Heat Sealers

A heat sealer is a device used to seal various types of packaging materials using heat and pressure. It is commonly used in packaging, manufacturing and food industries to create a secure and airtight seal on bags, pouches and other types of packaging.

Heat sealers come in various types, including handheld sealers, foot-operated sealers and automatic or continuous sealers used in high-volume production.

Impulse heat sealers are perfect for low and medium applications. They use brief bursts of energy to forge a seal and work work well with products, such as lay flat tubing and plastic bags.

You can also opt for a heat sealer alone or choose a heat sealer with a cutter that seals and cuts the packaging material for you.

The choice of heat sealer depends on the type of packaging material, the required seal strength and the volume of packaging needed.

A heat sealer works by using heat and pressure to create a secure and airtight seal on various types of packaging materials.

Here’s how a heat sealer typically works:

• Heat element: The heat sealer has a heating element, often a metal wire or a heating bar, which generates heat when powered.
• Sealing bar: The packaging material, such as a plastic bag or film, is placed between two bars of the heat sealer, with the open end of the bag or packaging extending beyond the bars.
• Pressing and heating: The operator or machine applies pressure by pressing the bars together, and at the same time, the heating element is activated. The heat generated softens the packaging material at the point of contact.
• Cooling: After a moment, the heat source is turned off and the sealing bars may remain pressed together for a short time to allow the material to cool and solidify.
• Seal formation: As the material cools, it forms a secure seal. This seal effectively closes the packaging, making it tamper-resistant and airtight.

Heat sealers are designed to seal bags made from specific materials that can be heat sealed effectively.The most common materials used with heat sealers include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP) and some laminates and foils.

These materials have properties that allow them to bond when exposed to heat, creating a secure seal.

However, not all bags can be used with heat sealers. Bags made from materials that cannot withstand the heat required for sealing will not work with heat sealers.

Additionally, bags with certain coatings or treatments may not seal properly.

Before using a heat sealer, it’s important to check the compatibility of the bag material with the sealer.

Macfarlane Packaging heat sealers come with guidelines regarding the types of materials they can seal. Using the wrong type of bag material can result in ineffective seals or damage to the sealer.

In summary, while many bags can be used with heat sealers, it’s essential to ensure that the bag material is compatible with the sealer’s heat settings and sealing mechanism for a successful seal.