Quick answer: To install a PBC 6000 pinch bag closer, you need 230V (1- or 3-phase) or 460V (3-phase) 60 Hz power installed by a licensed electrician, clean and dry compressed air at 90 PSI and at least 420 SCFH (about 7 SCFM), floor space for a machine about 74" x 56" x 71" plus clearance on each end, a way to lift about 855 lb palletized, and a conveyor that runs parallel to the machine at a matched speed. Plan on a 15–20 minute warm-up before the first bag.
A pinch bag closer is a production-line machine, so a little planning before it arrives saves a lot of time on install day. This checklist pulls together the site requirements from the PBC 6000 product specs and operation manual. Use it to plan and budget, then follow the operation manual that ships with the machine for the full procedure.
PBC 6000 installation checklist
| Receiving | Forklift or overhead hoist with straps rated for 1,000 lb; at least 7 ft of overhead clearance to lift off the box |
| Floor space | Machine about 74" x 56" x 71"; about 3 ft clear on the infeed side and 2.5 ft on the discharge side |
| Electrical | 230V 1-phase (22A max), 230V 3-phase (19A max) or 460V 3-phase (10A max), 60 Hz; installed to NEC and local code; connected to building ground |
| Compressed air | Clean, dry, non-lubricated air at 90 PSI, at least 420 SCFH (about 7 SCFM); ½" ID minimum hose |
| Conveyor | Runs parallel to the machine, centered on the carry-through belts, at a matched speed |
| Bags | Pre-glued multi-wall paper pinch bottom bags with a 6" free top; stored at room temperature |
| Environment | NEMA-12 (IP54) electrical equipment in dusty areas |
| People | Trained operators; a licensed electrician for electrical work |
1. Receiving and unloading
- Inspect on arrival. Check the box and skid for shipping damage and take photos before you unpack. Report any damage in writing to the shipper and to us.
- Unpack near the install spot. The standard machine weighs about 795 lb (360.6 kg), or about 855 lb (387.8 kg) palletized, so move it as little as possible.
- Have lifting equipment ready. You'll need a forklift or overhead hoist with straps rated for 1,000 lb, with someone watching each side during the lift.
- Check overhead clearance. You need at least 7 ft (2.13 m) of overhead clearance to lift the box off the machine.
- Mount the casters. The machine has two locking wheels in the back and two standard wheels in the front. Lock the rear wheels once it's in position.
2. Floor space and clearances
The operation manual lists the PBC 6000 at about 74" x 56" x 71" (1,880 x 1,422 x 1,803 mm). Plan for:
- About 3 ft of clear space on the infeed side
- About 2.5 ft on the discharge side
- Room at the front for the breakaway swing channel to open for jam clearing, cleaning and maintenance
3. Electrical requirements
The PBC 6000 is available for three power supplies. Here is the maximum full-load current for each, from the operation manual:
| Power supply | Max full-load current | Motor |
|---|---|---|
| 230V, 1-phase, 60 Hz | 22 A | 2.4 A |
| 230V, 3-phase, 60 Hz | 19 A | 2.4 A |
| 460V, 3-phase, 60 Hz | 10 A | 1.2 A |
- Hire a licensed electrician. Install to the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes. Only licensed electricians should service the electrical components, and the schematics ship inside the electrical enclosure.
- Wire it right. The manual calls for minimum SO 12/4 (12 AWG, 4-wire) cord, rated 300V for 230V systems and 600V above 230V.
- Ground it. The machine must be connected to the building ground.
- Check motor rotation. After power is connected, confirm the belts run in the direction of bag flow. On 3-phase power, switching two of the phases reverses it.
- Dusty plant? In a dusty environment, NEMA-12 (IP54) electrical equipment must be used.
4. Compressed air requirements
- Pressure: 90 PSI (6.2 bar), sustained
- Flow: at least 420 SCFH (11.9 SCMH), which is about 7 SCFM
- Quality: clean, dry and non-lubricated
- Hose: ½" (13 mm) ID minimum
- Connection: a female quick-release coupling (Foster Series 3, #3003 or equivalent) to the safety shut-off valve on the pneumatic control panel
Compressed air also powers the air scrubber that blows dust off the seal area. Keep the air on until the heaters have fully cooled, because shutting it off early can damage the heater elements and tubing (see shutdown below).
5. Conveyor and infeed setup
The PBC 6000 is designed to integrate with manual or automated infeed systems and conveyor lines. For even, consistent folds:
- Run it parallel. The sealing path must run parallel to the conveyor. Measure from the bottom of the carry-through belts to the conveyor belt at both the infeed and outfeed ends. The two measurements should match.
- Center the bag path. Line up the bags' centerline of travel with the carry-through belts so bags enter straight.
- Set the creaser height. Adjust the creaser wheel to the height of the entering bags. The bottom edge of the glue line should sit just above the creaser wheel.
- Match the speeds. Use a hand-held tachometer to match the machine's belt speed to your conveyor. The standard range is 30–75 ft/min, with higher speeds depending on the application.
6. Bags
- Use pre-glued, multi-wall paper pinch bottom bags, up to 56" (1,422 mm) long.
- Fill to leave a 6" (153 mm) free top for standard folds.
- Let bags reach room temperature before filling and sealing. Bag temperature affects the heat setting you'll need.
- If you send bag samples when you order, the factory can adjust the machine to your bags.
7. First startup
- Check for loose or missing fasteners and parts, and make sure every guard and cover is installed.
- Remove the swing channel shipping pin. The front swing channel will rotate open once the pin is out.
- Connect clean, dry compressed air and set the flow for your bags (the manual gives 400 SCFH as a typical starting point).
- Turn on power and confirm the motor mode switch is in AUTO.
- Press START, close the swing channel with both PUSH TO CLOSE buttons, and confirm the belts run in the direction of bag flow. On 3-phase power, if they run backward, have your electrician switch two of the phases.
- Match the machine's belt speed to your conveyor using a hand-held tachometer.
- Turn the heaters on, set the temperature, and let the machine warm up for at least 15–20 minutes.
- Run empty bags first. Let a sealed bag cool completely, then pull the seal apart. Bag fibers embedded in the glue mean you're getting a good bond.
Where to start on temperature: the manual suggests about 450°F (232°C) for many common bag types on a line running 40–45 ft/min. Change it in small steps of 10–20 degrees, and give the heaters five to ten minutes to settle after each change. Any time you change line speed, adjust the temperature too.
Tip: room temperature and humidity affect seal quality. Keep a simple log of room temperature, bag type and line speed with the settings that worked, and future setups will go faster.
8. Daily shutdown
Always turn off the heaters and let them cool completely before turning off the compressed air. Cool-down typically takes about 10–20 minutes. Shutting off the air while the heaters are hot can damage the heater elements and tubing.
9. Operator training and safety
- Operators must be fully trained on operation, adjustments and safety before running the machine.
- Never run the machine without guards and covers in place.
- Keep hands clear of the swing channel when it closes, and never disable the PUSH TO CLOSE buttons.
- Wear eye and foot protection, use gloves around hot or sharp surfaces, tie back long hair, and avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
- The EMERGENCY STOP button opens the front channel and turns off the electrical system and heaters. Bag-jam detection also opens the channel and shuts off the heaters automatically.
Frequently asked questions
What power does a PBC 6000 pinch bag closer need?
The PBC 6000 runs on 230V 1-phase, 230V 3-phase or 460V 3-phase power at 60 Hz. The manual lists maximum full-load current of 22 A on 230V 1-phase, 19 A on 230V 3-phase and 10 A on 460V 3-phase. It must be installed to the National Electrical Code and local codes and connected to the building ground.
How much compressed air does the PBC 6000 need?
The PBC 6000 needs clean, dry, non-lubricated compressed air at 90 PSI (6.2 bar) and at least 420 SCFH (11.9 SCMH), which is about 7 SCFM. Use a minimum ½-inch (13 mm) ID air hose.
How big is the PBC 6000?
The operation manual lists the PBC 6000 at about 74 x 56 x 71 inches (1,880 x 1,422 x 1,803 mm). The standard machine weighs about 795 lb (360.6 kg), or about 855 lb (387.8 kg) palletized. Plan for about 3 feet of clearance on the infeed side and 2.5 feet on the discharge side.
How long does the PBC 6000 take to warm up?
Allow at least 15 to 20 minutes for the PBC 6000 to warm up before sealing bags. After a temperature change, allow five to ten minutes for the heaters to settle.
What temperature should a pinch bag closer run at?
It depends on your bags, line speed and room conditions. The PBC 6000 manual gives 450°F (232°C) as a starting point for many common bag types on a line running 40 to 45 feet per minute. Adjust in small steps of 10 to 20 degrees, and change the temperature whenever you change the line speed.
How do I shut down a PBC 6000?
Turn off the heaters first and let them cool completely before shutting off the compressed air. The manual says cool-down typically takes about 10 to 20 minutes. Shutting off the air while the heaters are hot can damage the heater elements and tubing.
Does the PBC 6000 connect to an existing conveyor?
Yes. The PBC 6000 is designed to work with manual or automated infeed systems and conveyor lines. The machine must run parallel to the conveyor, centered on the bag path, with its carry-through belt speed matched to the conveyor speed.
Do I need an electrician to install a pinch bag closer?
Yes. The PBC 6000 manual says electrical installation must follow the National Electrical Code and local codes, and only licensed electricians should service the electrical components. The electrical schematics ship inside the machine's electrical enclosure.
How do I check if a pinch bag seal is good?
Let a sealed bag cool completely, then pull the closure apart. If you see bag fibers embedded in the glue, the adhesive bonded to the paper and the seal is good.
Planning a PBC 6000 install?
Send us your power supply, conveyor details, bag samples or specs, and line speed, and we'll help you plan the install. Call 866-888-6327 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm CST), email sales@clevelandequipment.com, or view the PBC 6000 pinch bag closer, where you can also download the operation manual.