Troubleshooting Pressure Sensitive Tape Application Problems

TAPE WRINKLING

1.          Accumulation of adhesive on the idler roller that may restrict the roller to rotate freely. (Tape Wrinkles almost entire length, figure 10.)

Tape wrinkling can be caused by three factors (figure 10).

Solution: Spray the idler roller and shaft with solvent to clean off adhesive build-up (figure 11). (Continuous running of machines with defective rollers will cause excessive wear on belts and motors.)

Caution:          The use of a petroleum base solvent may cause the rubber applicator & wipe down roller to break down.

2.          Improper spring pressure exerting too much force on the applicator roller. (Tape wrinkles almost entire length figure 10.) Solution: The spring should be factory set for the proper pressure on the applicator roller. If the pressure is too great, remove the assembly and clean all debris causing the problem and reassemble (figure 12). If the spring is too loose and the applicator roller rolls too freely, it may cause tape to wrap around it. (See Trouble-Shooting Tape Wrapping Around Applicator Roller.)

3.          Tape is not being cut cleanly. (Overlap on leading end wrinkles). Solution: Clean the knife blades with solvent. If blades are worn or dull, install new blades. It is not advisable to resharpen blades (figure 13). (When changing blades, ensure blade is mounted with the beveled edge facing toward the discharge end of tape head.)