What maintenance does a hot melt case sealer need?
Daily: check tank level and lid, temperatures and air, inspect and wipe nozzles, check the bead. Weekly: check or change filters, look at hoses and fittings, verify temperatures. Monthly to quarterly: purge through the tank drain and change filters. Twice a year or as your equipment maker says: clean the tank interior and service pumps. Typically, heavier use means shorter intervals.
Hot melt and hot equipment can cause burns. Follow your equipment maker’s safety manual and lockout steps; qualified personnel only. Call us for data sheets
Daily
- Tank topped up and lid closed (a low, open tank chars faster)
- Tank, hose and gun temperatures at setpoint; actual temperature checked against the controller
- Air pressure to guns in range
- Nozzles wiped; look for char, wear and drips
- Test bead: size, placement and clean cut-off (no stringing)
- Pull a sealed case: check fiber tear
- Clean glue drips and angel hair off guides and the floor
Weekly
- Inspect inline and gun filters; change if flow is restricted or debris shows
- Check hoses for kinks, damage and contact with a cold floor
- Check fittings, solenoids and mufflers
- Inspect nozzles for wear; replace worn tips
- Confirm setback or idle settings are working
Monthly to quarterly
- Purge through the tank drain to flush contamination and char
- Change tank filters
- Review glue use per case and pop-open rejects
Twice a year or per your equipment maker
- Clean the tank interior
- Service pumps and check heaters and thermostats
- Before a seasonal change, check the grade still fits the plant and storage temperatures (cold warehouse, hot truck)
Follow your equipment maker’s manual and lockout procedures. Intervals here are typical starting points, not Cattie specifications or requirements.
When maintenance doesn’t fix it
Repeated char, stringing or pop-opens on a well-maintained line can mean the grade doesn’t fit. Cattie’s metallocene hot melts are built for pot-life stability, and our low-temperature grades typically apply at about 250°F, not 350°F. Call 800-249-0337 for a free sample or line trial.
Request a sample Call 800-249-0337 Request a quote
Related
How to solve hot melt application problems · Hot melt application trouble-shooting tips · Hot melt system trouble-shooting tips · Hot melt adhesive · Charring and gelling · Stringing · Pop-opens · How to clean a hot melt system
Case sealer maintenance FAQ
How often should I change hot melt filters?
Inspect weekly and change when flow is restricted or debris shows; change tank filters at least quarterly as a typical starting point. Follow your equipment maker’s schedule.
Why keep the hot melt tank full?
A low tank exposes more hot glue to air, which speeds oxidation and char. Keep it topped up and the lid closed.
How often should I purge the tank?
Typically monthly to quarterly through the tank drain, more often on heavy use or if char shows. Follow your equipment maker’s procedure.
Is this checklist a data sheet?
No. It is general maintenance guidance. For data sheets, call 800-249-0337.
