WHAT WENT WRONG
How to check drycleaning programmes
Roger Cawood and Richard Neale identify common drycleaning machine problems associated with computer controls and sequences
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n LCNi May/June issue, we looked in some detail at identifying machine problems and how to recognise them. We are now going to focus attention on computer controls and the sequences they deliver, because many units are operating with non-optimum programmes and putting this right can make dramatic improvements to performance, overnight. Back in the day when cleaning machines were controlled by slotted card type, electro-mechanical systems, programming errors were very common. We occasionally checked out machines that were delivering process times and structures that literally beggared belief. The introduction of modern, machine computer controls virtually eliminated the common problems generated by worn/damaged cards, faulty card drive mechanisms and worn components; but while we would all like to think that computer controls are infallible, we should, after two post office computer scandals (and, on occasion, the failure of our own personal computers) be aware that even today computers can still let us down.
Cleaners should always be aware that computers are only as good as the machine that they are controlling and while modern machines have good safety systems such as a still overfill prevention, there is no feedback to the computer from critical machine components such as control valves and drive systems. Unexpected problems such as sticking valves, slipping belts and compressed air leaks, over which the computer has no control, are still common. It is therefore down to management to ensure that machine processes are monitored and checked by the operator regularly and that machines are maintained in line with manufacturers and suppliers’ maintenance schedules.
First steps
The machine manufacturers all have their own specific computer controls and
NO COMMONALITY: Drycleaning machine computers are not all the same. You will need to refer to your operator’s manual for operating and programming details. This is vital for effective management of your business
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