Stretch wrapping machines are durable and sturdy. But they’re not immune to occasional failures or becoming timeworn. Like most pieces of equipment, they need to undergo routine maintenance to stay in optimal condition.
In this seven-step guide to maintaining your stretch wrapping machine, we’ll explain some simple tasks that will help you and your employees keep this vital piece of machinery in excellent shape.
Keep It Clean
Regardless of the kind of stretch wrapper you have, it’s important to keep it clean. Otherwise, debris will build up and become trapped in the machine’s internal components. This can cause it to slow down or stop working entirely.
Prevent Film Buildup
Film can wrap around the rotating mechanism and become stuck. The stuck film prevents these mechanisms from rotating freely. This puts excessive strain on the bearing and can eventually result in wear-and-tear on the motors and blown fuses. Frequently inspecting the rotating mechanisms and removing any stuck film will help you avoid unwanted downtime and costly repairs.
Dust and Smudge-Free Sensors
One integral part of stretch wrapping machines that’s commonly overlooked is the sensor. Sensors are usually sealed and out of sight, so it’s no surprise that many people forget they exist. However, If the sensor becomes dirty, it can lead to equipment failure and delays. For this reason, you should make sure to inspect and clean the sensors as often as you inspect and clean other components.
Maintain the Drive Systems
The drive system consists of a transmission mechanism made up of chains, belts, or both. If these chains and belts aren’t lubricated (or are lubricated too much), it can result in moving parts wearing down or slippage of the drive, which causes the stretch wrapper to improperly wrap loads.
The parts in the drive systems should also be inspected for damage and cleaned to remove debris. If the chains or belts break, the whole machine breaks, so it’s important to do what you can to prevent damage to the drive system.
Lubrication Is Key
The drive system isn’t the only part of the stretch wrapper that relies on lubrication. The bearings, bushings, and any other moving parts also require the occasional thorough greasing to function at their best.
Check the Pre-Stretch Rollers
If the pre-stretch rollers are covered in dust, dirt, and other contaminants, they’ll have a hard time correctly pre-stretching film. If the film isn’t being adequately pre-stretched, you’ll wind up using more film than necessary. This increases material costs. You can clean the pre-stretch rollers by spraying them with isopropyl alcohol and scrubbing them with a brush.
Train Your Employees
It’s not practical or cost-friendly to call in professional technicians to clean and inspect your machines every day. That’s why the most important step in this guide to maintaining your stretch wrapping machine is educating your employees on how to perform basic maintenance tasks on their own. In-house maintenance is far less costly and time-consuming than hiring external maintenance technicians.
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