Siding Trouble Shooting Guide

Problem Possible Cause Possible Solution
Orange Peel Melt temperature too low Increase barrel/die/screw temperature
Check heater bands for proper functioning
Lubricant level too low / wrong lubricant for the temperature range Check and start with high-melting external
Dull finish Melt temperature too low Increase barrel/die/screw temperature
Increase speed
Poor fusion Melt temperature too low Increase barrel/die/screw temperature
Powder/Granules too cold (stored outside?!)
Gloss streaks Exessive panel thickness (dragging on calibrators) Check calibrator
Incorrect tank height Align tank
Dull streaks Excessive plate out in die or first calibrator Check your compound (see “Plate out”)
Foreign matter in calibrator Check and clean calibrator
Scratchy Panel Excessive plate out in die or first calibrator Check your compound (see “Plate out”)
Foreign matter in calibrator or die Check and clean
Pull die for polish / run purge through the die (only purge without big chunks of filler)
Excessive gloss Melt temperature too high Decrease barrel/die temperature
Gaseous Finish Overfusion at vent lower temperature profile
Vent not working properly Check whether water temperature of the vacuum pump is not too high (should be below 17 C)
Melt temperature too high Decrease barrel/die temperature
Flow restriction Check size of orifice
Change the filter
Check for burn
Chattering Sticking somewhere in downstream Check for excessive vacuum or water
Check punch speed
Check embosser rollers for plate out, sticking to rolls
Check calibrators for plate out
Check whether panel is wet when going into puller
Check for excessive heat in the panel
Puller clamp force too low Change gear ratio or puller
Bends Misalignment Raise or lower position of tank
Check product flow through calibrators
Excessive or insufficient cooling (air or water) Increase/Decrease cooling
Bow Uneven gauge Adjust die accordingly to balance panel, check for excessive clip or butt flow
Double check alignment of all equipment (preformer must be squared to calibrators)
Move bow adjustment block accordingly
Ensure embosser is applying level pressure on each side and is squared to die. Check hydraulic pressure or air pressure
Ensure all calibrator blocks are squared to each other
Uneven cooling to calibrators Check water flow to calibrator blocks
Inconstinent vacuum Check for blocked line, poor water supply to liquid ring pump, full filter canister
Calibrators are blocked Ensure calibrators are free of debris
Uneven water temperature in the tank Check for even water temperature on each side of tank
Twist Misalignment Level tank
Low water level
Embosser squareness
Tank and calibrator squareness
Oilcanning Panel too thin Open bottom adjustment bolts on die, if necessary (or top bolts)
Check amperage. If running below specification, increase
Slow down haul off and embosser
Decrease extruder RPM (should be last resort)
Ensure panel is installed properly on oil can board
Reset die (final option)