfortunately, not all line operators take the time to close the lid on a glue tank. With a lot of carton dust in the air at any facility, this dust gets into the glue pot and melts in with the glue. When the pump shifter runs to pump the glue from the pot into the hose, that carton dust gathers around the pump which can cause it to seize. The simple solution to this is to make sure that all shift line operators are diligent about closing the tank covers, that’s why they are on there.

If carton dust is not your issue, and the pump fails, below are a few other possible causes and the corresponding solutions.

  • Adhesive not sufficiently heated – check the tank temperature and required melt temperature of your adhesive and set accordingly.
  • Inadequate or no input air to pump – increase the air pressure from the plant air supply and see if the pump will run.
  • Dry running – when a tank drops below a certain adhesive level in the pot, the pump does not have enough glue to operate at full capacity. The glue that runs through the pump acts as a padding so that the shifter does not pound against the top and bottom of the pump itself. When that padding is less, the pounding shifter can cause damage to the magnets and create an issue with the shifter. The only solution to this is to get a new shifter and potentially invest in an auto fill on-demand system that fills the glue into the tank for you, leaving less pressure on the line operators to fill the pot.
  • No Tank Screen or Clogged Tank Screen – the tank screen lives at the bottom of the tank and is the first line of defense against any foreign debris getting into the pump. Sometimes the tank screen gets removed or never cleaned. That can cause debris build up and seize your pump. It is easily cleaned by lifting out of the empty tank and then cleaning the tank with Purge Plus™.
  • Clogged Tank Filter – the tank filter screws into the side of the tank and filters the glue after it leaves the tank. If the tank filter is clogged, then the adhesive will back up in the pump, causing the pump to seize.
  • Pump solenoid is not on – if the tank is not within 35 degrees of the setpoint temperature on the control panel, the pump solenoid will not turn on. Check the setpoint temperature and make sure it is correct. If the setpoint temperature is correct and reading properly, then it might be a failed solenoid that needs to be replaced.

 

If you go through all of these troubleshooting steps and still have an issue with your pump, please call (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More