03 Operation
Shared operating procedures and standard running guidance.
Shared operating steps for i-Series tray sealers.
2. Description of operation (process overview)
Typical i-Series sequence:
Trays enter the infeed conveyor.
Trays are spaced to a set pitch.
Transfer arms capture trays and move them into the seal station.
Base tool lifts and locates trays.
Heat and pressure seal film to the tray flange.
Film is cut to the tool perimeter.
Trays return to the conveyor and exit on the outfeed.
3. Pre-start checks
Guards fitted and latched.
Tooling installed and secured.
Film loaded and threaded.
Gas/vacuum connected (if fitted) and within range.
Area clear of foreign objects.
4. HMI navigation (typical)
What “machine settings” means
Machine settings are machine-specific constants. They apply across all recipes. They usually control calibration, limits, and option enablement.
Recipes are format-specific parameters. They change with tray and film tooling.
Access and change control
Machine settings are typically restricted via RFID / password. Only trained engineers should change them.
Record every change:
Note the old value and new value.
Record date, reason, and who changed it.
Validate with a controlled test run.
Incorrect machine settings can cause poor seals, collisions, or unsafe motion.
5. HMI controls (typical)
Functions commonly available on i-Series HMIs:
Production statistics reset.
Machine settings (restricted).
6. Security (typical RFID access)
Most i-Series systems allow normal running without login.
RFID access can restrict critical settings to nominated users.
Typical access procedure:
Present the RFID tag to the reader.
Press the RFID access button (if fitted).
Confirm the user pop-up and continue.
Users are typically logged out after a period of inactivity.
7. Start-up procedure (typical)
Ensure the machine is safe and clear.
Apply electrical power at the main isolator.
Select machine mode on the HMI.
Acknowledge any start-up messages.
Perform a safety reset and allow axes to home.
Load the required recipe.
Confirm tooling is installed. Fit tooling if required.
Confirm film is loaded. Fit film if required.
Wait for sealing tool temperature to reach setpoint.
Adjust infeed tray guides to suit the tray format.
Feed trays to the infeed conveyor.
8. Recipes (parameter sets)
Recipes are saved parameter sets for a tooling format.
Typical recipe items:
Seal time and temperatures.
Film feed length and tension.
Registered film enable (if fitted).
Printer enable (if fitted).
Downstream equipment enable (if integrated).
Tray pitch and tray position.
9. Stop and shutdown
Planned stop: press Stop and allow the machine to complete its cycle.
Isolate gas/vacuum where required.
Switch off power only after the machine has stopped safely.
10. Verification during production
Inspect seal witness and adhesion at defined intervals.
Confirm cut quality and film position.
Monitor alarms and stop if repeated faults occur.