In a candy production line, few things are more frustrating than a packing machine suddenly stopping or jamming mid-production. The film and candies are ready, the air compressor is running — but the machine suddenly halts, wasting valuable production time.
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry — you’re not alone.
In most cases, your candy packing machine isn’t really “broken.” The issue usually lies in a few overlooked details that can easily cause jams or stoppages.
In fact, most candy packing machine jams are caused by these three main problems:
- Sticky or blocked feeding system
- Dirty or misaligned photoelectric sensor
- Weak suction or unstable air pressure at the bag-opening station
By checking and maintaining these three areas regularly, you can prevent up to 80% of unexpected downtimes and significantly improve efficiency.
1. Candy Feeding System Blockage — Sticky Candies Cause Jams
Typical symptom: Candies fail to drop into the bag or get stuck midway.
Possible causes:
- In warm or humid environments, sugar coatings, syrups, or sugar dust make candies sticky, causing them to cling to the feeder.
- The vibration amplitude of the feeding tray may be too low, leading candies to clump together and block the outlet.
- Sugar dust buildup on the chute prevents candies from sliding smoothly.
How to fix it:
- Keep candies dry and store them in a temperature-controlled environment before packaging. Humidity is the number one cause of sticky candies.
- Adjust vibration frequency and angle so that candies flow evenly into the weighing hopper.
- After every shift, use compressed air to clean all contact parts — including hoppers, feeding trays, and vibrating plates. Even small sugar deposits can cause repeated blockages.
- Consider adding a small air-blowing device near the feeder to gently move sticky candies.
- Pro tip: For soft or syrup-coated candies (like gummies or pectin candies), use Teflon-coated chutes — they’re much less likely to stick.
2. Photoelectric Sensor Misalignment — Machine Can’t Detect the Bag
Typical symptom: Machine stops with an error message such as “No bag detected,” “Bag misaligned,” or “Sealing error.”
Possible causes:
- The photoelectric sensor (color mark detector) is covered with sugar dust, making it unable to read marks.
- The sensor is misaligned with the registration mark on the film.
- The color mark is too light or reflective, confusing the sensor.
How to fix it:
- Wipe the sensor surface daily with a soft dry cloth or alcohol pad.
- Recalibrate the sensor so the light beam directly aligns with the color mark on the film.
- Use packaging films with clear, non-reflective marks. If your film is too glossy or transparent, choose a high-sensitivity sensor.
- Check film tension — loose or tight film may shift the color mark, causing detection errors.
Tip: Many new candy packing machines now come with smart photoelectric systems that automatically adjust sensitivity. If your equipment is older, upgrading this small component can make a big difference — with minimal cost.
3. Bag-Opening System Suction Failure — Bags Won’t Open Properly
Typical symptom: The suction arm opens the bag halfway, candies spill during filling, or the machine stops to prevent waste.
Possible causes:
- Air pressure is unstable or below 0.6 MPa.
- Suction cups are worn, cracked, or clogged with sugar dust.
- Static electricity causes the bag’s sides to stick together.
- The air filter is dirty, weakening suction.
How to fix it:
- Check the air compressor pressure gauge to ensure stable air pressure. Sudden drops often indicate a hose leak or loose fitting.
- Clean or replace suction cups regularly. Rubber cups lose elasticity over time.
- Use anti-static devices or ion blowers if the environment is dry or dusty. These help separate bag layers and prevent clinging.
- Inspect and replace air filters monthly — impure air damages valves and reduces suction efficiency.
Tip: Think of your packing machine’s air system as its “lungs.” Keep the air clean, stable, and properly pressurized — just as you would care for the motor or control panel.
Common Questions
Q1: What should I do if the packaging film wrinkles during operation?
That usually happens due to unbalanced film tension or misaligned rollers. Adjust the tension knob and make sure all rollers rotate freely.
Q2: How can I make the sealing stronger?
Keep the sealing jaws clean and set them to the right temperature for your film type — typically between 120°C and 160°C for PET/PE or OPP/CPP composite films.
Q3: Can one candy packing machine handle different candy sizes?
Yes! As long as your machine is equipped with interchangeable forming molds and adjustable feeders, it can handle various candy sizes. This versatility is especially cost-effective for factories producing multiple candy types.
Q4: How often should maintenance be done?
Do basic cleaning after every shift, lubricate once a week, and inspect sensors, belts, sealing jaws, and bearings monthly.
Q5: How can I prevent candies from melting or deforming before packaging?
Maintain the environment at 20–25°C and humidity below 60%. You can also add a small cooling fan near the feeding area if necessary.
Summary
Many operators assume that machine jams indicate a mechanical defect or poor quality.
In reality, most unexpected stoppages result from small maintenance oversights.
Spending just a few minutes each day to clean sensors, check air pressure, and ensure smooth candy flow can drastically reduce downtime.
If your candy packing machine still experiences frequent jams or stoppages, it may be time to upgrade to a smarter, more efficient system.
LTPM CHINA offers fully automatic candy pouch packing machines suitable for various bag types and sizes.
Contact us today to learn more about our candy pouch packing solutions!
We provide a 5-year warranty and remote technical support to ensure your production line runs smoothly and efficiently.