For emergency repairs email service@packproinc.com
Regular stretch wrapper maintenance extends its lifespan, ensures consistent performance and minimizes downtime. Most importantly, planned service reduces the risk of product returns and damages due to insufficient containment.
It all starts with overall cleanliness
Keeping your stretch wrapper clean and free from debris is the first step to ensure your equipment is running smoothly. This holds true for all configurations of stretch wrappers – turntable, orbital or rotary, both semi-automatic and fully-automatic.
Avoid film buildup around rotating mechanisms
With stretch wrappers, especially turntables, there is always risk of film getting wrapped around rotating mechanisms. If film buildup is not addressed, it starts preventing free rotation and can cause strain on the bearing. Over time, this will cause strain on motor, blow fuses and shorten the lifespan of the motor. As a result, you will have to deal with lengthy downtime and costly repairs. To avoid unplanned downtime and expense, check rotating mechanisms regularly, ensuring they are free from debris and film buildup.
Keep sensors clean for optimal stretch wrapper performance
Clean sensors regularly for optimal stretch wrapper performance.
Photo-reflective electronic sensors are meant to ensure the pallet is wrapped correctly. Sensors are typically sealed and are out of sight. However, they need to be cleaned for the pallet wrapper to function properly. Most importantly, keeping sensors clean minimizes the risk of equipment failure and costly production delays.
Maintain drive systems for consistent productivity
Stretch wrapper drive systems typically use a transmission mechanism. It consists of chains or belts, or a combination of both. Properly lubricate chains for smooth operation. Do not over-lubricate. Belts need to be cleaned and inspected periodically. Dirt on a belt can causes slippage of the drive, resulting in incorrect wrapping. To avoid improper containment or excessive film usage, keep the belt clean. In addition, regularly inspect belt for fraying or any damage. Otherwise, when belt breaks, wrapper will be down until replacement belt is installed.
Lubricate grease points
Grease points on a wrapper include bearings, bushings or other moving parts. Firstly, lack of lubrication can cause binding and heating up of components. Furthermore, sufficient wear may result in equipment failure. Proper lubrication of grease points is crucial for a smooth-running equipment. Avoid over-greasing.
Keep prestrech rollers clean to avoid film over-usage
Keep rollers clean to maintain tackiness and avoid film over-usage.
Rollers constantly prestretch film for optimal film usage. Over time, the rubber gets coated with dust and other particles from the stretch film and the environment. As the rollers get dirty, they loose the ability to properly prestretch the film and deliver proper containment. Furthermore, dirt on the rollers reduces tackiness. This, in turn, results in substantial increase in film usage. The rollers should be sprayed with isopropyl alcohol and scrubbed down with a brush. Water should not be used to clean rollers to avoid film slippage.
How to service stretch wrappers on premises
Stretch wrapper operators can carry out the above steps to ensure extended life and reliable performance of your pallet wrapping machines. However, it is highly recommended to have a professional service technician do an assessment and determine the maintenance routine for your staff. In addition, PACKPRO technicians will train your operators on proper usage and share productivity tips for the best performance of your machines. The value of the products you ship and the costs associated with returns and damages greatly outweigh the investment in regular maintenance. Contact us to set up a consultation.
For emergency repairs email service@packproinc.com
