Strytech Group Inc. - Blog

Improve Packaging Productivity

Posted by Howard Neal on Jul 11, 2010 4:48:00 PM

Industrial AdhesivesPE hot meltMetallocene hot melts have improved productivity for packaging production operations which use hot melt adhesive , especially where odor and charring were problems.  But their cost continues to rise and raw material supplies continue to be strained because of capacity limitations, which has given rise to plant managers looking for cost effective alternatives in EVA and Polyethylene based hot melts.  STRYTECH can now provide a hot melt based on improved Polyethylene(PE) technology that meets these needs of packaging operations and is cost effective.

 

This hot melt PE system is ideal for case and carton seal packaging operations where a minimum of 2 seconds open time and 3-4 seconds compression time can be measured.  This PE hot melt is designed to address the needs of packaging operations of all sizes looking for ways to decrease downtime, reduce maintenance cost from char build-up, and minimize complaints of odor.  This is  especially important where there is a need to expand in the future, and improved productivity takes on greater importance.

We have a new customer who has switched from a competitor to us based on a successful test using the PE hot melt. Their comments are as follows:

  • low odor 
  • no evidence of charring meaning reduced maintenance
  • excellent bonds 
  • excellent for auto-feed systems because of the pellet form
  • reduction in the budgeted hot melt spend of 10% 

Tags: hot melt, improved productivity, packaging

Maintenance of Hot Melt Glue Units

Posted by Howard Neal on Jul 6, 2010 9:39:00 PM

Industrial Adhesives   I am asked by Maintenance departments responsible for maintaining the hot melt glue system on what procedure do I recommend for cleaning the build up of hot melt char. The following are my thoughts on the subject with the key being for optimum performance of the hot melt units, cleaning should be performed on a routine basis.

1) Supply hoses to the applicator heads should be disconnected and the old molten adhesive pumped out into a container that will not melt from the heat.  Set the tank temperature at 250F degrees.

2) Turn off the tank pressure, disconnect supply hoses and cover ports.  The supply hose ends should be placed in a heat resistant container

3) Fill the melt tank with either a solid (paraffin wax) or liquid (mineral oil) which will be the cleaner.  Maintain pot temperature below the flash point of the solid or liquid being used

4) Allow the solid or liquid to cook for 2 to 3 hours.

5) After the 2 to 3 hour time frame, drain cleaner into heat resistant container and wipe the sides, bottom, and strainer screen with lint-free cloth. REMEMBER: wear thermal protective gloves to prevent burns.

6) Replace output filter, reconnect supply hoses to the tank, and fill the tank with fresh hot melt adhesive.

7) Heat the hot melt adhesive to 250F degrees, and when fully melted pump the adhesive through each supply hose into a heat resistant container until the adhesive is clear of any char.

8) Replace any worn supply hoses and reconnect hoses  to cleaned or new applicator heads. Also replace line filter where necessary.

9) Set the tank, hoses, and applicator heads to the recommended application temperature of the hot melt adhesive, fill the hot melt tank with adhesive, and allow the hot melt adhesive to completely melt before using.

NOTE: Always consult the equipment manual for specific instructions as it relates to equipment cleaning and maintenance of hot melt gluing systems. 

 

 hot melt glue applicator

Tags: maintenance, hot melt applicator, tank, supply hoses, applicator heads