Posted on Leave a comment

How to Troubleshoot a Packaging Machine


In an ideal world, packaging machinery would never malfunction, jam, break, or stop working unexpectedly. We all know, though, that that isn’t the case when it comes to machines that perform tasks over and over. Parts wear out, products jam, and machinery can simply fail. This is always disappointing, especially because it means that you lose productivity and spend time fixing the machinery. One way you can minimize the time you lose is by knowing how to troubleshoot the machinery you have on your packaging line. There are a couple of different ways you can help yourself learn about the machines you have, and the more you know about the hardware you have, the easier it will be to solve problems when they arise.

Packaging Equipment Training

The first and perhaps most important way to expedite the process between noticing a problem with a machine to fix it is to be adequately trained with the machines in your packing line. Whether that means you yourself are trained with the machines or you hire someone to train your employees, the main takeaway should be that within your business, there should be some people that know how the machines work well enough to be able to tell what is malfunctioning and perhaps even how to fix it. When it comes to getting machines back up and running, knowing the problem is the first and most important step to knowing how to fix it. Some vendors offer training programs that can be helpful for teaching yourself and your staff how to troubleshoot machines. Ask the supplier for your machinery if they offer training classes, and if training is offered, take part in it.

Preventative Maintenance Programs

While not technically troubleshooting, preventative maintenance programs can also be helpful with learning how your machines work. Maintaining machinery so that it doesn’t unexpectedly malfunction or wear out can take a little bit of time, but in the long run is more beneficial than waiting for something to go wrong and hoping it doesn’t take too long to fix. The vendor for your machinery may have preventative maintenance programs offered, so you should take advantage of them to save yourself time later on.

Technical Support Services

Another way to troubleshoot your machinery is, of course, to contact technical support services. If you don’t have the time or desire to learn the machinery on your own, the service staff at the company that you purchased the machinery from will be able to help. Whether this means scheduling a service call or simply making a phone call to explain the problem, the people who are trained on the machinery can assist you with the machines and help you get back on track quickly.

HPPackagin-BlogCTA

Posted on Leave a comment

Improving Your Packaging Line with More Training

When you think of the best ways to improve your packaging line, you probably think that adding new or more machinery to the line is the best way to do so. While updating your equipment surely has its benefits, it’s not necessarily the only or the best way to improve the productivity of your packaging line. Instead, you can offer your employees more training on the machines they already use, as this can speed up productivity when people have a better grasp on how things work. This can also help speed up the process of fixing things if there is a problem with a machine, since your employees will have an idea of what may need to be fixed.

Training Classes from HP Packaging

One of the things we pride ourselves on at HP Packaging is that we offer on-site training classes for our clients. Many of our competitors only offer the machinery companies need to get their packaging lines started, but when a problem arises they are of little to no help. We’d rather keep our clients happy, which is why we’re committed to teaching you and your employees how to better maintain, operate, and troubleshoot used packaging equipment. When you and your employees know how to best take care of your equipment, you can not only make it last longer by knowing when regular maintenance is needed, but you’ll also be able to get the most work out of the machines as you’ll have a firm grasp on the way they function.

Continually Foster Skill Development on Your Staff

Another way to improve your packaging line is to offer packaging equipment training on a regular basis, both to new employees as well as existing workers. Having people on your staff who can train new employees is ideal. HP’s T3, or “Training the Trainers” program is designed to help manufacturers assign training jobs within their companies so that downtime issues are solved more quickly and so that technical skills can be developed company-wide rather than relying on one person who knows the machinery.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your packaging line, offering further training to your staff should be the first step.

HPPackagin-BlogCTA

Posted on Leave a comment

Hayssen, Matrix & Triangle Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) Machines

When you’re shopping around for new or used packaging equipment, it’s not a secret that you have a good amount of choice. So how can you decide which brand to purchase from? If you’re searching for the perfect vertical form fill seal, or VFFS, equipment to add to your line, it may pay off knowing which brands are better known for their VFFS machines.

Hayssen

Hayssen Sandiacre is another big name in the packaging equipment industry. Their VFFS machines offer companies the flexibility and speed of packing up to 200 packages per minute. They currently have 9 available models, including continuous motion baggers as well as intermittent motion baggers. See more Hayssen baggers.

Matrix

Matrix is an industry leader in manufacturing vertical form fill seal packaging equipment. Since 1988, this company has been known for providing clients affordable solutions for their packaging needs. Their machines serve a range of different industries, and are available to suit different company needs. For example, if speed is the goal, there’s a machine that produces 300 units per minute, or if the product being packaged is heavy, there’s a model that allows bag weights up to 110 pounds. See Matrix VFFS bagger.

Triangle

Triangle serves primarily the food industries, packaging things like cereals, shredded cheese, coffee, produce, and more in a variety of different bag shapes. Triangle was one of the first companies to manufacture VFFS machines, and though their focus is on the food industry, they do serve other industries as well. They also offer a machine that uses ultrasonic welding technology to seal the bags, which creates 50-80% narrower seals than heat sealing does. See Triangle VFFS baggers.

Depending on what your focus is—speed, versatility, or being able to package multiple products in one bag—and what your industry is, these three VFFS manufacturers likely have a product that will suit your needs.

HPPackagin-BlogCTA