Here’s How to Troubleshoot a Film Food Wrapper:

What is the Best Technique for Wrapping Food with a Heat Seal Machine?

1. Place the package on the wrapping bridge/package rest (in front of the seal plate). Using both hands grab the wrapping film on the outside edges and pull the package toward yourself until there is enough film to fit over the entire package. Take care to keep enough tension on the wrapping film to avoid wrinkles before the package is sealed.

2. Once the package is covered by film, the bottom edge farthest from you should have ~2 inches of film under it.

3. Hold the film in place, and using both hands, put the wrapped package on the heat seal plate for the first seal. Cutting the film should not require much force, as the cut-off (hot) rod should effortlessly cut the film and separate it from the film roll.The remaining film will rest on the cut-off rod for the next package.

4. To finish the wrapping process, remove the wrapped package from the seal plate, and tuck any excess film on the sides of the package to make a tight package. Then make the final seal by running the package across the hot plate again. Done!

How Often Should I Replace my Non-Stick Cover?

The answer to this question ultimately depends on how many packages are sealed on your Heat Seal machine daily. Some locations many need to change their covers weekly and others may only require change ever month or so. ALFA recommends that the non-stick cover be replaced, at minimum, every 3 months. In general, the key driver of replacement is wear to the non-stick coating. Over time, the non-stick coating will wear off the seal plate cover, which will slow the package wrapping process and make it less efficient. At this point the operator should change the non-stick cover for optimal packaging performance. In the same vein, if the non-stick cover becomes soiled, punctured, or otherwise damaged it should be replaced to ensure a sanitary surface for food wrapping.

The life of the non-stick cover can be extended by rotating the cover periodically to ensure even wear of the cover. Keeping the cover clean of debris and liquids, as well as coating the heat seal cover with an food safe lubricant.

How Do I change my Food Wrapper’s Non-Stick Cover?

First and foremost: wait until the unit is turned off and has cooled! Once the unit is cool, the non-stick cover can be removed from the seal plate and replaced with a new cover. We recommend that the hot plate be cleaned periodically and at the time of the cover replacement. This can be accomplished by unplugging the unit and using an FDA Approved mild spray degreaser on a clean cloth or towel to wipe off the plate when it is cool.

My Machine Won’t Turn On

First, check that the machine is plugged in to a live outlet. Then, confirm that the power switch is turned to the “On” position. As a third step, check the fuse to confirm that it isn’t blown. Finally, check for loose wires in the electrical box (sometimes wires become lose during movement from one work area to another or in transit.

Does it Matter What kind of Stretch Film I Use?

Yes!!! It is important that specially formulated PVC stretch film be used to wrap meats and other food products to ensure food safe storage parameters. For example: pallet wrap, which is made of polyethylene, is NOT approved for use with food due to its chemical make up. ALFA offers Heat Seal Approved PVC stretch Film in 12″ Width x 5000′ Rolls and 18″ Width x 5000′ Rolls.

My Machine’s Hot Rod is Cold, but my Hot Plate is Working. What Could be Wrong?

First and foremost, it is important to note that the Hot Plate and Hot Rod function independently of one another. Put another way, the components that control each mechanism are not shared. The Hot Rod works in conjunction with the Circuit Board, Fuse and Fuse Holder, whereas the Hot Plate works in concert with the Thermostat and Heating Element.

If the problem is isolated to the Hot Rod, we suggest the following steps, from simplest to more complex, to troubleshoot the issue:

1)Look at the Fuse to ensure that it is not blown. If blown, replace.

2)Evaluate the circuit board for any loose wires.

3)Test the function of the hot rod circuit board using a 115 Volt neon circuit tester. With the power turned OFF, remove the RED HOT wires from Terminals 1 and 2 of the circuit board. Measure the resistance of the hot rod by connecting the leads of the meter to the red wires. The reading should be between 130-136 ohms. If the reading falls outside of these upper and lower limits, the hot rod should be replaced (as well as the circuit board).

4)If the hot rod and fuses have passed steps 1-3 (above), the circuit board can be tested. First confirm that terminals 1-6 are properly connected and with the Power ON, use the meter to test the voltage across Terminals 1 and 2. If no voltage is read out, the circuit board must be replaced. We recommend that the hot rod be replaced at the same time.

My Heat Seal Hot Plate isn’t Working!! Help!

If the problem is isolated to the Hot Plate, we suggest the following steps, from simplest to more complex, to troubleshoot the issue:

1)Check that the heating element is functioning. if it is, then

2)Confirm there are no lose wires to the thermostat, if there aren’t and the thermostat isn’t functioning

3)Replace the thermostat

How should I clean my Heat Seal Film Wrapper?

Your Heat Seal food wrapper should be periodically cleaned using a mild cleaning detergent and soft towels. During the cleaning the machine should be unplugged for safety purposes. The unit should NOT be hosed down or submersed in water, as this will damage the electronic components.

The cut off rod can also be cleaned as required. Before cleaning hot components, like the hot rod or seal plate, the machine should be turned off, unplugged and allowed to cool to the touch. The cut-off rod can be cleaned by spraying an FDA Approved degreaser product and allowing the degreaser to soak for a few minutes. Towels can be placed under the hot rod to catch any cleaner drips, overspray, and residue particles. After soaking for a few minutes, the surface of the cut-off rod should be lightly scrubbed using a scouring pad. The final step is the wipe the cut-off rod surface with a paper towel or cloth. Repeat as necessary to achieve the desired cleaning result.

The hot plate should also be cleaned. First, allow the hot plate to cool to the touch, then remove the non-stick hot plate cover. Apply a FDA approved mild degreaser product to a soft towel and wiped across the hot plate to clean the surface.

If you can’t find the answer you need above, feel free to contact out Customer Service team at sales@alfaco.com or at 1-800-327-ALFA.

How to Troubleshoot Heat Seal Food Wrapping Machines