Vffs machine has become an essential part of the packaging industry, offering increased efficiency, speed, and accuracy for various products. Vertical form fill seal machines are designed to form a bag by forming tube from a film, fill, seal, and cut packages, making them a versatile and indispensable tool for many food industry businesses. However, like any packaging equipment, they can encounter issues that can lead to downtime and decrease productivity. In this blog post, we will discuss some common problems associated with them and offer solutions to help you keep your machine running smoothly.
1. Inconsistent Filling or Inaccurate Package Weight
One of the most common issues faced by operators of vertical form fill seal packing machines is inconsistent filling, which can result in packages with inaccurate weights. This problem can arise due to several factors:
Incorrect communication mode
It is the seamless integration and communication with the weighing machine. Like our vertical form fill seal machines, the common signal model are pulse and tension, and using pulse model with the multihead weigher. You should check with your machine suppliers to ensure the correct communication mode.
Incorrect settings
Ensure that you input the correct parameters for your product and packaging material.
Material flow issues
Make sure that the product is flowing smoothly and consistently through on the weighing machine, a good flowing is important factor for accurate weighing. Check for any obstructions or build-up and clean the machine thoroughly.
2. Poor Bag Formation
Bag forming is a critical step in the vertical form fill seal (VFFS) packaging process, and any issues encountered during this stage can have a direct impact on the quality and appearance of the finished product.
Incorrect film installation on film carriage
Follow the manual instruction or installation video provided by your vffs machine supplier, as each vertical form fill seal machine has a somewhat different film carrier construction,
Incorrect back seal of bags
Inspect the film path and alignment: Misaligned film can lead to improperly positioned back seals. Verify that the film is being fed into the machine correctly, without any twists or folds.
Bag film Slipping or film jams
Check if the pulling belts are loss of friction and inspect the film drive components for signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary, or check if connects with insufficient pressure or low air pressure.
3. Bag Sealing Process Problems
Improper sealing can lead to product leakage, spoilage, or contamination. Several factors can contribute to sealing issues:
Insufficient heat
Check the temperature settings show on temperature meters about your sealing jaws and make sure they are suitable for your packaging material.
Misaligned sealing bar
Ensure that the sealing bars are properly aligned and make any necessary adjustments.
Contaminated sealing surfaces
Clean the sealing surfaces thoroughly to remove any product residue or dust.
4. Bag Cutting Issues
Another common problem with vffs machines is improper bag cutting, which can lead to unevenly sized packages or packages that are not fully separated. Possible causes include:
Dull or damaged cutting blades in sealing jaws
Inspect the cutting blades for any signs of wear or damage and replace them if necessary.
Incorrect cutting settings
Check the cutting settings(such as time and delay) on your machine and ensure they are suitable for your packaging material.
5. Machine Jamming
Machine downtime and jamming can significantly impact productivity. Some possible causes of these issues include:
Improper feeding
Ensure infeed funnel size of forming tube is fit for your weight.
Improper settings
Ensure that the time of filling, film pulling and cutting is enough for your actual weight.
6. Error Codes and System Issues
Error codes and system issues can be a sign of a more significant problem with your vertical packing machine. Some common causes include:
Faulty sensors
Inspect the sensors in your machine and ensure they are functioning correctly. Replace any damaged or faulty sensors as while they fail to tracking properly.
Electrical issues
Check your machine’s electrical connections and wiring for any signs of damage or wear. Make any necessary repairs or replacements.
Software issues
Ensure that your machine’s software is up-to-date and running correctly. Contact the manufacturer for support if you are unable to resolve the issue.
7. Inaccurate Product Detection
Accurate product detection is essential for maintaining the efficiency and accuracy of your packaging process. Issues with product detection can be caused by:
Faulty or misaligned sensors or communication
Inspect the sensors for proper alignment and functionality. Replace any damaged or faulty sensors as needed.
Incorrect eyemark sensor settings
Check the film tracking sensor settings on your film and machine and ensure they are suitable for your product.
Product variation
If your product varies significantly in size or shape, consider using sensors with a larger detection range or adjusting your machine’s settings to accommodate these variations.
8. Operator Error
Operator error can be a significant contributor to vertical packing machine issues. Some best practices to minimize operator error include:
Training
Provide thorough training for all operators, ensuring they understand the machine’s functions, settings, and proper maintenance procedures.
Documentation
Maintain detailed documentation for your machine, including operating manuals, maintenance logs, and troubleshooting guides.
Clear communication
Encourage open communication between operators and supervisors to quickly identify and address any issues.
By being proactive in addressing these common issues and implementing regular maintenance and inspection routines, you can ensure that your vertical packaging machine remains a reliable and efficient asset in your packaging operations. Remember, investing time and effort in troubleshooting and preventive maintenance can save you significant costs in the long run, improve product quality, and keep your customers satisfied. Smartpack has a skilled after-sales service team to guarantee that your unit runs efficiently