Maximum Efficiency, Minimal Downtime
One of the most important tasks that any packaging facility or high-speed packaging line can accomplish is to run at maximum efficiency with minimal downtime. While that may seem near impossible to do, there are some key points below that will help any plant manager achieve that goal.
Preventative Maintenance
Completing routine preventative maintenance tasks is essential to stay up and running. While it may seem unnecessary to do preventative maintenance, especially since your lines are running normally, it is the only way to ensure your production lines stay continue running normally. The worst thing that can happen is for the line to go down and you lose a day or even a week’s worth of productivity. Maybe you do not know why the line is down, maybe you do not keep the spare parts needed, whatever it may be, it could have been prevented by some simple maintenance. That is why, at Universal Systems, we recommend changing your hot melt tank filters every month and clean the tank every quarter. In addition, also change out your in-line glue filters every month to ensure that you do not have any char clogging up your guns, modules or nozzles.
Keep Your Product Manual
It is all too common that we receive technical calls because the maintenance manager or line operator does not have the product manual and understand how their equipment should work. With every ProBilt tank system, we include the product manual which lists error codes, troubleshooting and replacement part numbers. We also have our product manuals available online. Another important step is to read through the setup manual if you are experiencing problems. Maybe something was set up incorrectly or not reset when an item was replaced.
Use Product Stickers on Machines for Easy Restock
Whenever USSE sends out modules or nozzles, we include a sticker that can be used on either the machine or the order wall of the Buyer. It is an easy and efficient way to know what parts you have running on each line and what you need to have in stock for a quick replacement.
Make Sure your Equipment Manufacturer is a USA Manufacturer
As a country, the US has gotten away from relying on US based manufacturing. Mainly, because of our obsession with cheap goods. But cheap goods do not have a long lifespan and while we may be saving money upfront, it costs us in the long run. That is no different in the packaging world. The best part about working with Universal Systems is that we have kept our products at a reasonable price for over 40 years and we stock every part you might need. So, if your hot melt equipment ever does go down, we can ship replacement parts same day.
How to Determine Heated Hose Length for Your Packaging Line
One of the most important things to consider when setting up your packaging line is the best length hose that you should use for both the top and bottom applications. While most maintenance managers think the longer the better, that is not always the case. Heated hoses should be treated with care to ensure durability and run time. At Universal Systems SE we recommend that you map out where the tank will be situated and then where the guns will be mounted. When setting up the top applicator line, make sure to account for hose mounting brackets and try not to make too many turns. The hose line should run as direct as possible to the applicators. We recommend that the hose mounts be hanging mounts for top applications. This will cause no kinks or damage to the exterior hose casing and ensure the long run life of the hose.
When setting up the bottom line, the hose should be mounted down the side of the packaging machine itself. You can use hanging mounts here as well. Make sure not to lay or run the hose on the floor. Also, do not coil the hose under the tank. If you have any leftover hose that you need to coil…your hose is too long. Running the hose on the ground and coiling the heated hose could cause a plethora of issues such as power shortages, heating issues or tripping hazards, all dangerous to your employees. Make sure to keep the area around the tank and hoses clean and hazard free.
The most common hose lengths sold are 6’, 8’, 10’ and 12’. However, Universal Systems does manufacture 2’, 4’, 16’, 20’ and 24’ hoses that we stock. Our biggest piece of advice is to take your time measuring and setting up the mounting brackets. This will ensure that your hoses will last longer and your packaging line will be as efficient as possible.
For more information on our USSE heated hoses, call a sales rep today at (561) 272-5442 or email sales@ussefl.com.
When to Use a Water-Washdown Hose & Gun
Water washdown hoses and guns are important for plants that package items required by the FDA to get washed down with water either during or after operating hours. Water washdown hoses and guns are different than our standard high flex hoses and standard guns. The difference between the two is easy to tell. Washdown hoses and guns have a high temperature, extremely durable, waterproof jacketing encasing the electronics of each item. The connectors for each are also different than a standard set up. For washdown hoses and guns, the connectors will be a round pin connector, lined with a silicone seal and screw on connection plate for a water tight fit. Standard hoses and guns come with a rectangular connector that simply snaps into place. Washdown guns are also equipped with water tight gasketing on either end plate to ensure that the heating element and RTD are safe from any high powered washdown practices.
For more information on Universal Systems’ wide range of washdown products, please contact a sales rep at sales@ussefl.com
Heated Hoses Can Transport More Than Adhesives
While adhesive application is Universal Systems’ main focus, several of our customers utilize our heated hoses for more than just adhesive. Our standard line of ClearFlow™ heated hoses can heat up to 450 degrees, run at 240v and have a maximum operating pressure of 1500 psi. We also manufacture custom transfer hoses which run at 120v and typically transfer material that heats at a lower temperature. For example, cosmetics, wax and chocolate or candy.
There are several CPGs out there that utilize heated hoses for more than just packaging. Our hoses can transfer any of the following materials:
- Cosmetics
- Chocolate
- Candy
- Wax
- Air
- Vape Liquid
- Polyethylene
- Paint
- Tar
- Food Oils
- Water
- Ink
One of our clients is a great example of how versatile our hoses are. They are a cosmetic packaging company that recently utilized our services to bottle a hair gel product, specifically made for curly hair. Their conveyer worked methodically to fill the bottle with water, then moved to fill with the hair gel formula. The combination of water and product created a foam, which needed to be eliminated quickly in order to keep the process moving. A spurt of hot air down into the top of the bottle is just what was needed before capping. Our heated hoses transferred, not only the water and hair gel product, but also the hot air needed to eliminate the foam.
We also have several clients who utilize our entire hot melt system to heat wax pellets, transfer them through the heated hoses and fill plastic molds. After the wax is transferred into the form mold, it is then moved to a cooling tray to harden and get ready to package. A separate Universal Systems ProBilt™ system is then used to seal the product box and ultimately the case.
So, if you are interested in utilizing a ProBilt™ system or ClearFlow™ hose for more than just adhesives and final packaging, give us a call and we can help! Please call (800) 848-5018 or email sales@ussefl.com for more information.
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.