Everything You Need to Know About Hand Held Heat Sealers

Heat sealers have a really important job to do. They are responsible for ensuring that products are stored securely and safely. Heat sealers work by applying heat to thermoplastic material to seal it closed, protecting the goods inside from external sources. For example, heat sealing is one method of preventing corrosion. There are different types of heat sealers available on the market; depending on what you are sealing, how quickly you need to do it and where you will be undertaking this part of the process will determine which sealing device is right for you. Here we're going to be exploring a little bit more about handheld sealers and the role they play in product packaging.

What type of heat sealers are available?

Hand held heat sealers can be from the impulse family of heat sealers or the constant family. The difference between the two is in how the energy is supplied to the jaw. Impulse handheld sealers will issue electricity to the jaw when activated, heating the material that needs sealing and then immediately cooling, whilst the heat with a constant handheld sealer is continuously on for as long as it’s switched on. Despite the high temperatures, handheld heat sealers are safe to use - if unsure about the transfer of heat, check the specifications for the type you invest in.

Choosing the right sealer for your needs

Hand held sealers are ideal for small businesses, whether you work from home, your garage or you have an office. The machine can manage a whole variety of materials including polyurethane, polypropylene and PVC films; basically any barrier foil which hermetically seals the product. Don’t let the name fool you, handheld heat sealers are available in a variety of sizes (jaw length) and can be adjusted with the turn of a dial. In addition, this type of sealer is not resource-intensive either, requiring only one person to operate. Thanks to the handheld nature of the device, it can be passed around between colleagues for use as and when required, which can help with keeping costs down. Due to their flexibility, hand held heat sealers are also referred to as portable heat sealers.

Packaging requirement

Hand held heat sealers can really help to 'up' your packaging game. If you're looking for a convenient, lightweight, space-saving packaging solution, hand held heat sealers are the answer. Stand up pouches are increasingly being used as the packaging of choice; they can be filled easily and look attractive on a shelf. Hand held heat sealers can be used to create the pouch and for an added aesthetic touch, the packaging can be crimped. Some hand held heat sealers on the market allow for personalisation in the seal shapes.

Vacuum sealing is a type of heat sealing that can also be undertaken using a portable device. Vacuum sealing is popular in the food industry and for home cooks as it offers all the benefits of heat sealing – it prevents contamination, is easy to store, and allows you to reseal the package!

Start small….

Hand held heat sealers are a great option as a first sealer for your business. Staff not familiar with machinery can be confident in using them as they are simple to operate, requiring just a power socket to get the process underway. Also, the portability of hand held sealers allows for the sealing to happen at source, no need to move products around, and the sealer can be taken where needed. The machines can seal all sizes of packaging as well as having the ability to work around the shape of your product.

Packaging has been made easier with hand held heat sealers. They can be used with any product and are ideal for goods that need to be hermetically sealed.