HWS4C

Overview

The Hobart HWS-4-C is a floor-model hand-wrap station for manually wrapping and sealing packages. Its two-roll film selector lets an operator choose between two film widths to suit the package. The operator pulls film over the product, cuts it at the heated cut-off rod and briefly places the package on the hot plate to finish the wrap. The station has an open area for a scale, two stainless steel side shelves and an outlet for scale or printer power.

The HWS-4-C is the wrapping station, not a complete weigh-wrap-and-label system on its own. Hobart’s specification sheet says the control panel, weigher, printer, platter and post assembly must be ordered separately to configure a complete system. The manual describes use with a scale and printer and notes that the station outlet can supply power to those components. PVC stretch-wrap film is not supplied by Hobart.

Key Features

• Two-roll film selection: Holds two rolls and provides fingertip selection between them, allowing operators to choose a suitable film width for a package.
• Easy film loading: Film is mounted on a shaft and threaded around the rollers. The manual describes adjusting the bearing-block wing nuts to set film tension.
• Low-temperature cut-off system: The heated cut-off rod softens the film on contact to help cut it.
• Angled sealing hot plate: The 15-inch-wide by 6-inch-deep plate has a non-stick removable cover. The operator uses it to finish and seal the film around the package.
• 12-hour timer: The timer is specified for the hot plate and cut-off rod, helping limit the time those components remain on.
• Work and equipment space: Two stainless steel side shelves flank an open scale area. An outlet is provided for scale or printer power.
• Stainless steel construction: Hobart specifies a heavy-duty 300 series stainless steel stand assembly and a stainless steel frame.
• Ambient-temperature operation: The product details state that the station operates in all ambient temperatures.

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Hobart
• Model: HWS-4-C (also referenced as HWS4C)
• Equipment type: Floor-model hand-wrap station
• Film capacity: Two rolls, each up to 10 inches in diameter and 20 inches wide
• Film type and core: The operation manual specifies PVC stretch-wrap film with a 3-inch-diameter core; film is not supplied by Hobart.
• Film selection: Two-roll selector with fingertip film selection
• Hot plate: Angled; 15 inches wide by 6 inches deep; non-stick removable cover
• Side shelves: Two stainless steel shelves; each specified as 12 5/8 inches wide by 28 inches deep in the product details. The manufacturer specification sheet lists the shelf size as 12 5/8 inches wide by 28 inches deep.
• Overall dimensions: 27 inches wide by 27 inches deep by 36 1/4 inches high
• Electrical rating in product specifications: 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, 8.5 A
• Electrical supply in the operation manual: Properly grounded 115 V, 60 Hz, single-phase dedicated circuit with 15 A capacity. The manual instructs the installer to check that the electrical service agrees with the machine data plate.
• Shipping weight: Approximately 90 lb for the HWS station, according to the manufacturer specification sheet.
• Timer: 12-hour timer for the hot plate and cut-off rod
• Included work area and power provision: Open scale area and outlet for scale or printer power
• Components ordered separately for a complete hand-wrap system: Control panel, weigher, printer, platter and post assembly.

Installation & Requirements

The operation manual calls for connection to a properly grounded 115 V, 60 Hz, single-phase dedicated circuit with a capacity of 15 A. The product specification sheet and product details list the unit as 120 V, 60 Hz, single phase, drawing 8.5 A. Because the sources give both the manual’s supply requirement and the product specification rating, check the HWS-4-C data plate and confirm the electrical service matches it before connecting the station. The manual also says to test the electrical service against the machine data plate before installation.

The manual states that assembly and installation by a qualified Hobart service technician are included with the purchase price. Confirm current installation arrangements with the equipment supplier. The station may be set up with the printer on the right or left; the manual says the printer location should be specified before assembly. For a complete hand-wrap system, Hobart lists a control panel, weigher, printer, platter and post assembly as separate components. No installation clearance or ventilation requirement is specified in the provided sources.

Operation

Load and thread film

The manual specifies PVC stretch-wrap film, which is not supplied by Hobart. Each roll uses a 3-inch-diameter core, and the station accommodates two rolls up to 20 inches wide. To load a roll, loosen the wing nuts securing the upper bearing blocks and rotate the blocks to remove the film shaft. Unscrew the movable end cap, position the fixed end cap so the roll will be centred, slide the roll onto the shaft with its cardboard core against the fixed end cap, then refit and tighten the movable end cap. Adjust the fixed end cap if needed to centre the film.

Return the loaded shaft to the lower bearing blocks so film unwinds from the top of the roll toward the rear of the station. Swing the upper bearing blocks into place and route the film around the rollers as shown in the manual. Repeat for the other roll, then adjust the bearing-block wing nuts to set the desired film tension. Hobart notes that the amount of drag is generally an operator preference, but enough tension must be maintained for proper film cutting.

Wrap and seal a package

Turn on the station’s 12-hour timer and allow 10 to 15 minutes for the cut-off rod and hot plate temperature to stabilise. The manual directs the operator to begin with the thermostat beside the hot plate at the midpoint of its range. Select the desired film width using the film selector: down for the lower, wider roll or up for the upper roll.

When using a scale-and-printer setup, place the item on the scale platter, enter the PLU and print the label. Pull out enough film to cover the package, then draw the film up and over the item in a continuous motion, tucking 2 to 3 inches under the far edge. Lift the package by its sides, draw it back toward the cut-off rod and cut the film. Briefly place the package on the hot plate, stretch film over the sides and fold the excess under the package. Place it briefly on the hot plate again to seal the bottom, then move it to a shelf and apply the label. The manual warns that the hot plate and cut-off rod are hot and should not be touched.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Before cleaning, turn off the wrap station and any connected scale or printer, then unplug the electrical cord. The manual warns that surfaces may be hot and says not to hose down the machine. Clean the hand-wrap station and hot plate cover with a mild detergent, such as dish soap, and a clean cloth. Harsh cleaners and cleaners with high chlorine content can damage the stainless steel surfaces. Once the cut-off rod has cooled, it may be cleaned with a non-abrasive pad.

The manual identifies replacement of the hot plate cover as needed. It also notes that a missing or worn non-stick cover can cause film to stick to the hot plate. The cover is removable.

Troubleshooting

• Film sticks to the hot plate: Check whether the non-stick cover is missing or worn and replace it as needed.
• Package seal is incomplete: Increase the time the package is on the hot plate or move the thermostat toward HOT. After changing the thermostat setting, allow 10 to 15 minutes for the hot plate temperature to stabilise.
• Holes form in the bottom of the package: Decrease the time on the hot plate or adjust the thermostat away from HOT. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for the temperature to stabilise after a thermostat adjustment.
• Hot plate is cold: Adjust the thermostat to increase the hot plate temperature and allow 10 to 15 minutes for it to stabilise. Check that the 12-hour timer is on; when power is on, the pilot light should be illuminated. Check that the cord and plug are connected to the electrical supply.
• Cut-off rod is cold: Check that the 12-hour timer is on and the pilot light is illuminated. Check that the cord and plug are connected to the electrical supply, and check the fuse. The manual directs operators to contact a local Hobart service office for repairs needed on the equipment.

Applications

The HWS-4-C is suited to manual package wrapping and heated film sealing in foodservice and retail food-preparation settings. The manual’s example workflow uses a scale platter, PLU entry and a printed label, making the station relevant to operations that weigh, wrap and label products such as prepared portions or items handled at a meat counter. Those scale-and-label functions require the appropriate separate system components; the HWS-4-C station itself provides the film handling, cut-off and heated sealing work area.