Flowpack machine, also known as horizontal form-fill-seal machines, are widely used in the packaging industry.
However, they can encounter sealing problems that affect the quality of the seals. These issues can lead to packaging defects, compromised freshness, and increased costs.
This guide aims to explore common sealing problems on flowpack machines and provide effective troubleshooting techniques.
Insufficient Seal Strength:
Possible causes: Inadequate heat or pressure, incorrect sealing parameters, worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Troubleshooting steps: Verify and adjust heat and pressure settings, inspect and replace worn-out or damaged sealing components, ensure proper alignment of the sealing jaws.
Sealing Failure:
Possible causes: Insufficient heat or pressure, improper film tension, contamination on the sealing surface, worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Troubleshooting steps: Check and adjust heat and pressure settings, ensure proper film tension, clean the sealing surface, inspect and replace worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Leaking Seals:
Possible causes: Inadequate heat or pressure, incorrect sealing parameters, foreign particles on the sealing surface, damaged or misaligned sealing components.
Troubleshooting steps: Verify and adjust heat and pressure settings, clean the sealing surface, inspect and replace damaged or misaligned sealing components.
Wrinkled or Misaligned Seals:
Possible causes: Improper film feeding, incorrect film tension, misaligned sealing jaws, worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Troubleshooting steps: Ensure proper film feeding and tension, align the sealing jaws correctly, inspect and replace worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Overheated Seals:
Possible causes: Excessive heat, incorrect sealing parameters, prolonged dwell time, worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Troubleshooting steps: Adjust heat and sealing parameters, reduce dwell time, inspect and replace worn-out or damaged sealing components.
Preventive maintenance is crucial in minimizing sealing problems. Regularly clean sealing components, inspect for wear and tear, and follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Conclusion:
Sealing problems can impact packaging efficiency and quality on flowpack machines.
By understanding the causes and implementing the troubleshooting techniques discussed in this guide, operators can effectively address sealing issues, ensuring smooth operations, consistent seal quality, and customer satisfaction.