Tag Archives: Choosing the Right Sealer

Distributor Highlight: ABC Office

Sealer Sales has a network of over 100 distributors in North America  and we would like to highlight ABC Office which has a dominant online presence in office and business products and now packaging equipment as well!

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ABC Office provides fast, low-cost shipping options to most customers in the 48 contiguous states. (ABC also ships to Hawaii, Alaska, and several foreign countries.).  ABC’s large warehouse ensures an ample supply of products so that customers receive orders in the shortest amount of time possible.

We are impressed with the quality of service ABC Office offers to its customers from their lightning speed response to customer queries to their generous return policy.  ABC Office also provides a library of resources to their customers from a blog of new equipment to office equipment faqs.

Searching for our newest Impresse FRM-1010 band sealer?
Talk to the folks at ABC Office!

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Searching for a sealer to seal extra long lengths?
Talk to the folks at ABC Office!
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STEVE’S PICK: FRM-1010 BAND SEALER

We’ve been asking our team what his/her favorite sealer is.  What is Steve’s favorite sealer?  The band sealer of course!  The band sealer is the most efficient way for packaging your bags and requires the least amount of work on your end.  Just place your bag on the conveyor and voila!  Done.


Our newest addition to our band sealer product line providing the best combination of elegance and functionality in one unit.  The Impressé Band Sealer provides a 15mm seal width, the widest seal available.  The Impressé Band Sealer is a heavier duty model compared to our CBS and HLM band sealer lines, offering the best sealing quality on the market.
FEATURES
  • Next Gen Robust sealing block design provides better and more stable sealing quality

  • Durable stainless steel
  • Easy to operate – minimal operator training
  • Fast warm up time
  • Solid state digital temperature controller that maintains seal bars at a proper temperature for consistent seal quality
  • Motorized rubber conveyor for speed control
  • Knurled pressure wheel with variable pressure adjustment
  • Sealing method – constant/direct heat accompanied by a pair each of cooling and heating blocks
  • Unit feeds right to left

Contact our distributors for more information!

Seal and Code in One Step!

All of our stainless steel band sealers provide you with the option to code your bag whether through embossing or dry ink coding or hot stamp printing.

Embossing leaves an imprint on your material w/o using any type of ink.  Our band sealers will continually emboss characters at the seal line and show up best on darker or foil type of bags!

Band Sealer Embossing Example

CBS-880 / FR-770 offer embossing on the seal line

Dry ink coding prints ink on the bag using an ink roller that is heat activated.  The standard font size is 18PT but we also offer an option of 10.5PT for those seeking smaller print sizes.  Dry ink coding prints a very clear and solid message at the seal line.

Dry Ink coding Example - 18PT Font

Dry Ink coding Example – 18PT Font

Dry Ink Coding Example - 10.5PT

Dry Ink Coding Example – 10.5PT

 

 
Take a look at a video to get a better idea of how our dry ink coding works!

Take  a look at our video demonstration to get a better idea of how dry ink coding works on our band sealers!

Vacuum Sealers Explained

Vacuum Sealers remove oxygen from a package prior to sealing the bag.  By removing oxygen from the package, vacuum sealing can extend the life of a food package or prevent rust of industrial items.  Some vacuum sealers also provide gas purge/gas flush which can flush your pouch with nitrogen to ensure the complete removal of any oxygen in your pouch.   Barrier type of bags must be used to ensure a proper vacuum…some sealers such as the external vacuum sealer require special channel or embossed bags in order to vacuum and seal.  There are three major categories of vacuum sealers:  external vacuum sealer, nozzle vacuum sealer, and the chamber vacuum sealer.  We carry vacuum sealers in all three categories.  Click here for our vacuum sealer product line.

External Vacuum Sealers
In an external vacuum sealer, your product remains outside of the vacuum sealer and a vacuum pump extracts air from a small vacuum cavity.  See our WVT-455T video for an example of how this sealer works.

Bag Type:  Only embossed/channeled bags can be used

Process:  Air is extracted through the ridges on the pouch after the machine’s lid is closed over the bags’ end

Pros

  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Embossed pouches more expensive than standard vacuum pouches
  • Not practical for higher volume user
  • Slower than commercial vacuum sealers

Nozzle or Snorkel Vacuum Sealers
In an external vacuum sealer, your product remains outside of the vacuum sealer; a nozzle draws air out of the bag and retracts so the bag can be sealed. See our Value Vac video for an example of how this sealer works.

Bag Type:  Standard
Process:  Air is extracted by means of a retractable nozzle which is placed in between the vacuum pouch.  Bag conforms around product as air is extracted
Pros
Fast and light vacuum
Best for fresh vegetables and other “crushable items”
Gas flush option allowing perishable items to be sealed
Cons
External compressor may be required (our SINBO household vacuum sealer does not require an external compressor)
Chamber Vacuum Sealers
In a chamber vacuum sealer, the product is placed completely in a machine before sealing.  See our picture of the TC-280F.
Bag Type:  Standard
Process:  Product is placed in the chamber and the lid is closed.  A vacuum pump extracts air from the chamber; when the air has been extracted, the sealer will then seal the bag.  Air allowed back into the chamber and the vacuum sealed product can be removed
Pros
Highest possible vacuum pressure
Identical vacuum extracted each time
Best for liquids and/or grains
Gas flush option allowing perishable items to be sealed
Cons
Usually larger machine so occupies more space

How to Seal a Gusseted Bag?

Many of our customers call us asking what sealer works best for their gusseted bag.  Our blog, today, will address that question.

What is a gusseted bag?
Gusseted bags are commonly used in the coffee and tea industry.  The sides of the bags fold in to form a gusset.  Gusset bags have sides that expand, allowing you to package bulkier, larger items.

What type of sealer should you use to seal a foil gusseted bag?  Because of the gussets, a single element sealer such as your typical hand impulse sealer  cannot properly seal through all four layers of the gusseted bag.  Do not use a hand or foot or automatic sealer, not even a 5mm sealer.

We recommend using the following sealers:

6" Semi-Automatic Double Impulse Sealer

…this small unit is the perfect size for sealing coffee bags

Double Impulse Sealers
Double impulse sealers utilize two heating wires (upper and lower) to seal through your gusset bag.  We carry both hand and foot operated as well as a few automatic units to suit your produtction level needs.   Seal width – usually 5mm or 10mm (.20″  or .40″)

For more options, please see our website here.

Our most popular unit for sealing coffee bags

Direct Heat Sealers
Direct heat sealers (also known as constant heat sealers).  Whereas impulse sealers only create heat when sealer jaw and body meat, direct heat sealers maintain heat in the jaws as long as the sealer is turned on.    As a result, direct heat sealers possess better heat penetration to seal thicker materials.  Seal width – usually 15mm (0.6″)

Portable direct heat sealers  or clamp style sealers are affordable and easy to use.   We carry 6″, 8″, and 12″ models.

  • A temperature controller accurately controls the temperature from 30°-550° F (0°-300° C)

Foot or Table Top Direct Heat Sealers utilize a temperature controller.  Both units use a foot switch to control the movement of the upper jaw.

  • Band Sealers allow you to seal nearly any thermoplastic material considerably faster than any other sealer.

Seal quickly and efficiently with a band sealer

Vacuum Sealer
Sometimes, in addition to sealing a bag, you will require a vacuum.   We also carry a vacuum sealer made specifically for foil gusset bags (coffee bags).  The vacuum sealer is a double impulse sealer with a 5mm seal.

Seals and vacuums in one step!

We hope this provides you with some smart choices for sealing your gusseted bags.  Please be sure to check out our website – Sealer Sales.  Please contact us for more questions.

Determining the Right Band Sealer

When should you buy a band sealer?  If you are finding that a hand or foot sealer cannot meet your production needs, a band sealer may be the right option for you.  Band Sealers will seal and convey your bags via constant heat. Take a look at our video of how a band sealer works.

However, before deciding on a band sealer, ask yourself the following questions:

Q:  Do you already have your bag?
A:  Make sure you have your bag before looking at sealers.  The bag material will determine what sealer will work.

Q:  Should you purchase a band sealer?
A:  Our band sealers can seal materials 3mil-10mil meaning band sealers will seal just about any thermoplastic material including PE, PPE, stand up pouches, gusseted bags (used for coffee and tea), and moisture barrier bags.  Because bags are placed on a conveyor system, the width of the bag does not matter. If you are looking for increased efficiency in your packaging process, then we recommend looking into a band sealer.

Q:  What is the difference between a horizontal and vertical model?
A:  Vertical band sealers typically seal small solid products (ex:  powders, grains, coffee) and liquids.  In addition, if your customer will be packaging his/her product using a stand up pouch, a vertical band sealer will work best.  Horizontal models work best when you can lay flat your pouch.

Horizontal Version

Horizontal Version

Vertical Version

Q:  Do you want any printing on your bags?  Dry-coding vs. embossing?
A:  Our band sealers have the ability to emboss or dry ink code bags. Embossing continually embosses characters directly on the bag.  Embossing shows up best on foil bags. Dry ink coding prints using a roller with heat activated ink transfers.

Q:  Is there a preference of production running right to left or left to right?
A:  Our band sealers can seal in a right to left direction or left to right direction.  Choose the right sealer based on your preferences.

Visit our website for more information!

How to Choose a Heat Sealer

When selecting a sealer, it is important to have a sense of the material which will be sealed.  Try and have the material thickness and width available as this will make your selection process much easier.  This will ensure the sealer you purchase is capable of sealing your material.  If you want any sealer suggestions, fill out this easy questionnaire and we will provide you with some suggestions

This page discusses the four key characteristics of sealers to help you determine which best fits your application.
What is a heat sealer?
A heat sealer (ex: bag sealer, heat impulse sealer, direct heat sealer, hand sealers) is a machine used to seal plastic material using heat. There are many types of sealers and choosing the right sealer may be overwhelming without a few basic points.
Function

There are two main types of sealers: (1) impulse heat and (2) direct heat.

Impulse sealers require no warm up time and seal by applying a pulse of energy to the sealing area, followed immediately by cooling.  Impulse sealers only use power when the jaw is lowered.  We recommend an impulse sealer for any thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP) which requires a lower seal temperature.  Materials for impulse sealers:  Polyethylene, Polyurethane, Polyvinylchloride, Pilofilm, Polyvinyl Alcohol, Saran, Nylon, bubble packs, padded mailers, foil, coated bags, Kel-F, Polyflex, Mylar, Tyvek, and other thermoplastic material.  Impulse sealers are easy to use (no warm-up time), economical (electricity used only during sealing process), and safe (no component is always hot).

There are different types of impulse sealers based on type of material and usage:

  • Hand sealers can seal poly material up to 10mil thickness
  • Pedestal Type / Foot sealers can seal poly material up to 15mil in thickness
  • Auto sealers can seal poly material up to 15mil in thickness
  • Double impulse sealers (automatic and foot options) can seal poly material up to 20mil in thickness (We recommend double impulse for heavy duty applications)
  • Sealers w/cutters seal and trim excess material (tubing) in order to make customized bags

Direct heat (constant heat) sealers maintain constant heat in both jaws.  Direct heat sealers use power as long as the machine is turned on.  As a result, direct heat sealers possess better heat penetration in roder to seal thicker materials.  We recommend a direct heat sealer for materials such as coated aluminum foil, poly cello films, gusset bags, coated Kraft papers, waxed paper, cellophane, mylar, coated PP, and other thicker materials.

We also include other types of sealers used for more specific types of applications:

Vacuum sealers remove air from the product before sealing into an impermeable package.  We recommend vacuum sealing in order to prevent oxidation, spoilage or corrosion.  Barrier bags are used because PP and PE bags are both porous and cannot be used for long term storage.

Clam shell sealers are ideal for welding clam shell packaging.

Size

The size of the sealer depends on the width of the material to be sealed.  We usually recommend adding one inch to the width of material to be sealed for easier handling.  Cutters on the sealer usually trim at slightly less than width of the sealer arm.

Speed
  • Portable sealers are lightweight, handy and versatile.  Sizes, however, are limited.
  • Hand sealers are the most simple and economical unit.  The sealing bar is lowered manually.  Sizes are available from 4” to 40” and approximately 6-20 packages can be sealed per minute.
  • Foot sealers provide a faster seal than hand sealers.  The sealing bar is pedestal controlled leaving your hands free.  Sizes are available from 12” to 35” and approximately 8-20 packages can be sealed per minute.
  • Automatic sealers provide even faster sealing than foot sealers and are ideal for high production jobs.  Automatic sealers are usually tabletop sealers whose jaws are activated automatically by a dial-controlled sequence timer.  Automatic sealers feature a pre-set time cycle to allow for a fully continuous automatic operation.  Automatic sealers can also be used with a foot pedal for semi-automatic operation.  Sizes are available from 12” to 47” and approximately 20-50 packages can be sealed per minute.
  • Continuous band sealers provide the fastest sealing operation with an unlimited length.  Bags are simply fed into sealer while resting on a conveyor belt.  Several models are available with features such as horizontal seal head, vertical seal head, tilting seal head, left or right feed, gas purging, and/or coding and imprinting.
Width of Seal / Packaging Material

Heating elements are made of nichrome (nickel-chromium) and determine the width of the seal.  There are two types of heating elements: round or flat which are interchangeable in most sealers. The round wire is mainly used to cut and seal with no excess material above the seal.  Depending on the width of the flat wire element, sealers are available in 2-3mm, 5mm, 8mm, or 10 mm. Some sealers are equipped with two heating elements for faster heat penetration making them ideal for sealing thicker materials.

 

Standard Features of our Impulse Sealers

The all-metal construction of our sealers provides industrial quality strength and ensures lasting durability.  The body is formed out of rugged cast aluminum while the pivot is an all-steel construction.  Most sealers are equipped with a plug-in electronic timer and built-in microswitch.  No warm-up time is needed.  The variable timer let you seal various types and thickness of plastic films.  A signal light and “beep” indicates the heat cycle is complete and the seal is done.

The number in the model number usually indicates the size of the sealer in mm; so 200 points to an 8″ sealer while 1000 points to a 40″ sealer. The letter in the model number is used to designate the manufacturer and type of sealer.  For example, “H” signifies a hand sealer while an “A” suggests auto sealer.