Top 10 Common Issues with Flow Packaging Machines and How to Solve Them

Here are the 10 most common issues our customers face when using flow packing machines:

Q: Why does my flow wrapping machine cut into the product during operation?
A: This happens because the product placement is incorrect. Ensure the product is placed between the two color marks, aligning it in the middle. Try to align the product with the conveyor belt. Then, adjust the “Product Position” parameter on the main control panel. You may need to test and tweak this setting a few times to find the correct position.

Q: Why does the machine fail to cut the bag at the color mark, and how can I fix it?
A: This occurs when the horizontal packing machine‘s cutter timing is set incorrectly, preventing it from cutting precisely at the color mark. This results in misaligned and unattractive bag patterns. To fix this, locate the “Color Mark Position” parameter on the control panel and adjust it based on the offset. If the issue persists, check the sensitivity of the photoelectric sensor or consult your after-sales support team for guidance on further adjustments.

Q: Why can’t my hffs packaging machine cut through the film?
A: Check if you are using a suitable film material. Flow wrappers typically support materials like PE film and composite film. Other materials may also work with proper adjustments—consult your sales representative for details. If the issue occurs suddenly but worked fine before, inspect the blade for sharpness. Worn blades may cause incomplete or uneven cuts, so replacing the blade is recommended.

Q: How can I adjust my flow wrapper to package items of different sizes?
A: Within the machine’s capacity, you can adjust it to handle different item sizes. Different bag sizes may require changing the film width. Install the correct film, align the film roll, and ensure it enters the forming tube evenly. Adjust the tension system to prevent wrinkling or misalignment. On the control panel, find the “Bag Length” or “Cutting Length” setting and adjust it to the required size in millimeters or inches. Next, adjust the former to match the new product width, securely fix it, and align it with the feeding system. This step determines the bag width.

Q: Why do my finished bags have scratches or wrinkles?
A: This is usually caused by an incorrect film pulling speed, often too slow. Increase the speed of the film pulling wheel by adjusting the handle to smooth out the process.

Q: Why is the middle seal of the bag not properly sealed?
A: This happens when the sealing temperature is too low. Check the recommended sealing temperature for the film material you are using and increase it appropriately. Adjust within a safe range, as excessively high temperatures can melt the film and make the bags look unappealing.

Q: Why does the film fall out or feed unevenly during operation?
A: This is usually because the middle-sealing heating module is too tight. Loosen it slightly. Adjust the specific position where the film is slipping to ensure smooth operation.

Q: Why are the bags produced by my flow wrapper uneven or crooked?
A: This is likely due to a misaligned forming collar (or shoulder), a critical component that shapes the packaging film into a tube before sealing. Adjust the forming collar properly to ensure the bag matches the desired specifications and to prevent issues like wrinkles, misalignment, or film tearing.

Q: How can I create connected bags (continuous packaging)?
A: If your machine includes a continuous packaging feature, you can enable this on the control panel. Simply select the “continuous mode” option and set how many bags to connect before cutting.

Q: Why are my bags unevenly sealed, such as crooked back seals?
A: This issue is also caused by a problem with the forming collar. Adjust its position to ensure proper alignment and balanced sealing.

Q: What is the difference between fixed-length and variable-length modes on a flow wrapper?
A: In fixed-length mode, the machine cuts the packaging at a consistent length, which is ideal for products of uniform size. In variable-length mode, the machine adjusts the cut based on the product’s size, such as irregularly shaped vegetables or fruits. Both modes allow adjustable speed. Fixed-length mode is set based on the number of bags per minute, while variable-length mode adjusts for the amount of film used per minute.