Repeatable Quality and Productivity
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6zGbDGr-kI?rel=0 In this blog post and Tech Bites video we outline solutions to achieve repeatable quality and productivity on horizontal flow wrappers and vertical sealing machines across all production shifts, multiple packaging machines, and different plant locations. Identify GoalsBegin by identifying and quantifying your goals for seal integrity, package appearance, output levels, and other quality and productivity measures. […]
Case Study: New Film Trials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPBSWgoDPrg?rel=0 In this blog post and Tech Bites video we consider a case study on running successful new film trials by optimizing parts designs, machine set-up, and operating procedures according to new film specifications. A corporate engineer for a large bakery operation teamed with a packaging film converter to specify a new film structure for their product line of […]
Product Presentation and Package Formation on Horizontal Flow Wrappers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hYOApbOSWk?rel=0 The ultimate quality of the packages produced on horizontal flow wrappers requires a complex series of events to form and fill each package and move it through the packaging process. In the following post and “Tech Bites” video we explore the many steps that occur before and after packages are cut and sealed—from the […]
Product Flow Issues on Vertical Baggers
Refinements and Forming Set Designs that Boost Productivity and Package Quality Optimizing packaging performance requires fine-tuning of the entire product flow process—from the way product is distributed into the measuring system through to the filled, sealed, and cut bag or pouch. Symptoms of product flow issues on vertical baggers include downtime from product blockages and poor end seals and cutting […]
Solving Cutting Problems on Flow Wrappers During Production
When cutting problems occur on horizontal flow wrappers during a production run, what are the best procedures to get packaging lines up and running again and to keep them running? Minimizing downtime, producing consistent quality packages, and managing costs require a balanced approach that includes: Knowing which “quick-fix” adjustments will get knives cutting without causing […]
Sealing Over Extra Layers of Film at the End Seal (part 4 of 4): Optimizing Crimper & Sealing Jaw Design
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for the design of crimpers and sealing jaws on horizontal flow wrappers and vertical baggers; they should be specified according to the packaging film, products, and conditions of your packaging operation. This post, the last in our four-part series, reviews design options for crimpers and jaws. The optimal combination of […]
Troubleshooting Extra Layers of Film at the End Seal (part 3 of 4): Optimizing Set-Up & Adjustment of Crimpers, Sealing Jaws, & Knives
The first two parts of this series explored the potential problems created by end seal wrinkles and creases and ways to eliminate or reduce them on horizontal flow wrappers (Part 1) and vertical baggers (Part 2). In some situations wrinkles or creases are unavoidable, and, even without those issues, most packages have the inevitable transition between multiple film […]
Troubleshooting Extra Layers of Film at the End Seal (Part 2 of 4): Refining and Eliminating Wrinkles and Creases on Vertical Baggers
Varying thicknesses of film at the end seal can cause sealing problems, especially at the transition points of multiple film layers created by the fin or lap seal, gussets, wrinkles, creases, and at the corners. Applications of pressure and heat must be great enough to cause the sealant layer to flow into and seal off […]
Troubleshooting Extra Layers of Film at the End Seal (Part 1 of 4): Refining and Eliminating Wrinkles and Creases on Horizontal Flow Wrappers
Varying thicknesses of film at the end seal can cause sealing problems, especially at the transition point between two and four layers created by the fin seal, gussets, wrinkles and creases, as well at the corners. Applications of pressure and heat (if applicable) must be great enough to cause the sealant layer to flow into […]
Troubleshooting Intermittent Seal Quality Issues
When end seal issues such as leakers or splitting occur, an important initial step is to determine where, and how often, the trouble shows up. For problems that occur inconsistently—perhaps leakers on every other package, or splits only on the top or trailing end seals of the package—you need to determine if the bad seals […]