When packaging equipment is vital to your business operations, unexpected downtime can significantly impact your productivity and profitability.

However, VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machines typically only require frequent servicing when adequately maintained. Nevertheless, issues with the film used in the packaging machines may arise.

To be prepared for such situations, it’s important to have the necessary information. This article summarizes the most common film-related issues seen in vffs packaging machine, the causes, and possible solutions.

It’s important to note that these are general tips, and your specific VFFS machine may have different features. For more detailed troubleshooting, refer to the owner’s manual or contact the Packway Machinery.

Typical vertical form fill seal machine film troubleshooting tips

When a VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine experiences film-related issues, it will display an error message on the HMI (human-machine interface) screen. This message will remain visible until an operator acknowledges it. If you encounter such an error message, you must consider a few general factors. These include:

• Have you recently switched to a new film with a different structure?
• Have you spliced the film recently?
• Are there any dirty or worn machine components?

These questions often help identify the root cause of the issue. If these general factors are not the cause, more specific troubleshooting can be done by looking at common problems and their possible causes.

Eye mark error in the film

The error “eye mark not registered” on VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine means that the machine cannot detect the eye mark on the film during its cycle.

For the Vertical bagging machine to register the eye mark, there must be a clear contrast between the eye mark and the background color of the film. When the machine cannot detect the eye mark, it can not identify how long a bag should need, which often results in inconsistent or too-long bags.

Possible causes of this error include:

• The registration photo-eye sensor lens is dirty.
• The film that has been spliced
• The film that is too shiny or reflective
• Registration photo-eye sensor not adequately positioned
• Poor contrast between the eye mark color and the background color of the film
• Pull belts that are probably slipping.

Film feeding problem

The error message “film not feeding properly” on VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine means that the film is not moving correctly through the machine. This can cause interruptions in the packaging process.

Possible causes of this error include:

• The registration photo-eye did not detect the registration mark on the film.
• The pull belts are slipping.
• The machine has run out of a film.
• The film is broken or spliced.
• The clamps on the splice table are not in the correct position.

Film tracking is not set up properly

The error “film not lining up” on VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine means that the film is not aligned correctly as it is fed through the machine, causing disruptions in the packaging process.

The first thing to check is whether the film carriage moves freely. Additionally, checking all wiring, relays, and power to the motor and cleaning the film brake roller is essential.

Possible causes of this error include:

• The film not being centered on the spindle
• The film is not being wound up correctly.
• Rollers and dancer bars not being parallel.
• Rollers not spinning freely
• The automatic film tracking feature is not functioning properly.
• Forming tube not installed correctly or gets damaged
• Splice tape stuck in the forming tube.
• Pull belts not set up properly
• The film brake roller is dirty.

Film unwinding problem

The error “film unwind not working” on a VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine means that the film is not being released from the roll properly, which can lead to the film web snapping. Possible causes of this error include:

• The film has a high coefficient of friction.
• Not enough film on the roll
• The film did not wound up correctly
• Splice table clamps are not in the correct position.
• Faulty cables or sensors
• The film is damaged, too rough, or torn out.
• The film unwind brake is not set correctly.

Vertical/horizontal seals problem

The error “inadequate package seals” on a VFFS (vertical form fill seal) machine means that the seals on the packages are not correctly done. This could manifest in various ways, such as leaks, misaligned seals, uneven strength of seams, discoloration or blisters on the seams, or creased seals. Possible causes of this error include:

• The film tracking sensor lens is dirty.
• The film is not wound up correctly.
• Faulty cables or sensors
• The heat seal bar temperature is not set up correctly.
• Mismatch in the alignment of the seal bar
• The incorrect spring tension on the seal bar
• Mismatch in the alignment of the forming tube
• The dirty surface of the seal jaws
• Damaged seal jaws.

Ensuring that your vertical form fill seal machine is functioning correctly can be achieved by implementing a preventive maintenance plan. This will minimize the need for troubleshooting and make the process easier when it is needed.

If you need assistance in getting started with troubleshooting your VFFS machine, you can reach out for help from Packway Machinery.