CYLINDER MAINTENANCE
 

Novaseal uses pneumatically driven cylinders for Press and Rockers, as well as for many other features such as Automatic PocketMaker, Wrinkle-free Clamp, HeatSealer Bar Clamp, as well as several other customized applications.  Primary method of maintaining cylinders for proper continuous operation is to assure that there is no water or moisture in your air lines.  Specifically this means that for proper warranty operation, your air compressor must be free of water or moisture.  Areas of higher humidity are especially prone to water collection in the air compressor tank.  Aside from damaging air tools, rust forming in the compressor tank, moisture collection in our cylinders will lead to premature failure.  Although Novaseal’s warranty is the best in the industry, our warranty excludes damage to pneumatic cylinders caused by water or moisture found in the cylinder. 

Our air cylinders are pre-lubricated so that lubrication is not necessary.  When water or moisture is introduced into the cylinder, the pre-lube will be washed away.  When this happens, the cylinder will not operate correctly.  If this has happened, which is noticeable by uneven cylinder movement, then adding a lubrication will be necessary.  If lubricating the cylinder becomes a nuisance, another option would be to purchase replacement air cylinders. 

How to lubricate.  Use turbine oil Class 1 (no additive), ISO VG32; or SMC GR-S-020 (20g) packets.  SMC’s standard grease packets are available for purchase through Novaseal.  One packet will more than adequately provide enough lubricant to lubricate all cylinders as needed per scheduled maintenance.   

Instructions for lubricating Press Cylinders:

1. Turn OFF the HEAT switch, and operate the machine in maintenance mode;
2. Press the two GREEN START buttons, and assure that the Press Cylinders are fully extended.  While in this position, apply a thin coat of SMC GR-S-020 on the extended rod of each Press Cylinder. 
3. Cycle the machine a few times.  Do this by first pressing one of the two GREEN START buttons, and the Upper Sealing Bar will return to the upper position.  With HEAT SWITCH remaining in the OFF position, repeat steps to extend and retract the cylinder a few times.  When cycling, the lubrication will be applied to rod seal, rod seal groove on the rod cover, piston outer surface, piston seal groove, piston seal inner and outer surface, piston rod surface and tube inner surface.  Repeating this maintenance procedure will assure optimal performance of the air cylinders.

Although all cylinders will be negatively affected by water or moisture in the line, the Rocker Cylinders are less likely to give you trouble.  Why?  Rockers are always on, therefore less cycling of water through the cylinder resulting in lubrication washed away.