• Phone217.324.6529
  • Address1400 West Hudson Drive | Litchfield, Illinois | 62056
  • Phone217.324.6529
  • Address1400 West Hudson Drive | Litchfield, Illinois | 62056

Gartech Glue System Quick Ref, Part 3: Pattern Wellness

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Problems, Common Causes & Solutions

In the final entry of this three-part series, compiled by Technician Mike Frosh and based on recurring problems he encounters during service calls, the topic of general cleaning is addressed. Here you’ll learn how to identify problems, find common causes, and learn solutions for misting, gumballs, and variation in glue pattern thickness.

To learn more about these and other problems in more detail, read our earlier blog series, Getting A Better Glue Pattern.

Note: Each of the problems listed below can be avoided through proper Wash Cycles and a preventative maintenance schedule. If your plant prefers, we also offer service contracts for up to (4) visits per year.

Problem: Misting

This presents as a visible mist of glue that creates build-up on the Glue Shoe, housing, and surrounding components.

Common causes:

  1. The metering plate is not set in the correct manner.
  2. A dirty glue shoe.
  3. Excess water getting into glue.
  4. An improper glue formula.

Solutions:

  1. Correct the setting of the metering plate. Setting it too far from the Glue Wheel lets excess glue “escape.”
  2. Remove all dried glue and build-up from the mounting surfaces of the Glue Shoe and its Mounting Plate. An uneven surface keeps the shoe from mating with the wheel as intended.
  3. Inspect the water valves for leaks or tears and replace if necessary.
  4. The adhesive formula may be too thin. Refer to the Gartech Glue Manual or this entry for specs.

Problem: Gumballs

This is a physical characteristic where glue beads and builds-up against the edges of the Glue Shoe, its Metering Plate, and other components when left unattended.

Common causes:

  1. A worn metering plate.
  2. A metering plate that protrudes past the glue shoe.
  3. The glue shoe is not seated square on its mounting plate.
  4. An improper glue formula.

Solutions:

  1. Correct the setting of the metering plate.
  2. Check that the metering plate’s surface is not grooved or worn. If it is, the shoe will need redressed by Gartech.
  3. Remove the glue shoe and clean all the mounting and working surfaces. Inspect the wheel surface for wear and the shoe.
  4. The adhesive formula may be too thick (heavy). Refer to the Gartech Glue Manual or this entry for specs.

Problem: Variation in Glue Pattern Thickness

This is a physical characteristic where the Glue Wheel is no longer seated in a secure or stable manner.

Common causes:

  1. Glue Wheel or Glue Shaft is worn or damaged and no longer rotates within tolerance.
  2. The Glue Shaft bearings are worn or improper.

Solutions:

  1. Use an indicator on a clean Glue Shaft and the Glue Wheel for runout (not to exceed .0025″).
  2. Ensure bearings are the proper style and that they still turn freely by hand with no play.

Note: Each item above is inspected during a routine service call and should be addressed according to reports issued by the service tech.