AWS

Overview

The Hobart AWS Access Wrapping System wraps tray-contained packages using rolled stretch film. The operator manual describes an automatic wrapper that senses package size and selects the film length for each package. The system includes a scale, printer and touchscreen console for operator input and product information. A used Hobart AWS listing also identifies the equipment as a wrapper with scale and printer.

The operator manual supplied for this equipment is titled for the Access AWS-1B Wrapping System. Confirm the exact model and configuration on the equipment rating plate and manual before applying model-specific setup or service information.

Key Features

• Automatic package sensing: The wrapper senses package size and selects the film length required for wrapping.
• Manual and automatic capacities: A used AWS listing gives a manual capacity of 30 lb and an automatic capacity of 15 lb.
• Weighing and label printing: The system’s scale and printer support package weight and label information. The manual instructs operators to routinely check printed weight and price calculations.
• Touchscreen controls: The operator screen provides menu buttons, check boxes and text fields, with on-screen numeric and alpha keyboards. Flashkeys provide quick access to frequently used products and functions.
• Network and USB connections: The AWS-1B manual describes an RJ-45 Ethernet connection or wireless TCP/IP, plus two Type A USB ports.
• Film and tray requirements: The manual specifies rolled machine stretch film and states that products must be contained in a tray to be wrapped.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart.
• Model: AWS.
• Equipment type: Access Wrapping System; automatic stretch wrapper.
• Manual capacity: 30 lb.
• Automatic capacity: 15 lb.
• Label length: 1.5 to 4 inches, in 0.5-inch increments.
• Package dimensions listed for a used AWS: width 4.5 to 15 inches; length 4.5 to 10.1 inches; height 0.4 to 6 inches.
• Maximum wrapping speed: 30 packages per minute.
• Film type listed: PVC.
• Film details in the AWS-1B manual: rolled machine stretch film; film width 13 to 20 inches; 3-inch cores; maximum roll diameter 9.5 inches; minimum recommended film gauge 60.
• Electrical details in a used AWS listing: 208–240 V, single phase, 60 Hz, 20 A and 1,800 W.
• Electrical requirements in the AWS-1B manual: a dedicated 208–240 V, 60 Hz, single-phase circuit with three wires plus ground and 20 A circuit protection. The console receives power through a 110 VAC cable connected at the back of the printer.
• Operating temperature range in the AWS-1B manual: 32°F to 82°F (0°C to 28°C).

Installation & Requirements

The AWS-1B manual states that the scale should be installed and moved only by qualified Hobart Service Technicians. It specifies a dedicated 208–240 V, 60 Hz, single-phase circuit with three wires plus ground and 20 A circuit protection. The console receives power through a 110 VAC cable connected from the back of the printer to the bottom of the console. The printer has its own power switch on the back; the wrapper and label applier receive power when the wrapper’s switch is turned on. That switch is inside the small access door on the lower front panel’s right-hand side.

For console communications, the manual lists an RJ-45 Ethernet connection for TCP/IP or wireless TCP/IP, along with two Type A USB ports. The manual gives an operating temperature range of 32°F to 82°F (0°C to 28°C). Check the equipment’s rating information and the applicable manual for the specific unit being installed.

Operation

Before wrapping, make sure each product is contained within a tray; the manual states that products must be in a tray to be wrapped. Load rolled machine stretch film on 3-inch cores, using a roll no larger than 9.5 inches in diameter. The manual says the wrapper can use film widths from 13 to 20 inches, with the required width depending on package size. It recommends film that allows a 1-inch overlap on the bottom of the package between the flaps and cautions against excessive film width because too many folded layers can impair sealing.

The operator uses the touchscreen to enter information and move through display screens. Menus open lists of available data, check boxes enable or disable optional functions, and text fields accept entries through the on-screen numeric keypad or alpha keyboard. Flashkeys give quick access to frequently used products and functions. Once a package is presented, the automatic wrapper senses its size and selects the film length for wrapping.

The manual advises routinely checking label information, including the multiplication of price per pound by package weight and agreement between scale weight and printed label weight. It recommends weighing the same package several times to check consistency. Packages near the midpoint of a 0.01 lb increment may vary by 0.01 lb; greater variation indicates that the system needs adjustment, and the manual directs users to contact a local Hobart representative when adjustment is needed.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, power down the touchscreen, printer and wrapper, unthread the film from the film selector, and disconnect the wrapper’s power source. The manual warns that high-pressure washing can damage the wrapper. For components specified for mild detergent and water, use a soft cloth, rinse and allow the part to air dry. Do not touch the sealer belt while it is hot.

• Rear film chamber; canopy and film chamber doors; external plastic covers; stainless-steel side panels; front, rear and side underfolders: Clean as needed with a soft cloth moistened with mild detergent and water, then rinse and air dry.
• Sealer belt: Clean as needed with a soft cloth moistened with mild detergent and water, rinse and air dry. The belt can be hot.
• Intake conveyor area and weigher rods: Clean as needed with a long-handled brush or moist cloth. The weigher rods can be removed and washed in a sink with mild detergent and water. Use a long-handled brush for additional belt cleaning, then rinse and air dry; replace the rods after cleaning.
• Package hold-down: Lift it upward and clean as needed with a soft cloth moistened with mild detergent and water, then rinse and air dry.
• Side-clamp gripper pads and film-selector rubber roller: Clean as needed with Hobart cleaning solvent or isopropyl alcohol.
• Elevator area: Open the canopy and side doors for access. Clean with a soft cloth; a soft brush may be needed in confined areas.
• Printer printhead: Clean approximately once each week, when label residue obstructs printing, and when installing a new label roll. The manual specifies Hobart Printhead Cleaning Kit part number 00-184326 and warns against using a metal tool on the printhead.

After cleaning, allow any steam in the room to dissipate before restoring power. Check that no water remains on the weigher before powering up, as water can cause the system to come up out of zero range.

Troubleshooting

• Conveyor, intake or package jam: For listed intake and conveyor jams, press STOP, remove packages, labels and debris, then press START. If the centering conveyor or elevator is not at home, the manual directs the operator to press START to home the machine.
• Elevator stalled: The AWS-1B manual directs the operator to check that the package is 15 lb or less. Its troubleshooting instructions also call for clearing the machine as needed and restarting it.
• Blank, partial or mispositioned labels: Check that labels are threaded correctly and that the label exit is clear. If blank or partially printed labels persist, clean the printhead and roller using the manual’s specified procedure.
• Package has an open side or end: Check film threading and centring, clean dirty side-clamp pads or film-selector rubber rollers, and confirm that the product is arranged within the tray. The manual also identifies wet or slick trays or film, unsuitable film type or size, and film slipping on the arbor as possible causes; it directs operators to change unsuitable film or trays and tighten the film collars if the roll turns on the arbor.
• Holes in film under the package: The manual identifies excessive sealer-belt temperature, dirty elevator or side underfolders, dirty film-gripper or side-clamp pads, foreign material in the plates, and damaged or poorly stored film as possible causes. It states that the sealer belt normally does not need to be hotter than 325°F (163°C).

Applications

The AWS is intended for wrapping tray-contained packages in commercial food operations. Its scale and label printer make it suitable for workflows where operators weigh packaged products and print package labels. The manual also refers to product recipes, cooking instructions and merchandising graphics as information handled by the system, supporting retail merchandising and packaged-food preparation workflows.