Vacuum Sealing 101
Vacuum packaging is the process of extracting air around a product and then sealing the product in an impermeable package. It protects the product from oxidation, spoilage and/or corrosion. Vacuum packaging is commonly used in food, medical and industrial applications.
Barrier bags are a must. Barrier bags are used for vacuum sealing because polyethylene or polypropylene bags are both porous and cannot hold the vacuum for long term storage.
When choosing a vacuum sealer, we will need to know what you are vacuum sealing (food, liquids, electronics, etc) and the type of packaging material you are using (material type, size and thickness). These questions are important to answer to make sure the correct sealer is chosen.
Types of Vacuum Sealers
There are two types of vacuum sealers – nozzle vs. chamber
- Nozzle – Fastest way to vacuum seal
- Chamber – Most versatile type vacuum sealing almost anything including liquids and powders
Nozzle Vacuum Sealers
In a nozzle vacuum sealer, air is extracted by means of a retractable nozzle that is placed in between the vacuum bag. Bag conforms around the product as air is extracted.
Features
- Vacuum sealing tends to be fast and efficient
- Low noise, non particle generating compressed air driven pump ideal for cleanrooms
- Seals any bag length
- Gas flush options available
Requirements
- Pneumatically operated so will require an external compressor to operate (we do carry some units with self-contained compressor for a plug and go option)
- Cannot vacuum seal liquids or powders
- Length of seal bars will determine the maximum length of the bag
| Chamber Vacuum Sealers In a chamber vacuum sealer, bags are placed in a chamber to initiate the vacuum sealing operation by changing the atmospheric pressure inside the chamber. Chambers can vacuum seal almost any product include liquids and powders. Chambers do not need an external compressor to operate. For a more in-depth explanation on chambers, click here. Features No external compressor required Can vacuum seal liquids and powders Can seal multiple bags at a time Gas flush options available Requirements Chamber size will determine the max bag size Vacuum cycle tends to be longer than in nozzle vacuum sealers |
If you pull a vacuum with a poly bag, not a barrier bag, the poly bag will allow oxygen back into the bag defeating the purpose of the vacuum sealer. In order for the bag to stay vacuumed, the bag must be a vacuum bag.
We carry a wide variety of vacuum bags to suit your application
- Our stock bags range from 4″ x 6″ to 24″ x 36″
- Various thicknesses available: 3mil, 4mil, 5mil
- Different color options such as clear, clear/gold or clear/black
- Custom sizes, material types and printing available
Reach out to our amazing customer service team or your authorized Sealer Sales distributor for more information.
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