Our Refurbishment Process: From Worn Equipment to Production-Ready Packaging Machinery

At Mectec Packaging Machinery, we believe that quality refurbished equipment should perform just as reliably as new. That’s why every machine that comes through our facility goes through a rigorous, multi-step refurbishment process — handled by our team of experienced packaging machinery technicians. From the moment a machine arrives at our shop to the moment it ships to your facility, no detail is overlooked.

Step 1: Initial Assessment & Teardown

Every refurbishment begins with a complete mechanical assessment. Our technicians carefully inspect the machine in its received condition — documenting wear points, identifying damaged components, and building a full refurbishment plan before any work begins.

Once assessed, the machine is fully disassembled. Every component — from drive systems and conveyor chains to carton lugs, guides, and fasteners — is stripped down, catalogued, and evaluated individually. This allows us to identify hidden wear that a surface inspection alone would miss.

Step 2: Stripping & Surface Preparation

With the machine fully disassembled, all structural components, frames, and panels go through a thorough stripping process. Old paint, rust, grease buildup, and surface corrosion are completely removed — bringing the metal back to a clean, bare surface.

Following the strip, all components are sanded smooth and prepared for finishing. This step isn’t just cosmetic — proper surface preparation ensures that protective coatings bond correctly, extending the life of the machine and protecting it from the harsh conditions of an industrial production environment.

Step 3: Component Inspection & Parts Replacement

With every part stripped and cleaned, our technicians conduct a detailed component-by-component inspection. Worn bearings, damaged sprockets, stretched chains, cracked belts, and fatigued mechanical components are all identified and replaced with quality parts.

This step includes:

• Bearings & bushings — replaced as required to eliminate play and reduce vibration
• Drive chains & sprockets — inspected for wear and replaced to restore precise timing
• Belts & pulleys — checked for tension, alignment, and surface wear
• Gearboxes & motors — tested for proper torque output and smooth operation
• Pneumatic components — cylinders, valves, and fittings inspected and replaced as needed
• Lubrication systems — fully flushed, cleaned, and recharged
• Structural welds & frames — inspected for cracks or stress fractures and repaired

Step 4: Control Panel & Electrical Replacement

One of the most critical stages of our refurbishment process is the complete electrical overhaul. Outdated or deteriorated electrical systems are one of the leading causes of unplanned downtime on packaging lines — so we leave nothing to chance.

Our electricians and controls technicians perform a full review and replacement of:

• Control panels — cleaned, reorganized, or fully rebuilt with new enclosures as required
• PLCs & HMIs — updated or replaced with modern Allen Bradley, Siemens, or equivalent controls
• Variable frequency drives (VFDs) — replaced to ensure smooth motor speed control and energy efficiency
• Wiring & harnesses — old, brittle, or non-compliant wiring is fully replaced throughout the machine
• Sensors & proximity switches — all replaced to guarantee accurate detection and machine timing
• E-stop circuits & safety relays — inspected and upgraded to meet current safety standards
• Junction boxes & conduit — cleaned, resealed, or replaced to protect against moisture and debris
• Hot melt glue systems — Nordson and equivalent glue systems replaced and tested

Every machine leaves our facility with a clean, organized, and fully documented electrical system — reducing troubleshooting time and making future maintenance straightforward for your in-house team.

Step 5: Painting & Finishing

Once all mechanical and electrical refurbishment is complete, the machine is reassembled and prepared for finishing. All structural components and frames are primed and painted with industrial-grade coatings — protecting against corrosion, chemical exposure, and the everyday wear of a production environment.

Stainless steel components are polished, aluminum surfaces are cleaned and treated, and all guarding and safety panels are reinstalled. The result is a machine that not only runs like new — it looks like new.

Step 6: Reassembly & Calibration

With all components refurbished, replaced, and finished, our technicians begin the precision reassembly process. Every component is reinstalled to manufacturer specifications, with careful attention to alignment, timing, and mechanical clearances.

Following reassembly, the machine is fully calibrated — including:

• Carton magazine & feed system alignment
• Pick-and-place timing & suction calibration
• Conveyor speed & chain tension adjustment
• Glue system temperature & application calibration
• Changeover verification across multiple format sizes

Step 7: Full Operational Test Run

Before any machine leaves the Mectec facility, it undergoes a complete operational test run. Our technicians run the machine through its full range of speeds and configurations — simulating real production conditions to verify performance, catch any remaining issues, and confirm the machine meets our quality standards.

This includes:

• Dry cycle testing at varying speeds
• Product and carton trial runs where applicable
• Safety interlock and e-stop verification
• Final electrical and mechanical sign-off

Step 8: Shipping & Commissioning Support

Once the machine has passed our full operational test, it is carefully prepared for shipping. All exposed components are protected, the machine is securely crated, and it is dispatched to your facility in the safest possible condition.

Our support doesn’t stop at the loading dock. Mectec’s team is available to assist with installation, commissioning, and operator training — ensuring your refurbished machine is up and running on your production line with minimal disruption.

The Mectec Promise

Every machine that leaves our facility represents our reputation. We take pride in delivering refurbished packaging machinery that manufacturers can depend on — day in, day out. When you choose Mectec, you’re not just buying used equipment. You’re investing in a machine that has been rebuilt to perform.

Ready to get started? Contact Mectec today to request a quote or learn more about our available inventory.