Impulse sealer – Types, suppliers, and more
Impulse sealer machines are used for packing poly bags and plastic packaging materials. A basic impulse machine has two jaws or arms and looks like a long stapler, with a metal wire running through one of its arms. It uses an electric impulse to heat and melt the wire, fusing the plastic to create a tight seal. The seal is permanent, difficult to break, and can be cut open by scissors or blades.
Types of impulse sealers
Impulse sealers are best suited for sealing open-ended poly bags and tubing, plastic sheeting, foil packaging, poly kraft bags, and metalized material. Impulse sealers are categorized based on their design and functionality. The main impulse sealer types are:
- Tabletop impulse sealers, which are hand operated
- Foot-operated impulse sealers, which are mounted on movable stands
- Double impulse sealers for very tight sealing for secure packaging
- Impulse sealers with cutters that cut the remaining plastic after sealing
- Automatic impulse sealers that can be programmed and timed
Impulse sealer parts and accessories to buy:
- Sealing bars
- Timers
- Heat element
- Two jaws to hold the packaging
- Handle or foot levers
- Power switch
- Indicator lights
The heating element of an impulse sealer sits between a Teflon cover and Teflon tape in the arms. When the material to be packed is placed between the cover and tape and the handle is pushed down, the heat generated by the element seals the pack. It also has a timer. When buying an impulse sealer, you should also buy service kits containing parts like heating elements or Teflon PFTE strips that may need replacement after continuous use.
Impulse sealer suppliers
There are over a hundred impulse sealer manufacturers and suppliers in the country. While choosing a brand, look for quality, reviews, ratings, and repair and replacement guarantees offered by different brands. Look for a supplier who offers you multiple brands and types of impulse sealers. Choose machines that can handle different sizes and capacities of packaging so that as your business grows, the sealers can handle large packaging sizes. Look for durability and compare costs before choosing the right supplier. Some of the leading impulse sealer suppliers include:
- Uline Shipping Supplies
- R.S. Huges Co., Inc
- Amcor
- TPC Packaging Solutions
- Atlantic Paper $ Supply
- Haggard & Stocking Associates Inc
- BGR Inc
- Sealer Sales, Inc
- Aline Heat Seal Corporation
- Packo Inc
Impulse sealer manual
An impulse sealer manual is an important document that gives the specifications of the impulse sealer, lists its components, and gives step-by-step installation, assembly, and operation. Every manufacturer must provide a user guide or an installation manual along with the impulse sealer. The manual should also list common problems and troubleshooting instructions. It should also have an FAQ section for the benefit of the users.
While a tabletop impulse sealer may seem simple to use without a manual, it’s important to understand the potential hazards and accidents. This knowledge will enable you to teach your employees how to handle the sealer safely and avoid injuries.
A foot-operated or automatic impulse sealer is more complex, and you must read the manual and instructions thoroughly before operating it. It instructs how to adjust the heat and timer settings and avoid any untoward incidents and injuries when working with an impulse sealer for a long time. Avoid buying an impulse sealer that does not have an instruction manual.