Machine Installation (CONT’D FROM PAGE 1)
Additionally, your sales force, customer service, and suppliers must be educated as to tooling requirements. If you have been using 0.250-inch plates and are switch- ing to thin plates used by most state of the art equipment, or have been using Matthews mounting strips and your new machine uses proprietary strips, be sure everyone is aware of these facts, and that existing plates may be un- suitable for your new equipment. Are your existing cutting dies compatible with the quick mounting system on your machine? Do you have nomi- nally 37-inch and 50-inch machines and wish to be able to use the 37-inch plates on the larger machine? If so, be sure that the mounting station on the large machine is positioned correctly, and that everyone understands how to order plates to ensure interchangeability. For example, don’t mount jobs that are suitable for your 37-inch ma- chine on 50-inch backing, as that will preclude your run-
sonnel arrive when needed during the installation and startup phases. Next on the list is to review ink, adhesive, and tooling specifications with your suppliers well in advance of the installation. Purchase tooling from vendors who have ex- perience with your type of machine and whose tooling has a proven track record of performance. Once you have experience with your machine, you can experiment with lower-cost vendors, but don’t complicate your startup with problems resulting from your tooling manufacturer’s inex- perience or quality. Be sure sheet suppliers – either your corrugator or sheet feeder – understand your requirements concerning bottom and tie sheets, bale heights, and other consider- ations that can affect prefeeder performance and waste.
ning them on the smaller machine and limit flexibility in scheduling, and restricting them to a slower machine. I have found it is very important to train your sales force and customer service about machine capabilities, how they differ from those of previous equipment, and how to assign jobs to the appropriate machines based their sweet spots. Remember to design jobs to machine capabilities and scrutinize existing jobs that run frequently and in large volume for potential efficiencies created by your new machine’s features. Within reason, don’t re- strict the machine (e.g. number out, config- uration, trim, and flute direction) based on existing tooling and perceptions, and con- sider replacing tooling to take advantage of these machine capabilities. Revisit and optimize specs that can affect productivity such as number in bundle, bale height, and stacking pattern. What not to do is as important as what should be done! Don’t plan on using exist- ing tooling unless caliper, mounting, etc. are compatible with your new machine, and they are in excellent condition, as this is false economy. Similarly, replace tooling if changing the number out, layout, and con- figuration will allow you to produce more efficiently. Although reconditioning of tool- ing by its manufacturer may be an option in some cases, this should be done judiciously to ensure that this is money well spent. Lim- it the quantity of new tooling until you have enough experience to be comfortable with specifications and performance. In advance of startup, contact your ma- chinery vendor and other industry contacts
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18 February 6, 2023
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