How to Operate an Automatic Quantitative Packaging Machine: Start, Debugging & Use Tips
Automatic quantitative packaging machines are the key elements in “fast packaging, accurate measuring, and cutting costs whilst boosting efficiency.” Compared to manual old-school packaging, these machines are 3 to 5 times faster while maintaining a packaging error of only ±0.5%! Moreover, the machines reduce labor costs and save materials. For optimal use of the machines, the operator must know how to operate, debug, and maintain the machines. That is why this post will show you how to operate an automatic quantitative packaging machine, covering every component of the machine from start to finish.
What It’s Used For & Prep Work Before Operation
It Works for Almost Every Industry
Food industry: Bagging flour, mixed grains, or snack pellets.
Chemical industry: Moisture proof packaging for fertilizer, laundry detergent, or paint.
Pharmaceutical industry: Precise small dose packaging for traditional Chinese medicine granules or Western medicine powders.
Building materials industry: Big-bag packaging for cement, sand, or putty powder.
3 Must-Dos Before You Start
1.Set up the machine: Make sure it’s level (use a level tool to check!), keep it away from water and heat sources, and leave at least 50cm of space around it for easy operation.
2.Prep your materials:
Granules: Sift out dirt (so it doesn’t get stuck).
Powders: Dry them out (moisture should be ≤15% to avoid clumps).
Liquids: Filter out sediment (to protect the measuring pump).
3.Grab your tools: A wrench (for adjusting parts), calibration weights (to check accuracy), and a cleaning cloth (for daily wiping).
Step-By-Step to Starting the Automatic Quantitative Packaging Machine
1.Before Turning the Machine On
Power & Air Supply: The voltage of your power supply must either be 380V or 220V, and the power cord must not be damaged. If power is pneumatic, check that the air tubes are not leaking, and that the pressure is between 0.4-0.6 MPa.
Safety Features: The emergency stop button must immediately cut power when pressed. See if the machine is equipped with a safety door that prevents the machine from starting when it is open. Finally, check if the overload protection can automatically switch off when you simulate too much load.
Mechanical parts: Look if the conveyor belt is clogged with debris, check if the measuring hopper has leftover material, and see if the heating strips/rollers of the sealing parts are intact. Moving parts, like gears and chains must have enough lubrication.
2.Let the Machine Self Check
Press the machine’s “Self Check” button. If the machine’s motor, sensors, and control system are functional, then no action is needed. If the system fails, check for the error code displayed on the screen (ex. “E1” is for sensor problems). Clear the issue first before pressing the button again.
3. Set the Parameters
Set your parameters depending on your material and the needs of your packaging. For weight-based packaging machines, this is how it works:
Basic settings: Each bag is set to a certain weight which can be packed at a speed set up to 30-50 per minute for granules and 20-30 for powders. The machine packs more slowly for powders because it creates a cloud of dust.
Industry tricks: For powders, be sure to use the “Dust-Proof Mode” feature. For liquids, set the machine to “Anti-Drip Delay” to allow a 1-2 second pause before the seal is made to prevent leaks.
4. Load Material & Test Packaging
Load the material by slowly pouring it into the hopper. For the first time, don’t fill more than 2/3 full. Check the conveyor belt to see that it is not letting the material pile up.
To test fill the packs, do 3-5 test bags and check two things. The first is weight accuracy which requires a digital scale where the error should be set to under ±0.5%. The second is sealing quality, which should be leak proof, smooth seal lines and in the case of liquid packs, no liquid seepage.
5. Start the Machine for Real
If the test packs are satisfactory, go ahead and click on “Start.” During the first few minutes, watch the machine for 5-10 minutes:
Look: Is the conveyor belt moving uniformly? Is the measuring hopper dropping material in a consistent manner?
Listen: Do the motor or fan make weird sounds? (If yes, some parts are likely loose.)
Check: Every bag ought to be the same weight. No large discrepancies are permitted!
Debugging Process for Automatic Quantitative Packaging Machines
1. High-Frequency Fault Troubleshooting
Fault 1 – Abnormal Metering Accuracy (Underweight/Overweight)
| Troubleshooting Direction | Specific Description | Solution Steps | Key Notes |
| Poor material fluidity | Powder caking, particle adhesion | Blow off caking with compressed air; use a soft brush for severe cases | No hard objects for cleaning; pre-dry powder (humidity ≤15%) |
| Wear of metering screw/pump | Screw gap >0.2mm or damaged seal ring | ①Measure gap with calipers; replace screw if >0.2mm; ②Replace damaged seal ring | Operate with power off; new parts must match original model |
| Sensor calibration failure | Zero drift, inaccurate weight recognition | ①No-load calibration (clear hopper, press “Zero Calibration”); ②Full-range calibration (add standard weights, press “Full Calibration”) | Weight error ≤±0.1g; do not touch the machine during calibration |
Fault 2 – Mechanical Jam/Sudden Shutdown
| Troubleshooting Direction | Specific Description | Solution Steps | Key Notes |
| Conveyor belt stuck by foreign objects | Large impurities stuck between conveyor belt and roller | ①Emergency stop, cut off power/air supply; ②Remove side cover to take out foreign objects; ③Repair or replace damaged conveyor belt | Wear gloves to avoid scratches; sieve impurities before feeding |
| Motor overload | Excessive packaging speed, load exceeding rated value | ①Power off to cool motor for 10-15 mins; ②Measure current (≤1.2×rated current) ③Reduce speed (30-50 bags/min for particles) | Do not force start; check drive jamming if current is high |
| Foreign objects stuck in mechanical gaps | Residual material falling into gear/chain gaps | ①Power off, remove protective cover, blow off foreign objects with air; ②Manually test gear rotation; ③Reinstall protective cover | Add 32# mechanical oil (5-10ml) after cleaning; prevent oil contamination of materials |
Fault 3 – Sensor Malfunction (No Material Recognition/No Weight Feedback)
| Troubleshooting Direction | Specific Description | Solution Steps | Key Notes |
| Sensor probe contaminated with dust | Powder adhering to probe, blocking signal | ①Power off, wipe probe with dry cloth; ②For caking, wipe with ≥95% anhydrous alcohol, power on after volatilization | No water for wiping; keep alcohol away from fire |
| Loose terminal connections | Vibration causing loose terminals, signal interruption | ①Power off, open electric control box; ②Tighten sensor terminal screws; ③Check other terminals | Wear insulating gloves; keep electric control box tightly closed to prevent dust |
| Incorrect parameter settings | Low/high sensitivity causing no feedback/false triggering | ①Enter parameter interface, adjust “Sensor Sensitivity” to medium (Level 2/50%); ②Test 3-5 bags for verification | Verify with test packaging after adjustment; test sensor with multimeter if no feedback |
2. Calibrating for Accuracy
Adjust the Measuring Device
It depends on the type of machine you have—here’s how to tweak it:
Screw-type: Change the screw speed (faster speed = more material coming out).
Weight-type: Adjust the feed gate opening (smaller opening = more accurate measuring).
Volume-type: Tweak the piston stroke (longer stroke = bigger volume for material).
Calibrate the Sensor
No-load calibration: When the hopper is empty, press “Zero Calibration”—the screen should show “0.00g.”
Full-range calibration: Put a standard weight (like 500g) into the hopper, press “Full Calibration,” and the machine will automatically match the weight.
3. Test Packaging & Record After Calibration
Run 10-20 test bags to cover all states: empty hopper → half-full → full. Write down three things:
- Each bag’s weight (e.g., 500g±2g is good).
- How fast the machine packs.
- How many times it has issues.
If 98% or more of the bags pass, calibration is done! If not, check the measuring device and sensor again.
4. Pro Tips for Using Your Automatic Quantitative Packaging Machine
5 Habits to Cut Down Errors
- Keep materials flowing evenly: Add a vibration device for powders, or a mixing tool for granules.
- Don’t start/stop the machine too often: Use “Standby” mode for short breaks—it saves the motor from wear.
- Check measuring accuracy every 2 hours: Use weights to spot-check, and calibrate if needed.
- Adjust sealing temperature by material: 120-150℃ for plastic film bags, 180-220℃ for aluminum foil bags.
- Keep the hopper half-full: Too empty or too full makes measurements unstable.
Maintenance Tips
Daily care:
- Clean the hopper, conveyor belt, and sensor (left-over material can cause rust or damage).
- Add lubricating oil (use 32# mechanical oil, 5-10ml each time) to moving parts like gears and chains.
- Check the heating strip’s temperature (don’t let it overheat and burn out).
Regular care (weekly/monthly/quarterly):
- Weekly: Check air tubes for leaks, and replace old ones.
- Monthly: Recalibrate the sensor and dust off the electric control box.
- Quarterly: Replace easy-wear parts (like seals, heating strips, and conveyor belts).
3 Small Tricks to Boost Efficiency
Prep materials ahead: Connect a storage tank to the machine’s hopper—this lets you feed material non-stop, no more pauses.
Optimize settings: For granules, speed up packing (e.g., 50 bags per minute). For powders, slow down but turn on “dual-screw feeding” (it makes material flow faster).
Batch-pack same-spec materials: Save your settings after adjusting (use the “Memory” function)—next time you can load them in 1 click, saving 10-15 minutes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Putting materials with dirt directly into the machine. This clogs the measuring channel and wears out the screw—you’ll have to take it apart to clean, costing more time and money.
Mistake 2: Not cleaning material off the sensor. Over time, leftover material makes the sensor less sensitive, leading to wrong weights or even short circuits.
Mistake 3: Forcing the machine to start when it’s stuck. Pressing “Start” over and over when it jams can burn out the motor and make the problem worse.
Conclusion
Learning how to operate an automatic quantitative packaging machine—including fine-tuning and daily use—isn’t just following steps; it boosts efficiency, accuracy, and consistency for your packaging line. Adjusting settings for your materials and sticking to maintenance tips will help the machine last longer and deliver better value.
Mastering this machine’s operation pays off for businesses aiming to improve efficiency, cut material waste, and ensure precise packaging. If you face issues like weight errors or startup problems, check the manual or ask a professional—especially if you’re new to using it.
As this guide outlines, following these tips lets you optimize the automatic quantitative packaging machine, boost output, and strengthen your competitive edge. Remember to use proper procedures (a key part of operating it) and schedule regular maintenance to keep it running safely for years.
