Overview

This procedure explains how to set up and adjust Station 6, the twisting station.

Station 6 grips the upper portion of the pre-roll and twists the remaining paper after compaction. Proper setup is important because the station needs to hold the paper securely enough to create a consistent twist without gripping too tightly, rubbing against the paper, or tearing it.

Prepare a Compacted Pre-Roll

Before adjusting Station 6, place a pre-roll containing product into the station after it has completed the compaction process.

This gives you the actual paper height and product configuration that Station 6 will handle during production.

Begin by manually raising the rod from underneath to bring the pre-roll into its working position.

Set the Station Height

Check the distance between the cone holder and the Station 6 grippers.

The technician recommends approximately 2–3 mm of clearance between the holder and the grippers for the demonstrated configuration.

If the station needs to move higher or lower, use the station height adjustment.

Once the position is correct, lock the adjustment securely in place.

Set the Pre-Roll Height

With the pre-roll raised into Station 6, inspect how much paper extends into the twisting grippers.

The video uses the orange gripper bands as a visual reference.

The paper should reach approximately the area of the second to third rubber band.

If the paper is positioned too high or too low, adjust its working height using the adjustment located below the station.

The objective is to place enough paper inside the grippers to create a secure and consistent twist.

Adjust the Main Gripper Closing Pressure

Station 6 includes an adjustment screw that controls how tightly the grippers close around the paper.

Moving the screw outward allows the grippers to close tighter.

Moving the screw inward limits the closing travel and reduces the gripping force.

Verify the Secondary Gripper Stop Screw

A second adjustment screw is located in the gripper assembly.

The video specifically points out that this screw is important and should be present.

Its function is to further limit how tightly the grippers can close around the pre-roll.

For some formats, including the 1 gram pre-roll example mentioned in the video, the screw may need to be adjusted inward so the grippers do not close as tightly.

Adjust the Lift Gripper Position

Station 6 also provides a vertical adjustment for the lift gripper assembly.

Loosen the corresponding adjustment and move the gripper assembly to the required height.

After positioning it, tighten and lock the adjustment.

Pay close attention to the clearance between the lift gripper and the rubber gripper bands.

Prevent Gripper Interference

Do not position the lift gripper assembly excessively high.

When the mechanism lifts during the twisting cycle, it must not rub against or contact the rubber gripper bands.

The video specifically mentions cases where the assembly was positioned too high and rubbed against the grippers during the upward movement.

Adjust the Up-Stroke

The Station 6 stroke adjustment controls how high the twisting mechanism travels.

Access the stroke adjustment from the rear of the station.

Begin by loosening the larger locking adjustment.

Then use the smaller Allen adjustment located in the center to change the stopper position.

The inner adjustment limits how high the mechanism travels during the twisting cycle.

Use the Up-Stroke for Paper Stress Relief

The up-stroke is important because it provides stress relief to the paper while it is being twisted.

If the twist becomes too tight while the mechanism remains fixed, the paper can be placed under excessive tension.

Allowing the mechanism to move upward slightly provides additional movement as the paper tightens.

This can help prevent the paper from being pulled apart or torn during twisting.

Run a Cycle Test

Once the mechanical adjustments are complete, prepare the machine for testing.

Press Reset and verify that the station is correctly positioned and that no components will interfere with one another.

Use Cycle Test to run Station 6 through a complete twisting cycle.

Watch the station carefully during the test and verify that:

• The pre-roll enters the grippers correctly.
• The grippers close securely.
• The paper does not slip.
• The lift movement does not create interference.
• The paper is not excessively stretched or torn.
• The finished twist is consistent.

Adjust the Number of Rotations

The HMI provides a Total Number of Rotations parameter.

This controls how many rotations Station 6 performs during the twisting sequence.

The video demonstrates values such as 2.7 or 3 rotations and indicates that the setting can go up to approximately 10 rotations.

The correct number depends primarily on how much paper remains above the product and how much twist is required.

More paper at the top may require additional rotation.

Adjust the Twist Speed

Twist speed also affects the quality of the finished result.

The operator can adjust the speed according to how the paper reacts during the twisting process.

The HMI shown in the video allows the speed to be increased up to approximately 350.