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• Pacific Packaging Machinery, Inc.
• What's New

• New Feature: Air Manifold Quick Disconnects
• Announcement: Extended Service Agreement
• Reconditioned Filling Machines
• Technical Tip: Air Manifold Maintenance
• Announcement: New Press Release

Each Pacific filling machine, designed to fill light to semi-viscous products, is equipped with an air manifold. The air manifold is used to control the air cylinders which in turn opens and closes product flow through the filling nozzles.

Proper lubrication and maintenance of the air manifold (see the Technical Tip below) is critical for long lasting operation of the unit. Because the unit requires lubrication every 8 hours, we have improved the fastening system for removal and installation.

We now offer a clamping strap (see the upper picture to the right) with a memorized setting so that the proper tension is always maintained. The new strap replaces the dual shoulder bolts. The new strap ensures that the air manifold is tightened correctly which is essential for crisp nozzle plunger operation. The part number for the 5" air manifold clamp is A-7291-8. The part number for the 7" model is A-7291-9.

Also new to the air manifold is the usage of quick disconnect fittings. With these fittings, personnel are able to disconnect the air lines with the push of a button, making them very user friendly. The fittings are still designed to break away from the manifold in the event of an accident. The part number for the complete set of quick disconnects is A-7429-3.

Both of the quick disconnect features are available as a retrofit on your existing Pacific filling machines. Reference the part numbers referenced above.

For more information and pricing please contact Tina at (949) 369-2425 x700 or tinam@pacificpak.com.

Announcement

Pacific's Extended Service Agreement is a preventative maintenance machinery audit program designed to increase your machine efficiencies and restore the original filling accuracy and operating condition.

The audit is performed on-site by a Pacific service technician and includes an inspection of the machine drive, filling system, container handling, air system and electrical components. A detailed written summary is provided to document the condition of the machine, complete with recommended actions to improve performance.

Whether your operation has one Pacific filler or twenty, the program can be customized to meet your specific objectives.Click here to download specific details.

For additional information contact Pete Carpino at petec@pacificpak.com.

Reconditioned Filling Machines

Pacific offers "like-new" reconditioned filling machines based on availability. These machines are completely stripped down and rebuilt with mostly new components. Currently, we have two filling machines to offer with short lead-times at roughly 25% less than the cost of a new machine:

• 24-Station, Bottom-up Filling Machine (5.4978" C.P.): Ideal for personal care, home care and thin food & beverage applications. Speed range of 120 to 360 C.P.M. on 8 to 48-ounce containers. Supports a maximum container size of 4.875"
• 18-Station, Bottom-up Filling Machine (5.4105" C.P.): Ideal for personal care, home care and thin food & beverage applications. Speed range of 100 to 275 C.P.M. on 16 to 128-ounce containers. Supports a maximum container size of 7.250"

For more information and pricing, contact Pete Carpino at (949) 369-2494 or petec@pacificpak.com.

Technical Tip

Proper air manifold maintenance is very important given the unit plays a major role in producing consistent fill levels.

The unit is designed to last a very long time assuming it is properly maintained. Proper air manifold maintenance will also increase the life of the air hub manifold, which is extremely expensive to replace.

The following procedures should always be followed:

• Lubricate the air manifold with a light grade oil or a food grade silicone every 8 hours.
• Torque the air manifold so it can be slightly rotated by hand when the air supply is ON. See the new Clamping Strap feature above for more details.
• The air manifold position is factory set via the pin mechanism and must be maintained for proper operation. Changing the pin position causes premature or delayed filling nozzle action. This will produce erratic fills.
• Proper operating air pressure should be between 25 and 45 PSI. The factory default is 30 PSI. If the pressure must be increased beyond 45-50 PSI to achieve crisp valve action, the air manifold may require replacement.
• Protection of the air manifold is achieved via plastic breakaway fasteners. Always keep a few spare fasteners in the event of an accident.
• Always keep a spare air manifold on hand. This is a critical part that will leave the machine inoperable in the event of damage or failure.

These preventative maintenance procedures are highly recommended and should always be followed. Doing so will increase the life of the air manifold and maintain your expected filling performance.

For additional information or answers to other machine questions, contact Jim Spencer at jspencer@pacificpak.com.