Maintenance Precautions for Semi-Automatic Paste Filling Machines
Maintenance Precautions for Semi-Automatic Paste Filling Machines
The semi-automatic paste filling machine has a relatively simple structure and convenient operation. However, since it directly contacts the paste material, its maintenance work is crucial to the equipment's lifespan, production efficiency, and product hygiene quality. Proper maintenance can not only reduce malfunctions but also lower production costs. The maintenance process should adhere to the principle of "daily cleaning, regular maintenance, and annual overhauls.".
1. Daily Cleaning and Maintenance After Production: The Top Priority
Daily cleaning is crucial to preventing material solidification, cross-contamination, and bacterial growth, and must be institutionalized.
Thorough Cleaning and Disinfection:
Material-contacting components: Immediately remove parts in direct contact with the paste, such as hoppers, filling cylinders, pistons, discharge nozzles, valves, etc.
Cleaning process: First, remove the residual paste with a scraper, then thoroughly rinse with warm water or an appropriate cleaning agent. Finally, rinse with purified water and disinfect. For easily solidified paste, soak it in warm water to soften before cleaning. Avoid using hard objects such as metal brushes for scraping to prevent surface scratches.
External Cleaning: Wipe the exterior surfaces of the equipment and the countertop with a soft, damp cloth to maintain overall cleanliness and dryness.
Operation inspection and lubrication:
After cleaning, inspect whether the pneumatic pipeline connections are loose and whether the cylinder operation is smooth.
For simple moving parts such as rails and lead screws, apply a small amount of food-grade lubricating oil to maintain their flexibility.
II. Weekly/Monthly Regular Maintenance: Preventive Maintenance
Regular maintenance can identify potential issues and prevent them before they occur.
Inspection and Cleaning of Key Components:
Pneumatic system: Inspect the air source trio (filter, pressure reducing valve, and oiler). Remove accumulated water from the filter cup and ensure the oiler contains sufficient lubricating oil to maintain the lifespan of cylinders and solenoid valves.
Electrical System: After disconnecting the power supply, inspect the electrical wiring for any looseness or signs of aging.
Seal Inspection: Focus on checking for signs of wear or aging in piston seals, valve seals, and other components. If wear is found to cause precision loss or leakage, replacement should be carried out immediately.
Comprehensive Lubrication: Regularly apply the appropriate lubricating oil or grease to all designated lubrication points (such as bearings and linkage mechanisms) based on the equipment's usage frequency.
3. Annual Overhaul and Long-Term Storage
Annual Comprehensive Maintenance: For frequently used equipment, it is recommended to conduct a thorough inspection and maintenance annually. This includes complete disassembly, inspection, cleaning, replacement of all wear-prone parts (such as seals and O-rings), and calibration of the mechanical structure to ensure filling accuracy.
Long-term storage: If the equipment needs to be left unused for an extended period, the following steps must be followed:
Complete a thorough deep cleaning, ensuring all components are dry, free of water and residue.
Apply rust preventive oil to all moving metal components.
Cover the equipment and store it in a dry, dust-free environment.
4. Establishing a Maintenance Culture and Documentation
Standardized Operation: Ensure that operators are properly trained and strictly follow the procedures, as this is the best maintenance practice.
Establish a maintenance log: Record daily cleaning activities, weekly/monthly maintenance tasks, and replaced parts. This helps track equipment status and provides a basis for future fault diagnosis.
