Regular maintenance prevents the build-up of degraded adhesive ‘char’ around the tank, hoses, and guns /nozzles of hot melt adhesive systems. This, in turn, ensures the quality of the adhesive, extends the life of the equipment, and prevents avoidable repairs. In this article we outline the processes involved in hot melt tank maintenance:
Where To Start
A part by part approach should be taken when conducting maintenance for hot melt equipment. The parts to be considered include:
- Adhesive supply units
- Adhesive feeders
- Adhesive hoses
- Adhesive applicators
- Bulk adhesive melters/ hot melt tank
Let’s examine each in turn:
1) Adhesive Supply Units
For the supply units, you should:
- Check the baseplate for signs of leaks and replace accordingly.
- Check the tank manifold filter and replace as required.
- Ensure all hose fittings are tight.
2) Adhesive Feeders
For the feeders, you should:
- Check the airline regulator filter for contamination by oil/water and replace accordingly.
- Check the adhesive pick-up for clogging or contamination and clean as necessary.
- Check the hopper inlet vent filter for contamination and replace or clean as necessary.
- Check the hopper adhesive level probe for adhesive build-up, and calibrate it to a lower level in the hopper or reduce air pressure as required.
3) Adhesive Hoses
For these, you should:
- Check the electrical cables for wear or damage and replace accordingly.
- Check whether pinching or binding has affected the hose and repair or replace as necessary.
- Check and tighten fitting to prevent leaks.
4) Adhesive Applicators
For the automatic applicators, you should:
- Open the tank drain valve to purge filter. If excess debris is discharged, replace the filter.
- Check the airlines and hose fittings for leaks and tighten as required.
- Check to see if the in line filters are contaminated and replace as necessary.
- Check the module for seepage and tightness and replace or adjust as required.
- Check the nozzles for wear and tightness and replace or clean as necessary.
For the manual applicators:
- Check the nozzle for wear and tightness and replace or clean as required.
- Check the applicator handle for leaks or cracks and replace or repair as necessary.
- Ensure the trigger lock mechanism is in full locking capacity.
How To carry Out Maintenance
By performing the routine maintenance suggested above, your hot melt unit will be in full efficiency, saving you the headache and costs of breakdowns. However, this article is a checklist, rather than an instruction manual. The maintenance process varies between models and should only be carried out by a trained person. If you don’t have the technical knowledge in-house, you can still carry out visual checks, but we strongly recommend outsourcing maintenance to a professional service provider – as this minimises the risk of injury or damage to your equipment.
Find Out More
At the Adhesive Laundry, we specialise in the cleaning and rebuilding of hot melt systems to keep them at their full operating capability, ensuring your production line is always in motion. Contact us today for more information or assistance.
