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How to Troubleshoot Gypsum Board Machinery Issues

12-03-2025

How to Troubleshoot Gypsum Board Machinery Issues?

Introduction
Gypsum board machinery operates continuously and involves many interconnected mechanical, electrical, and thermal processes. When operational issues arise, they can affect production speed, board quality, or equipment reliability. A structured troubleshooting approach helps operators quickly identify the cause, minimize downtime, and maintain stable output.
This article outlines common problems in gypsum board production lines and provides detailed troubleshooting guidelines. Hengshui Decheng Machinery & Equipment Co.,Ltd supports its equipment with technical assistance and practical solutions for efficient daily operation.


1. Slurry Mixing Problems

Common Symptoms

  • Board core density fluctuates

  • Surface defects or voids

  • Inconsistent setting time

Potential Causes & Solutions

  1. Inaccurate dosing of stucco or additives

    • Check feeder calibration

    • Clean clogged dosing valves

  2. Inadequate slurry mixing time

    • Inspect mixer paddles or mixer speed settings

  3. Foaming agent failure

    • Verify foaming air pressure

    • Clean foaming nozzle

Maintaining proper slurry rheology is essential for reliable forming and strength.


2. Paper Feeding and Alignment Issues

Symptoms

  • Uneven board edges

  • Paper delamination

  • Paper wrinkles or tearing

Troubleshooting Steps

  • Adjust paper tension control

  • Check alignment rollers for wear

  • Make sure paper moisture content is stable

  • Confirm unwinders are synchronized

Paper misalignment can seriously impact board profile and bonding quality.


3. Forming Section Defects

Issues

  • Board thickness variation

  • Poor edge formation

  • Slurry overflow or dry zones

Solutions

  • Re-adjust forming plate and thickness shoes

  • Clean forming belt surface

  • Ensure headbox slurry distribution is uniform

  • Check belt speed relative to slurry flow

A smooth forming process is fundamental for dimensional stability.


4. Setting Belt and Hardening Problems

Symptoms

  • Boards crack during cutting

  • Slow setting reaction

  • Surface softness

Possible Causes

  • Incorrect slurry water ratio

  • Additive over-dosage

  • Belt running too fast

  • Temperature variations

Corrective Actions

  • Recalibrate water flow meters

  • Verify additive recipe accuracy

  • Adjust conveyor speed


5. Cutting System Issues

Symptoms

  • Inaccurate board length

  • Burrs or broken edges

  • Cutter vibration

Troubleshooting

  • Check synchronization of cutter with line speed

  • Replace worn blades

  • Tighten cutter guide rails

  • Inspect servo motor or encoder

Accurate cutting reduces downstream waste.


6. Dryer-Related Problems

Common Problems

  • Boards warping

  • Residual moisture too high

  • Uneven drying across width

Troubleshooting Methods

  • Adjust zone temperatures

  • Inspect fan rotation and airflow distribution

  • Clean blocked exhaust ducts

  • Ensure boards enter the dryer at uniform moisture content

Dryer optimization significantly impacts product consistency.


7. Post-Drying and Stacking Issues

Issues

  • Board edge breakage

  • Misaligned stacks

  • Surface scratches

Solutions

  • Check conveyor transition points

  • Inspect stacking arms and vacuum lifters

  • Adjust pallet positioning

Smooth handling after drying protects finished board quality.


8. Electrical and Control System Faults

Possible Causes

  • Sensor failure

  • PLC program errors

  • Loose connectors

Corrective Actions

  • Recalibrate or replace sensors

  • Inspect cabinet wiring

  • Verify program logic for timing and synchronization


Conclusion

Troubleshooting gypsum board machinery requires understanding the interaction between material behavior, machine parameters, and product design. A systematic diagnostic approach—starting with raw materials, through forming and drying, and ending with final handling—helps resolve most production issues quickly. Hengshui Decheng Machinery & Equipment Co.,Ltd provides technical support, spare parts, and engineering guidance to help operators maintain stable, high-quality gypsum board production.


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