Plastic packaging sealer

Types of plastic packaging sealers

Plastic packaging sealers are designed to seal plastic packaging to ensure product freshness, containment, and avert tampering. There are many types available, each catering to different types of plastic packaging and products.

• Heat sealers: These packaging sealers use heat to seal plastic packaging, usually involving the application of heat to melt the edges of the plastic, creating a seal. They work differently, such as bar heat sealers that use horizo ntal bars to apply heat to the film or packaging, typically used for bags; impulsive heat sealers that first apply heat to the film, then cool down to create a seal, usually more energy efficient; and continuous band heat sealers that apply heat to moving bands of plastic packaging, suitable for high-volume packaging lines. Another example would be vacuum packaging sealers, which first use heat to seal the bag and then apply suction to remove the air from the bag, usually used to extend the shelf life of food products.
• Tape sealers: These sealers use adhesive tape to secure plastic packaging. They are often used for masons, cartons, and box sealings. Packaging tape may come in different materials (PVC, polyethylene, etc.) and may be used with taping machines or dispenser for manual application.
• Adhesive sealers: Adhesive sealer applicators apply adhesive to the surface of the packaging to create a seal. They are often used for bags, boxes, and cartons. The seal may be created by bonding the packaging's surface or with the help of hot melt glue.
• Impulse heat sealers: Impulse heat sealers are generally used to seal thermoplastic materials with a variety of applications, such as sealing narrow-width bags, which typically require low-voltage impulse sealing systems. The sealing jaws are timed to apply heat only for the sealing cycle as a consequence of the impulse control unit, which limits overheating and damage to the material.
• Sealant applicators: Sealant applicators are devices for dispensing or applying sealants to specific areas or surfaces that require sealing. They are often used in industrial, construction, and automotive applications and typically feature a nozzle through which the sealant is extruded or dispensed.AP E&g50 sA scordia lse, and the ADX-12 isst seal applicator uses a no-fish in an acrdigm offers, submersible, vdisi\lace contied and nominal r adop un expormdelmcu ai s abave n\ re nak. acrgom and ractutil yw akornm tai OASCII Sabres Whitseal hs used Applin Cat ah reacbi F_ilsaco yellow faction in.")

Specification and maintenance of plastic packaging sealers

Knowing the specifications of a plastic sealer helps determine what type of packaging it is best suited for. The table below summarizes some critical plastic packaging sealer specifications.

• Packaging Product Size: Packaging size refers to the maximum and minimum dimensions of the packaging that the sealer can handle. This includes length, width, and height. For example, an impulse sealer may have a maximum packaging size of 300 mm width and 0 mm height. It has no maximum height since it is a flat sealer. It can package any product as long as it is less than 300 mm wide, and the plastic fits flat.
• Packaging Product Weight: This refers to the heaviest product a sealer can pack. It is usually determined by the sealing mechanism's ability to handle certain weights. Vacuum and bag sealers typically have a 3 kg maximum weight. This is because sealing food bags containing meat and food products should not exceed 3 kgs.
• Power Requirement: Impulse sealers work on 250 to 400 watts and require around 110 volts. Vacuum sealers need approximately 250 watts. The power requirement is an essential specification since it determines the electricity costs of running a plastic packaging sealer.
• Packaging Material: Some sealers work better on specific packaging materials. An example is the vacuum sealer, which works well with specialized nylon-polyethylene blend bags. They have multiple layers of plastic and a textured backing that helps extract air from the bag.
• Production Rate: The number of packages a sealer can handle per hour. For example, an impulse sealer may seal 200 packages in one hour. This is 3 packages a minute. The production rate is crucial in determining the efficiency of a packaging system

Maintenance

Packaging sealers are easy to maintain. They have few parts, and most are made of sturdy metal and plastic that do not wear out easily. Regular cleaning is the most important part of sealer maintenance.

• Cleaning the machine: Unplug the power cord. Then, with a damp cloth, wipe the machine and the sealing element. Ensure that no water gets to the electric parts of the machine. Remove any residual debris on the table and the base. Hold the plastic in place while brushing or using a cloth to get to hard-to-reach areas. After cleaning, wait for the impulse to dry before plugging it in again.

Industry scenarios for plastic packaging sealers

Plastic packaging sealers are vital to the integrity and longevity of consumables in the food industry. Bakery items such as cookies, pies, and cakes require plastic packaging sealers for packaging at the point of sale to maintain freshness. Similarly, perimeter foods like sliced meat, cheese, and vegetables often employ vacuum sealers to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.

Packaging sealers are also ubiquitous in the manufacturing industry. Packaging sealers ensure that delicate, small, and lightweight items like electronic components, spare parts, and tools remain free of contaminants and damage until they are ready for use. Because of their ability to secure packages and streamline palletization for individual and bulk items, sealing packages are widely used in the logistics and courier services industries. Tampering is a prevalent concern, especially in the courier sector, where packaging is continuously handled and transferred from one entity to another. Packaging sealers enable personnel to identify if a package has been meddled with or not, making it crucial for quality assurance and customer satisfaction.

Packaging sealers are not limited to commercial and industrial applications but are also critical to medical and healthcare settings. Pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare supplies are all sealed with packaging sealers to protect and preserve them. This is true for all items, from surgical supplies and sterile instruments to medications and lab samples. Strict regulatory standards exist to ensure that healthcare supplies are not contaminated, and packaging sealers are one way to ensure these supplies are not contaminated.

Even in the realm of e-commerce, packaging sealers play an indispensable role. E-commerce has thousands of fragile, non-durable, and sealed goods, from cosmetics to clothing, all of which require packaging to be shipped worldwide. Even when used to package food items that require cross-border shipping, packaging sealers are indispensable in the e-commerce supply chain.

Packaging sealers are also used in art and education. Non-profit organizations and charities that work with vulnerable communities or rural and urban schools often require packaging sealers to create educational kits, hygiene kits, or food kits. These kits are often sealed with a packaging sealer to ensure the integrity of the kit until it reaches the end user. Similarly, preservation of art can require the use of a packaging sealer, especially when dealing with fragile and delicate works and materials that require specificity and precision.

How to choose plastic packaging sealers

Before going for a plastic packaging sealer, the following aspects must be looked at to ensure the sealer is a good fit for both packaging needs and business requirements.

• Packaging Requirements Analysis

  When choosing a food packaging sealer, first, consider the kinds of items that need to be sealed. This includes the shapes, sizes, and materials of the packaging. Also, think about the sealing methods that are suitable for the items, like airtight, heat seal, etc. Choose a plastic packaging sealer that matches the sealing needs to ensure effective and high-quality sealing.

• Sealer Type Comparison

  Consider the features and suitability of different types of plastic packaging sealers, such as manual sealers, semi-automatic sealers, and full-automatic sealers. Depending on the business scale, sealing volume, and operation preferences, choose the appropriate machine to ensure it meets operational needs and efficiency requirements.

• Functional Demand Consideration

  Consider the additional features that the plastic packaging sealer offers, such as vacuum sealing, gas flushing, multi-sealing modes, etc. These functions can provide more flexible sealing solutions and improve packaging quality and shelf life. Choose a sealer with features that is relevant to specific needs to enhance packaging effectiveness and competitive advantage.

• Quality and Durability Selection

  Opt for a high-quality, durable plastic packaging sealer. Select a sealer made from solid materials that have good build quality. Also, pick a sealer that's easy to maintain and has good customer support from the manufacturer. This way, the sealer will last and help save maintenance costs in the long run.

• Cost-effectiveness Assessment

  When choosing a plastic packaging sealer, evaluate the cost-performance ratio. Compare the price of different models and brands of sealers and consider factors like performance, quality, and additional features. Choose a sealer that offers good value for money based on the budget to ensure it is a wise investment.

Plastic packaging sealer Q&A

Q1: Are there safety precautions when using a plastic packaging sealer?

A1: Yes, there are various safety precautions to take when using a plastic packaging sealer. First, read all manufacturer's instructions to avoid any safety hazards. Second, wear safety goggles, especially when using self-sealing plastic packaging on hazardous goods. The goggle's aim is to protect the eyes from any corrosive substance that may enter during the sealing process. Third, beware of hot surfaces or parts, as packaging sealers are likely to cause burn injuries. Use heat-resistant gloves to avoid burns when handling any device that has heat.

Q2: Does plastic packaging affect the environmental sealers?

A2: Yes, Many environmental plastic packaging seals impact packaging. Most prefer using sustainable and biodegradable packaging options to reduce environmental concerns.

Q3: Do plastic packaging sealers provide airtight and watertight seals?

A3: Yes, plastic packaging sealers provide both airtight and watertight seals for each product. That's why they are most commonly used in food packaging, where freshness and shelf life are crucial.

Q4: Can air enter a vacuum-sealed package?

A4: No. Vacuum sealing removes all the air in the package, and that is what helps to create a seal with no air pockets or bubbles.

Q5: How long does a vacuum seal last?

A5: Vacuum-sealed food can be stored in the freezer for up to five years. This is one of the advantages of using plastic packaging sealers to prolong the shelf life of perishable items.