How Do Impulse Sealers Work

HOW DO IMPULSE SEALERS WORK? FIND OUT HERE.

One of the most common ways of packaging is using a plastic or poly bag, but what happens when you need to close that bag?  Maybe even re-size the bag for a better fit?  The best way is to use an Impulse Sealer to “melt” the material into a seal.

Did you ever wonder what makes the machine work?

Impulse heat sealers have heating elements (element wire) of Ni-chrome that sit between a Teflon (PTFE) cover and a piece of Teflon (PTFE) tape. When the materials are placed in the impulse sealer, they are held in place by pushing down the handle or jaw. An electric current then heats the heating element for a specified time to create the required heat. The handle or jaw is then lifted to complete the process.

The timer that goes into an Impulse Sealer is used to make sure that the seal is made correctly.  The total time can be adjusted depending on the thickness of the material you are trying to seal.  The seal will be incomplete and weak if heat is not applied long enough. Too much time and the plastic will burn and smoke.

The other two parts are the Teflon Cover and Tape. Teflon is a brand name by DuPont for the official term PTFE. In an Impulse Sealer the Teflon is used to distribute heat and cover the bare wire from direct contact with the plastic. Over time the heat will burn through the Teflon and need to be replaced.

Good seals are a result of time, temperature and pressure for the correct clean material.  The seal can be used for many reasons including weather proofing, packaging, sealing food for freshness and many more.

By Steven L Madsen III