06 Installation
06.1 Scope
This section defines the installation requirements for all MPE i-Series tray sealing machines, including the i5.
These instructions apply to machines supplied by MPE UK Ltd unless otherwise stated in machine-specific documentation.
Installation must only be carried out by:
Qualified engineers
Authorised installation technicians
MPE service personnel or approved partners
Improper installation may result in:
Unsafe operation
Machine damage
Seal quality issues
Voiding of warranty
Always refer to the machine data plate and model specification sheet before connecting utilities.
06.2 Delivery and unpacking
Upon delivery, the machine should be inspected before installation.
Inspection Checks
Check the following:
No visible transit damage
Machine frame is intact
Guards are fitted
Electrical cabinet is secure
Tooling and accessories are present
Conveyors and mechanical assemblies are secured
If damage is identified, report immediately to:
The site engineering manager
MPE UK Ltd support
⚠ WARNING Do not energise the machine if damage is suspected.
06.3 Utilities
Utilities must be verified against the machine data plate and specification sheet before connection.
Typical utilities for i-Series machines include:
Electrical Supply
Typical requirements:
3-phase electrical supply
Voltage and current rating dependent on model
Neutral and earth connection required
Example typical supply:
The electrical supply must be:
Correctly protected
Installed by a qualified electrician
Connected through an accessible isolator
Network / Remote Support
Where fitted, the machine may support remote diagnostics.
Connection options:
Ethernet (CAT6)
Site Wi-Fi network
Remote access allows MPE engineers to assist with:
Fault diagnosis
Software updates
Performance monitoring
Gas Supply (MAP machines)
Machines equipped with Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) require a gas supply.
Gas type and pressure depend on the packaging process and site configuration.
Typical gases include:
Nitrogen (N₂)
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂)
Gas mixtures
Gas supply must include:
Pressure regulation
Isolation valve
Correct hose connections
Vacuum Supply
Some machines require a vacuum supply for packaging operations.
Where vacuum is installed, ensure:
Adequate vacuum level
Correct hose connections
Isolation capability
Important Utility Warning
⚠ WARNING Do not connect utilities until the machine data plate and specification sheet have been verified.
Incorrect utility connection may damage equipment.
06.4 Machine positioning
The machine must be positioned in a location that allows safe operation and maintenance.
Access Requirements
Ensure access to:
All guard doors
Tooling change areas
Film loading system
Electrical cabinet
Main isolator
Operators must have sufficient space to safely interact with the machine.
Maintenance engineers must have access to service panels and mechanical assemblies.
06.5 Floor requirements
The machine must be installed on a stable and level floor.
Suitable floor types include:
Industrial concrete floors
Reinforced factory floors
The floor must support the machine weight and operational loads.
06.6 Levelling the machine
Correct machine levelling is essential for proper tray transfer and sealing performance.
Levelling Procedure
Position the machine in its final location.
Adjust the machine levelling feet.
Use a spirit level to confirm the frame is level.
Confirm conveyors are aligned with upstream and downstream equipment.
Improper levelling may cause:
Tray misalignment
Transfer errors
Uneven sealing
06.7 Anchoring (where required)
Some installations require the machine to be anchored to the floor.
Anchoring may be required where:
High-speed operation is used
Machine stability is critical
Site safety requirements demand anchoring
If anchoring is specified:
Mark anchor locations.
Drill floor anchor holes.
Install appropriate anchors.
Secure the machine frame.
Always confirm anchoring requirements with MPE technical documentation.
06.8 Pre-power inspection
Before energising the machine, perform the following checks.
Mechanical Checks
No visible transport damage
Tooling correctly installed
Conveyors correctly mounted
Film system components secure
Safety Checks
All guards installed
Guard interlock switches functional
Emergency stop buttons intact
No loose components inside the machine
Emergency stops should be checked for mechanical movement only at this stage.
⚠ WARNING Do not power the machine yet.
06.9 First energisation
Once installation checks are complete, the machine can be energised.
Power-Up Procedure
Turn the main electrical isolator to ON.
Observe electrical cabinet indicators.
Confirm HMI powers up.
Allow the control system to complete its startup sequence.
The HMI should display the machine interface without critical alarms.
If faults occur during startup, isolate the machine and investigate before continuing.
06.10 Commissioning procedure
Commissioning verifies the machine operates correctly.
Typical commissioning steps include:
Step 1 – Safety Reset
Perform the standard safety reset procedure.
Ensure:
Guards closed
Emergency stops reset
Step 2 – Axis Homing
The control system will home all servo axes.
This allows the machine to establish reference positions.
Observe machine motion during homing.
⚠ WARNING If abnormal motion occurs, stop the machine immediately.
Step 3 – Tool Temperature Warm-Up
Activate the sealing tool heating system.
Allow the tool to reach its operating temperature before testing sealing operations.
Step 4 – Dry Cycle Test
Run the machine without trays or film.
This verifies:
Mechanical motion
Servo movement
Transfer system operation
Step 5 – Film Test
Load film and run the machine without trays.
Verify:
Film feeding correctly
Film tension control working
Film tracking correctly
Step 6 – First Product Trial
Load trays and product.
Run the first production cycle and verify:
Tray transfer
Seal quality
Film cutting
Pack discharge
Adjust machine parameters if required.
06.11 Seal quality verification
During commissioning, seal quality must be verified.
Checks include:
Seal integrity
Seal strength
Film cut accuracy
Pack appearance
Quality checks may include:
Visual inspection
Peel testing
Gas retention tests (MAP machines)
06.12 Integration with production line
The machine may be integrated with upstream or downstream equipment.
Examples include:
Tray denesters
Filling systems
Conveyors
Checkweighers
Labelling systems
Confirm correct synchronisation with line equipment.
06.13 Operator training
Before production begins, operators must be trained in:
Basic machine operation
Safety procedures
Film loading
Recipe selection
Basic troubleshooting
Training should be recorded in accordance with site procedures.
06.14 Installation documentation
The following records should be completed during installation.
Minimum documentation should include:
Machine model
Machine serial number
Software version
HMI version
Installed options
Examples of options include:
Gas flush system
Registered film
Printer integration
Remote diagnostics
06.15 Commissioning sign-off
Installation should be signed off by:
Installation engineer
Site engineering manager
Production manager (where required)
Commissioning records should be retained for future reference.
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