Issues to resolve before machine selection
Each risk should be converted into a design requirement, a trial, an operating control or an explicitly accepted limitation. Product and component samples should represent the difficult extremes rather than only a nominal production format.
- 1Changeover time consuming the available production window
Assess the likelihood, production effect and design or operating control before the line is ordered.
- 2Unknown component quality or product behaviour
Assess the likelihood, production effect and design or operating control before the line is ordered.
- 3Cleaning and cross-contamination between customer jobs
Assess the likelihood, production effect and design or operating control before the line is ordered.
- 4Tooling storage, identification and setup errors
Assess the likelihood, production effect and design or operating control before the line is ordered.
Application brief checklist
Send the following information with the initial enquiry. Early clarity usually shortens the route to a credible line concept and makes quotations easier to compare.
- Current and expected SKU matrix
- Smallest and largest containers and fills
- Changeover frequency and target duration
- Cleaning segregation and allergen controls
- Customer acceptance and reporting needs
- Space for tooling, materials and work-in-progress
Testing and production handover
Agree the factory and site test materials, run duration, quality checks, required good output and treatment of interruptions. Training should cover safe startup, shutdown, replenishment, changeover, cleaning, first-off approval and basic fault response.