Wearable Parts: The Key to Preventing Catastrophic Shutdowns
In our line of work, we see it all the time: a worn component that’s been left in place for too long and is now creating a serious production issue. Sometimes it’s a bolt, sometimes it’s a seal gasket... almost always, it’s preventable.
Our field service team offers classroom-style training on die maintenance for customers all over the world. During these sessions, as well as on our standard service visits, we stress the importance of properly cleaning a die’s critical surfaces to ensure smooth operation. This includes the areas where coating or polymer moves through the die’s flow channel, as well as the points where die bodies meet to form a seal.
It also includes checking the smaller parts for wear or damage.
All Nordson dies have a list of adjustment parts, fasteners, heaters, gaskets, seals, and other items that are considered wearable components. A full list of your die’s parts, including the wearable components, can be found on the assembly prints provided with your operation and maintenance manual or by contacting the EDI® Aftermarket Services team.
It’s important to routinely check the wearable items to ensure they’re functioning as expected. If this is not done, you risk losing production output and incurring additional costs for die repairs.
Common Small Part Issues We See in the Field
Stocking Replacement Parts
A full list of your die's parts, including the wearable components, can be found on the assembly prints provided with your operation and maintenance manual or by contacting the EDI® Aftermarket Services team.
Adjustment Components
Inserts, Nuts, Retainers, Rods, Screws
The size of these components will vary based on length and adjustment spacing. Nordson recommends you stock the following supply of spare adjustment parts:
- Adjusting Screws - 25% of the total quantity required for your die
- Inserts & Nuts - 35% of the total quantity required for your die
- Retainers - 10% of the total quantity required for your die
- Retainer Screws & Bolts -100% of the total quantity required for your die
Fasteners
Bolts & Washers
Different types of bolts and washers are used to secure or separate the die bodies from one another. Nordson recommends you stock the following supply of spare bolts and washers:
- Body Bolts - at least 10% of the total quantity required for your die*
- Bolt Bolt Washers - 100% of the total quantity required for your die
- Jack Bolts - 2
*Note: The body bolt manufacturer highly recommends that the body bolts are replaced whenever the bolts are untorqued due to the nature of the heating and cooling process. DO NOT replace body bolts with a lower grade of bolt as operator injury may occur due to bolt breakage.
Heaters
Cartridge Heaters & Plugs
Heater types will vary based on your die's processing parameters. Nordson recommends you stock the following supply of heaters and plugs:
- Autoflex™ Heaters - 10% of the total quantity required for your die
- Heaters - 10% of the total quantity required for your die
Gaskets & Seals
Gaskets and seals help prevent leaking from the die at various points. The gaskets and seals installed in your die will vary based on the optional features selected, as well as your processing parameters. Nordson recommends you stock the following supply of spare parts:
- End Seal Gaskets - Minimum of 4 sets
- End Seal Screws - 100% of the total quantity required for your die
- Restrictor Bar Seals (if equipped) - 1 roll
Nordson has created several suggested replacement part lists, based on our different product offerings. For a copy, please contact our EDI® Aftermarket Services team.
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