MAINTAINING A TAPE HEAD
Maintenance of your machinery is essential to ensure its long-term use and no problems occur, and this is no expectation for your tape heads. Regular preventative maintenance and check-ins with your tape heads make sure that your production line continues to run smoothly.
DISCLAIMER – ALWAYS PRACTICE SAFETY
Ensure that whenever handling tape head machines, from start until finish, always practice caution as these are dangerous machines. Keep your hands away from pinch points, wear gloves when near the blade, be careful of the machine falling on you. If anything looks out of place within your machine, stop and contact your local service provider, as the machine may be damaged.
BLADES
When checking the blade function, do these 3 things. Firstly, whip away all built up adhesive using GooGone, making sure the blade is no longer sticky. Secondly, tighten the blades’ screws, as the shaking of the machine can loosen these parts. Lastly, apply oil to the pad on the blade cover to keep the blade pristine.
ROLLERS
A key feature of the tape head, making sure your roller is in good shape, is the difference between good and bad tape adhesion. When checking your roller, make sure it is 1) No cuts, scraps, or incisions on the roller; if so, replace it. 2) Ensure no adhesive tape is attached to the roller; if so, wipe the roller with soapy water and dry. 3) Finally, if it’s been more than 6 months since the last professional service, have a professional ensure the bolt is properly greased and in good condition.
SPRINGS
Springs are the power behind cutting the tape on a tape head. Checking in biweekly on the springs to confirm they are still holding proper tension makes sure the other mechanisms work correctly
TENSION AND FEEDING ROLLERS
Each roller guides the tape towards your packages; any misaligned part means poor and improper application of tape. The two feeder rollers require cleaning semi-often, using GooGone and a cloth, and wiping off any junk stuck on the rollers. The tension roller requires more care; remove the top bolt, the two washers, and the spring, and take out the part. Clean the axle and lubricate it with any gear lubricant, wipe off the excess, and assemble the part. The white tension roller may seize up due to frequent use, when this occurs, take it to your local service provider to replace the part.
CONCLUSION
If each part of the tape head is taken care of, this machine should last you as long as you need it to. Make sure to perform this maintenance on a monthly basis and take it for professional preventive maintenance every 6 months.
