Frequently Asked Question

Quotation Statement:

• All products are designed for operation in a typical warehouse environment (dry, clean, heated).
• Options may be available to adapt these machines for operation in other environments (eg. cold, wet, dusty, etc.).
• Operation of these machines in conditions for which they were not designed might reduce the life expectancy of the machine and/or negate the warranty.

Design Environment:

These wrapping machines are designed for use inside a building, and not outdoors where they could be exposed to rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

We recognize that some customers place their machines right at the shipping doors, where they could intermittently be exposed to inclement weather. In such cases, as long as the exposure is limited, these machines have proven to be reliable and run without issue.

Wipedown Cleaning:

In cases where there is a need to washdown the machine, washdown protection is available but not a standard option for any model.  Engineering suggests that unless you are actually using a power washer, it is likely not even necessary. Any machine they build, be it high or low profile, easily accommodates 'wipe down cleaning' without any expected issue.

Power Washing:

Should a power washdown application be required, several things can be done to make a machine washdown resistant (but not washdown proof). This includes waterproof motors, stainless steel bearings and chain, although note that not every component under the turntable (for example sprockets) is available in a waterproof version. The machine can be expected to last longer with these accommodations, but there is no guarantee of durability even if equipped with water proof components. However, all of the above noted components are replaceable, so machine reliability can be maintained with a properly managed maintenance program.

Another accommodation that can be done in washdown situations is to paint the underside of the machine with an extra thick layer of paint, which will slow or eliminate water damage to the very bottom of the machine.

Please note that incorporating any or all of these washdown accommodations requires a factory quotation and means that the machine has to be placed into the production queue. A stock machine cannot be used. This may also extend build time expectations.

Enclosure Ratings:

The enclosures are designed to meet the NEMA 12 specification, which is dust tight, but does not meet wash-down specifications.  If the machine is to be used in a powered wash-down situation, we recommend that only the turntable be power-washed. The recommendation is to raise the carriage a few feet in the air before washing down, limiting the power wash to only the turntable area, and wipe down the rest of the machine with rags. The factory will not warrant a machine that is power washed in its entirety.

Temperature:

Environmental temperature is also a concern. Operation of these machines in lower temperatures can be accommodated for.

For environments approaching the freezing mark, but not dipping below it, there is the standard option "Cold pack, above freezing" option which includes synthetic oil rated for low temperatures in all reducers.

For environments that maintain temperatures below the freezing mark, there is a factory quoted "Cold pack, below freezing" option. This option includes synthetic oil rated for low temperatures in all reducers, but may also include a thermostatically controlled heater in the control panel and/or other enclosures. (Temperature inside the control panel must be reasonably maintained above the freezing mark so water vapour does not cause condensation on the electrical components.) It may also include other cold temperature accommodations according to a factory engineers recommendations. This option requires a factory engineering quotation based upon the specifics of the application.