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How the Felins Repair & Rebuild Program Keeps Your Packaging Machine Running

In packaging operations, downtime can quickly disrupt production. When a banding machine or tying machine stops working, teams are often left scrambling to diagnose the issue while orders continue to pile up.

That’s why many manufacturers rely on Felins for repair and rebuild services. Instead of replacing equipment immediately, companies can restore their Felins machines to reliable working condition.

Felins offers a dedicated Repair & Rebuild Program designed to get your machine back into operation quickly while helping customers avoid unnecessary downtime.

Why Customers Send Felins Machines in for Repair

Customers typically reach out to the Felins service team when they encounter a machine issue they haven’t been able to solve internally.

According to Felins Service Manager Collin Niedermann, many situations involve more than one problem.

Senior Service & Solutions Engineer Tony Vorpahl says several operational challenges often contribute to the issue.

Common situations include:

🔧Limited or no internal maintenance team

📦Lack of spare parts

⚙️Preventative maintenance being delayed or overlooked

🛠️Difficulty troubleshooting a machine remotely

When this happens, sending a Felins tying machine or banding machine to the Felins service department can be the fastest and most reliable solution.

Sending a Machine In vs. On-Site Service

When a machine needs service, customers generally have two options: send the machine to Felins or request an on-site service visit.

Sending the machine in often provides several advantages.

At the Felins facility, technicians can perform a full system inspection rather than addressing only the immediate problem.

 “We check all critical components and wear items, which often helps prevent future problems.” says Niedermann.

Sending equipment in can also:

  • Reduce travel costs associated with on-site service

  • Provide faster access to replacement parts

  • Speed up repair turnaround times

  • Allow a customer’s maintenance team to stay focused on other priorities

One drawback, Niedermann notes, is that customers don’t get the same hands-on learning experience that can occur when working alongside a technician during an on-site repair.

Repair vs. Rebuild: Understanding the Difference

Not all service requests require the same level of work. Felins technicians typically classify service as either a repair or a rebuild.

A repair focuses on fixing a specific issue so the machine can resume operation. This might involve replacing parts or troubleshooting a malfunctioning component on a Felins machine.

A rebuild is more comprehensive.

“A rebuild is much more thorough. We evaluate the condition of all critical machine components with the goal of getting the machine as close as possible to ‘like-new’ performance.”
Collin Niedermann
Service Manager

During a rebuild, technicians disassemble the machine to inspect each assembly and identify wear or potential future issues.

According to Vorpahl, rebuilds often include:

  • Replacement parts and hardware

  • Cleaning and inspection of assemblies

  • Functional testing

  • Optional upgrades when available

Each Felins tying machine or banding machine undergoes full testing before leaving the facility to ensure it is operating properly.

Keeping Production Running with Loaner Machines

For many operations, equipment downtime simply isn’t an option.

Felins offers a loaner machine program that allows customers to continue production while their equipment is being repaired or rebuilt.

“Our loaner program is ideal for customers who can’t afford downtime,” Niedermann explains. “We can provide a rental machine for the duration of the repair so production can continue uninterrupted.”

Typical Repair Timelines

Repair timelines can vary depending on the machine model, parts availability, and customer approval timelines.

In most cases:

  • Machines are evaluated within a few days of arrival

  • Customers receive a repair estimate

  • Repairs begin after approval

Most repairs for Felins machines are completed within one to two weeks.

In some cases, repairs can be completed even faster. Vorpahl recently completed a repair and returned a machine the same day it arrived.

Extending the Life of Felins Machines

In many cases, repairs can extend the life of equipment that might otherwise be scrapped.

Vorpahl recalls a repair involving an older Felins US-2000 banding machine that was initially thought to be beyond repair.

After diagnosing the issue, he determined the machine needed a specific wire harness that was broken. Once the part arrived and was installed, the machine returned to full operation.

The repair saved the machine from being discarded and allowed the customer to continue using their existing equipment.

When It Makes Sense to Replace a Machine

While many machines can be successfully repaired or rebuilt, there are times when replacement is the better option.

According to Niedermann, repair costs are an important factor.

“If repair costs begin to approach 50% or more of the price of a new machine, we’ll advise customers to at least consider replacement.”

Other situations that may require replacement include:

  • Obsolete parts

  • Severe shipping damage

  • Water damage

  • Catastrophic mechanical failures

In some cases, customers choose to purchase new equipment while keeping older machines for spare parts.

Keeping Packaging Equipment Running

For many companies using Felins equipment, the repair and rebuild program offers a practical solution to keep operations running.

Instead of spending hours troubleshooting or sourcing parts internally, customers can ship the machine to Felins and allow the service team to fully diagnose and resolve the issue.

Questions on how to order parts, material, or need help with your machine? Visit https://www.felins.com/service.

How long does a Felins machine repair take?

Most repairs are completed within one to two weeks.

Yes, Felins technicians evaluate machines and rebuild them to near like-new performance when possible.

Yes, Felins offers loaner machines so customers can continue production.

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