Best Bag Sealers for 2023: Is Constant Heat or Impulse Right for You?

You've exhausted every bit of your love and energy into creating the perfect product. From your original idea to the manufacturing and package design, you've thought of everything. 

The time comes to put your first lot of goods into your beautiful packaging and you realize: You haven't found a way to seal it all up. From keeping your contents fresh to ensuring no unwelcome elements from shipping and storage get in, the way you seal your packaging could be the make or break the element of your design. 

So how do you decide which sealing machine is right for the needs of your specific product? Follow along to learn the difference between constant and impulse heat sealers and how to decide which sealing machine is right for you.

What Is a Constant Heat Sealer?

A constant or direct heat sealer is temperature controlled and has jaws that remain hot any time the machine is in use. The constant heat sealing machines require time to warm up and maintain a high temperature once engaged. 

To use this machine, you'll simply line the edge of the product up with the jaws of the sealer and clamp them together. This can either be controlled by the hands with a desktop unit by the feet with a foot pedal heat sealer. 

The main difference between the constant heat sealer and the impulse heater is the constant state of heat on the sealing surface, hence the name. 

These sealers are perfect for coffee bags with metalized material. They are also great for cellophane and thicker mylar material.

How Do Impulse Sealers Work?  What is an Impulse Sealer? 

An impulse sealer also uses heat as the method for sealing, however, the way it does is different from the Constant Heat Sealer. Instead of rising to a specific temperature and maintaining that heat, the impulse sealer only heats up when engaged for a seal. The system uses impulses of electricity to heat the element wire(s) that heats the sealing surfaces either on one or both sides of the sealing jaw. 

This means that the sealer doesn't require any warm-up time and also cools very quickly after use. An advantage of this would be a decreased chance of burning the user. 

Just the same as a constant heat sealer, you will find these sealing machines in both hand and foot pedal heat sealers. The best impulse sealers allow the user to safely and effectively seal packages with less radiating continuous heat.

These machines are perfect for sealing Polyethylene or Polypropylene.

So how do you know which sealer machines are right for your needs? There are a few points you'll need to consider to determine the correct fit. 

Material

The materials you use for packaging will play a large role in which sealing machines are suitable for you. As you may have guessed, the continuous heat offered by the constant heat sealers allows for a higher melting point with materials. This often seals thicker or heavier materials better than the impulse sealer.  As stated earlier, these would be Aluminum type bags, Cellophane or a thicker Mylar.

If you are looking to seal Polyethylene or Polypropylene, the impulse sealer is the best option for you.

Production Speed and Volume

Another important element to consider for your sealing needs is the rate at which you need your packages produced.

If faster speed is important, consider a foot sealer or an automatic sealer.  These sealers allow for hands free operation.

Safety

Both the Impulse Sealers and Constant Heat Sealers are safe if used properly.

Sealing Length, Width & Orientation

This element will apply to both sealing machines but is important to consider when purchasing your new production tool. 

Pay close attention to the maximum sealing length allotted by each available machine. If you already know the dimension of your product, this will be much easier. If not, aim for a length that will be large enough to handle your largest estimated sealing length. 

The sealing width of the machine needed will depend on what you are putting in your bag.  Heavier items or liquid contents usually require a wider seal.

In addition to length and width, there are variances in orientation to accommodate horizontal or vertical seals. Again, this will come down to your specific product and what will be the most efficient for your production.

Choosing the Best Sealing Machines

Now that you know the difference between heat sealing methods, you can set forth with confidence on the purchase of your sealing machines. From the material to the orientation, you'll be equipped to make the best choice for your business needs.

If after reading this you are still unsure which type of sealer you need, contact us to arrange to have a test seal done.  You would send in your product and we would arrange to have it test sealed on various machines to suggest a machine for your needs.

Want to learn more about each of these machines and narrow down your options? Get in touch with us today.