When Shutting Down A Hot Melt Adhesive System (With A Melter, Hose, And Gun)At The End Of The Day,

Proper Cleaning Is Critical To Prevent Clogs, Charring, And Equipment Damage

Below Is A Step-By-Step Protocol For Nighttime Shutdown:

Nightly Shutdown & Cleaning Protocol for Hot Melt Systems

1. Purge the System

-Run the gun until empty (if possible) to expel most molten adhesive. Switch to a purging compound

(cleaner or low-melt-temperature adhesive) to flush residual glue from the hose and gun.

-Alternative: Use approved cleaning rods (for manual removal).

2. Turn Off the Melter

-Set the melter to “Standby” mode (if available) to reduce temperature gradually.

-Power off only after the temperature drops below the adhesive’s melting point

(~100–120°C for most PUR/EVA adhesives).

3. Disconnect & Clean the Gun

– Remove the nozzle/nozzle tip and soak it in a hot melt cleaner or mineral oil to dissolve residue.

– Wipe the gun body with a lint-free cloth (avoid water or solvents unless specified by the manufacturer).

4. Hose Maintenance

– For heated hoses: Keep them powered (in “standby” mode) if the system allows, or cool fully before coiling.

– For unheated hoses: Blow compressed air (if recommended) to clear blockages before storage.

5. Store Properly

– Cap open ports (gun inlet, nozzle threads) to prevent dust/debris entry.

– Coil hoses loosely to avoid kinks or stress on heating elements.

6. Morning Restart Tip

– Preheat the melter before resuming operation to ensure adhesive flows smoothly.

7. Critical Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s:

Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific model (e.g., Nordson, Robatech, Meltex).

– Use only recommended cleaners (e.g., Purge-X, Teroson) to avoid damaging seals.

Don’t :

– Let adhesive sit overnight in the hose/gun (can carbonize and clog)