5 Top Tips to Help You Choose the Best Heat Sealing Machine

Are you looking for an effective way to seal packages in your small e-commerce business? If so, you may already have started looking at bar heat sealers as a potential solution. Since there are so many models on the market, you may also be wondering which model will be best suited to your needs.

Finding the best heat sealing machine for your packaging needs is much easier than you think. To help you with this process, our team have compiled a list of the factors you should consider before finalizing your shortlist and making your purchase.

Consider a Few Key Options to Help You Choose the Right Option

A simple glance at your local packaging company’s catalogue will highlight just how many choices you have when it comes to finding a suitable heat sealer. Here’s what you need to keep in mind as you’re reviewing features and specs.

1.     Know What You’re Going to Seal

While you may think all heat sealers work the same and can therefore seal anything you feed through them, it’s important to point out that this isn’t the case. Since some heat sealers are created to seal specific materials.

That means the first tip to consider is knowing what you’re going to seal. Common materials used in small business packaging include the following:

• Foil (to make pouches to keep food and medicinal products fresher for longer)
• Plastic film (pouches of varying sizes are ideal for jewelry, electronic components, and other crafted items)
• Paper pouch (for documents such as certificates)

If you’re going to buy your heat sealer in person, it’s a good idea to take a sample of the packaging material with you. The packaging agent can then assess which sealer will be right for the job. It’s also important to consider the cost of the packaging material and how easy it will be get. Ideally, you’ll want an option that you can pick up at your local packaging supplier without any hassle.

2.     Consider the Maximum Sealing Width Needed

Your first instinct may be to buy the most affordable heat sealer as your business gets started. However, it’s essential to keep in mind that the wrong size sealer won’t seal your product effectively.

You will need a sealer that covers the whole entry side of the pouch you’re making.

For this to happen, the bar section of the heat sealer shouldn’t be wider than the jaw. It’s a good idea to measure the exact size of an empty pouch so that you can ensure the measurements line up.

3.     Check the Various Operation Methods

Not all heat sealers work the same. This means you will also have to assess what type of operation you prefer. Most heat sealers operate using basic hand operation, which involves pulling the bar down over the plastic or foil pouch. Typically, this sealing method works best for flat items but may not always work for all types of products.

You should assess whether you need to use one hand to hold the bag and one to push the sealer down. Depending on the size of your package, you may need both hands to hold it under the sealer. In this instance, you may use a model more advanced than the average pull-down bar. A model with a foot pedal may be more suited in this instance.

4.     Check the General Availability of Spare Parts

If you’re going to use your new heat sealer for a considerable amount of packages, it’s safe to assume that you will at some point need to repair or replace worn components. The most common part that may need regular replacement is the heating element.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to check with the sealer supplier how easy it will be to get back up stock of this part. The last thing you need is for your heat sealer to fail right when you’re in the middle of a big order. Some suppliers will keep replacement kits in stock which you can easily fit. It’s a good idea to invest in at least one replacement kit to eliminate having to deal with a spare part issue at the most inopportune time.

5.     Look for Modern Features

Even the most basic heat sealers work exceptionally well with the simplest features. However, this will depend on your packaging requirements. Investing in a heat sealer with an RS 232 connection will allow you to record data for labelling or data-capturing purposes. In this instance, you should look for a heat sealer that has a label function. Keep in mind that this type of labeling is essential if you’re packaging food or medical products.

Final Thought

By using our helpful pointers, you will be able to take the hassle out of finding the perfect heat sealing machine. Consult your local packaging supplier and check online measurements, features, and specs before simply opting for the most affordable model. Choosing the right size and type of bar sealer will ensure that your packages will always be sealed safely and professionally!