Direct answer
Automate when the current constraint, labour requirement, quality risk or capacity need can be measured and the automated process can be supported reliably. For l-sealing, confirm the result with representative product and packaging before altering several variables at once.
Likely causes
- The manual process has not been measured in the l-sealing process.
- Automation is aimed at a symptom rather than the constraint in the l-sealing process.
- The product or pack range is still unstable in the l-sealing process.
- Maintenance and changeover capability are not included in the l-sealing process.
What should be checked first?
- Measure labour, output, rejects and waiting
- Identify the limiting operation
- Compare semi-automatic and automatic routes
- Model normal product and format mix
- Include replenishment and exception handling
- Calculate total ownership cost
- Plan phased acceptance and training
What should you compare before buying?
Compare the operating principle against the actual product, pack range, sustained good output, measurable quality limits, cleaning, changeover and site conditions. Use representative samples and agree what will be demonstrated during testing before delivery and after installation.
Machinery options for this problem
Start with the first option below. It most closely matches the product, pack and problem described on this page. The other options may suit a wider line or a different level of automation.
Related l-sealing questions
Sealing and end of lineWhy is l-sealing production giving inconsistent results?
Variation usually begins with changing product or packaging conditions, unstable presentation, unsuitable settings or wear in the process.
See the checks →
Sealing and end of lineHow can I increase l-sealing production speed?
Increase sustained good output by identifying the actual constraint, separating machine cycle time from handling time and removing the first recurring cause of waiting.
See the checks →
Sealing and end of lineWhy does l-sealing equipment keep jamming or stopping?
Find the first point where control is lost. A downstream alarm is often only the final symptom of poor feeding, transfer, detection or format control.
See the checks →