[VIDEO] VFFS machine maintenance: How to set the jaw zero position on a high-speed packing machine

What is the jaw zero position?

The zero position is when a set of sealing jaws are fully open.

Why is it important to set the jaw zero position?

For the cross-seal timing to work correctly you must teach the motor drives to 'know' the jaw position in the machine's 360-degree virtual CAM. To do this you must set the jaw zero (fully open) position for all jaw sets. In this video example, there are two jaw sets: left and right.

In proper operation, the fully open jaws start at zero. The jaws then rotate 360 degrees in the virtual cam and return to the fully open position, where the count starts over again.

How to set the jaw zero position on a high-speed packing machine

CAUTION: Be sure to follow your organization's lock-out tag-out procedures and PPE guidelines before performing this repair. Failure to use caution while working on the machine by not using the proper safety procedures could result in injury. Don’t hurt yourself or somebody else.

NOTE: These instructions apply to Viking Masek's Velocity VFFS machine and may not apply to your equipment. Always consult your owner's manual or the manufacturer's service department for instructions related to your specific packing machine.

1. Using the HMI manual mode located in the test menu, manually jog the right cross jaws to their fully open position. If needed, jog the left cross jaws out of the way before moving the right cross jaws by using the manual controls for the left cross jaw. Do not crash the jaws sets together. The jaws are fully open when both jaw lobes are pointing in opposite directions.
2. Once the right jaw set is fully open, verify that they are at their zero position by placing a straight edge across the jaw lobes. When both jaws are at their zero position the straight edge will sit flat across both lobes. There will be no gaps between the lobes and the straight edge. To adjust the jaw open position, jog them in manual mode like step 1.
3. Once the fully open position of the right jaws has been found with a straight edge you must set the zero position for the machine using the HMI. Do this by pressing and holding the zero button for the right cross seal. Hold the button for 3 seconds. The zero button will now display that the right cross jaws are at zero.
4. Repeat steps 1-3 for the left jaw set.

Watch more packing machine maintenance videos

Check out the other videos in our VFFS Maintenance Quick Tips series:

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How to set up automatic film tracking >>

How to set up film registration & train photo-eye sensor >>

Follow a comprehensive spare parts & machine maintenance plan

Machine preventive maintenance is one of the most important things you can do to ensure a long, productive life for your packaging line. Download our comprehensive VFFS machine preventive maintenance planner for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly recommended maintenance tasks: