Re: Customer Service/Order Processing
(Contact our customer service department or submit a question related to the processing of your order by clicking here.)
Q: Does National Instrument, LLC have a minimum order value?
A: Yes, the minimum order value is $50.00.
__________
Q: Does National Instrument, LLC accept credit cards as a form of payment?
A: Yes, VISA and Mastercard are accepted at this time.
__________
Q: Can National Instrument, LLC provide product or material certification information?
A: Yes, when requested, the information is typically supplied in the form of one or more material lot numbers shown on the packing list that accompanies the shipment of the components.
__________
Q: What is the process for identifying and ordering a replacement nozzle assembly?
A: The process begins with our forwarding to you a nozzle identification chart. The chart shows generic images of several nozzle types with a number of dimensions (e.g. tubing barb diameter, length/diameter of the nozzle tip) associated with each left blank. Once the indicated dimensions have been measured and recorded, and the completed chart has been returned to us, the nozzle assembly's part number and complete description can be determined.
__________
Q: We have misplaced our parts manual and cannot determine the serial number of our FILAMATIC® filler. What is the process for identifying and ordering a replacement volume control assembly?
A: The process begins with our forwarding to you a volume control identification chart. The chart shows a generic image of a volume control with a number of dimensions (e.g. mounting hole center distances, length/width of the volume control body) left blank. Once the indicated dimensions have been measured and recorded, and the completed chart has been returned to us, the volume control assembly's part number or the part numbers for any of its components can be determined.
__________
Q: We want to run a new container on our existing FILAMATIC® filling system that is equipped with a star wheel indexing mechanism. What information must be supplied to obtain a starwheel configured for the new container?
A:
In general, a starwheel can be fabricated once National Instrument, LLC
has been supplied with (1) the serial number and model designation of
the existing FILAMATIC® filling
system, (2) a physical sample or an engineering drawing of the new container,
(3) the direction of starwheel rotation in the existing filling system,
and (4) the number of containers that are to be indexed after each filling
cycle of the existing system.
__________
Q: We have misplaced the schematic(s) for our FILAMATIC® filling unit(s). Are replacement schematics available?
A: Yes, once each filling unit is identified (see the filling unit model designation identification process outlined directly below), a replacement schematic can be supplied, typically free of charge.
__________
Q: We have misplaced the instruction manual(s) for our FILAMATIC® filling system(s). Are replacement manuals available?
A:
Yes, replacement manuals may be obtained for any FILAMATIC® filling
system once National Instrument
Company has been supplied with the relevant serial number. The cost of
the manual(s) varies depending upon factors such as the age and/or operational
complexity of the system.
__________
Q: What is the typical turnaround time for the repair of a semi-automatic/bench-top filler?
A: One week.
__________
Q: What is the process for identifying and ordering a replacement pump post assembly?
A: Two key dimensions are required to identify the required replacement pump post assembly. These include (1) the size of the pump post's mounting threads (either 5/8"-11 or 3/4"-10), and (2) the length of the pump post's hexagonal body. Once these dimensions have been determined, the replacement pump post assembly's part number can be identified.
Re: Filling Units, Nozzles, and Other Product Contact Parts
(Contact our technical service department or submit a question related to your Filling Units, nozzles, or other product contact parts by clicking here.)
Q: National Instrument, LLC stocks o-rings in what materials of construction?
A: O-rings are typically stocked in Viton, Buna-N, Silicone, and Ethylene propylene.
__________
Q: Does National Instrument, LLC offer FDA-approved o-rings?
A: Yes, FDA-approved silicone o-rings are available upon request.
__________
Q: What components are typically included in a filling unit spare parts kit?
A: The components typically included are a cylinder head gasket, a set of piston rings or an o-ring for the piston head, valve washers, valve weights or valve springs, valve balls, and, when appropriate, a set of suck-back seal rings.
__________
Q: We are experiencing product dripping at the tip of the filling nozzle. Will replacing the valve weights with valve springs stop the dripping?
A: Yes, if the dripping is the result of a small amount of positive head pressure in the product.
__________
Q: The model designation has worn off of our FILAMATIC® filling unit. What information is required to determine the filling unit's model designation?
A:
In general, a FILAMATIC® filling
unit can be identified by specifying (1) the bore diameter of the
cylinder or the outside diameter of the piston head, (2) the "across
the flats" dimension of the hexagonal material used in the fabrication
of the valve assemblies or the diameter of the valve balls, (3) the outside
diameter of the intake and discharge tubing barbs, and (4) whether or
not the filling unit is equipped with a suck-back attachment.
__________
Q: What can I do to stop my nozzle from dripping at the end of the filling cycle?
A:
There are several potential causes that should be checked. If your nozzle
is equipped with a screen at the tip, make sure that the screen is clean.
Check the end of the nozzle for damage (i.e. any variation from the smooth,
rolled-under factory finish). Check to make sure that the liquid
is not getting on the outside surface of the nozzle tip during the filling
process. Finally, if you are filling a low surface tension product using
a straight-through (i.e. type DN-) nozzle, conversion to a ball check
(type DNV-) nozzle may be required to achieve a drip free fill.
__________
Q: Regarding the screen material located inside the tip of many FILAMATIC® nozzles, are different screen/mesh sizes available?
A: Yes, the screens found in the tips of nozzles can be fabricated with 12x12, 18x18, or 24x24 mesh screen material. While the 12x12 mesh is typically used in the construction of a screen, as the surface tension of the liquid being filled decreases, a denser mesh (i.e. 18x18 or 24x24) may required to prevent dripping at the tip of the nozzle.
__________
Q: The Teflon packing rings in our FILAMATIC® filling units seem to be wearing out quickly. Is there a way to convert the piston rod assemblies over to an o-ring seal?
A: Yes, o-ring adapters are available for most FILAMATIC® filling units. An o-ring adapter is easily retrofitted to an existing filling unit by following a procedure virtually identical to that for installing a new set of packing rings. Please contact our customer service department for pricing and availability.
Re: Filling Machines, Monoblocs, and Other Machinery Systems
(Contact our technical service department or submit a question related to your filling machine, monobloc, or other machinery system by clicking here.)
Q: What components are typically included in a semi-automatic or bench top machine spare parts kit?
A: Separate mechanical and electrical spare parts kits are available for FILAMATIC® semi-automatic/bench-top filling machines. A mechanical spare parts kit typically includes a volume control assembly and a pump post assembly (either upper or lower). An electrical spare parts kit typically includes an electronic controller, switches, and/or relays.
__________
Q: We have a FILAMATIC® Model AB-5 bench-top filler that was built in the early 1970's. After many years of reliable service, the motor has died. Is a replacement motor for this machine available?
A: Typically, direct replacements for the motors originally installed in bench-top fillers that are more than ten years old are no longer available, but most of those machines can be retrofitted with a new motor and a corresponding electronic controller. However, given that the retrofitting of the new motor and controller requires some amount of at-assembly machining and re-wiring, the bench-top machine must be returned to our factory in Baltimore, MD for the procedure.
__________
Q: My Model DAB-5 bench-top filler is blowing fuses and I would like to return it to NIC for repair. Will I be given a cost estimate before any repairs begin? What is the current labor rate for this type of repair work?
A: We always provide a cost estimate, including both parts and labor, before beginning the repair process. The current labor rate associated with repairs of this type is $90.00 an hour (or $1.50 per minute).
__________
Q: We have a Model AB-8 filler and recently replaced its blown DC motor controller with a new one. However, the machine still does not run. What could be wrong now?
A: First, check the main fuse. It may have been blown along with, or subsequent to, the initial problem with the controller. If the problem is not in the main fuse, review the hardwire drawing that came with your parts/instructions manual to verify that all wire connections are proper. If the unit's wiring is correct, make sure that the rectangular IR resistor is functional and properly plugged into the controller (when replacing a controller, the installation of a new IR resistor is recommended).
__________
Q: Is there a recommended hydraulic fluid for use in my FILAMATIC® filling system’s bottom-up cylinder reservoir?
A: Yes, we recommend using Castrol Blue Hydraulic Plus-10 weight fluid.
__________
Q:
We are currently using a model DAB-32-2 semi-automatic filler for our
liquid products. Can this semi-automatic unit be modified, or upgraded,
to a fully automatic filling
system to provide increased production as our business grows?
A: Yes, a semi-automatic model DAB-32-2 unit can be upgraded to a fully automatic model SYN-32-2 or SYN-32-4 system. However, given the rather involved nature of the conversion process, including the addition of a conveyor and other container handling systems and the upgrade of the control system, the semi-automatic machine must be returned to our factory in Baltimore, MD.
__________
Q: What periodic checks can I perform to ensure that my FILAMATIC® bench-top filler continues to operate accurately and reliably?
A: The following assessments should be completed annually.
The pump post and volume control bushings (found in the bearing sleeve housing assembly) should be checked for excessive wear. Any gap between the ID of a bushing and the underlying pump post or bearing sleeve that is more than 0.002” (allowing the bushing to be moved up/down or side-to-side) will affect the filling accuracy of the system. When a gap of more than 0.002” is found, the bearing sleeve housing assembly needs to be replaced.
The
operation of volume control(s) should be thoroughly evaluated. With all
of the filling units
removed from the filler, loosen the eccentric post nut on the volume control
assembly. Then, turn the adjustment knob to cycle the volume control through
its entire range of motion. If it binds at any point, the lead screw assembly
may be rusted and some penetrating oil may be required to free it. However,
because the threads in the lead screw assembly are very fine, be careful
not to apply too much torque while trying to free the assembly. If the
lead screw assembly is bent or stripped, replacement will be required.
The drive system should be checked for excessive wear. With the power off, manually rotate the volume control(s) clockwise/counterclockwise to determine the degree of free play present in the drive gears. It should not be excessive, only a few degrees of motion at most. The drive gears will need to be replaced if the free play has become excessive.