Hot melt adhesive dispensers need regular preventative maintenance if you want to keep them running longer and more cost effectively. Little things like changing the seals on a regular basis is important to ensure that the equipment in operating at optimum capacity and prevents costly repairs or replacements. Here is a rundown of other important maintenance issues for your hot melt equipment.
Daily
- Check adhesives to ensure they are in a closed container to prevent foreign material contamination.
- Check for foreign material and adhesive char buildup in tank. Remove any foreign material when found.
- Remove excess adhesive from the machine cover on a daily to weekly basis. Wipe with a soft cloth, damp with mineral spirits or
other similar citrus cleaner. Use the solvent sparingly and do not soak the hose assembly or other applicator devices, or damage could result. - Check hoses, fittings, applicators and pumps for adhesive leaks and proper installation. Repair or replace as required before use. (Note: All leaks, including leaking nozzles, should be repaired immediately to prevent the possibility of serious burns to operator and other personnel.)
Weekly
- Check adhesives to ensure they are in a closed container to prevent foreign material contamination.
- Check all filters (Supply Unite, Applicators and Hoses) Replace as necessary.
- Visually inspect module weep-hole, to ensure there is no leakage. If a leak is present remove module and replace all seals.
Monthly
- Check pump shaft seal for leaks, replace when worn. (Note: This can become a very costly repair if ignored.)
- Check nozzles are clean and not worn, clean and replace if necessary.
- Check the entire length of all hoses for binding issues, fitting leakage and normal ware and tare.
- Check flow valve and pump area for leaks.
- Check all fittings on adhesive hoses for leaks and tighten them if necessary.
- Remove nozzles and discharge a small amount of adhesive through the applicator into a suitable container to force all foreign material from the applicator.
Periodically
- Purge all adhesive from the melt tank approximately every two months to six months, depending on the type of adhesive being used, operating temperature and the number of hours or shifts the machine is being used. Remove char from melt tank walls and tank lid and check for foreign material in the bottom of tank. Flush the supply unit with a flushing compound or paraffin wax to remove all loose material. Add fresh adhesive to supply unit and run to clean out any leftover solvent/cleaner.
- Flush out all hoses and applicators with clean adhesive to remove any built up charred adhesive. Remove nozzles from applicators to allow for any small partials to pass through. Replace or clean all filters as needed.
- Remove and clean applicator or modules every twelve to eighteen months. Replacing module seals significantly reduces repairs and rebuilding time, and also keeps the applicators performance at its peak. Check filters and clean or replace.
Note: Great care must be taken when performing any maintenance on hot melt units or serious burns or injuries can result. Always ware protective clothing and goggles when working with hot equipment, and use proper lockout procedures to ensure safety.
Whether you need wide web spray, high-speed extrusion, slot coating or a manual product assembly Sure Tack Systems has a hot melt system to suit your unique needs. We have been providing hot melt adhesive equipment since 1980 and our extensive product line is second to none. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your hot melt adhesive needs.
