Every business owner who sells a product knows that packaging is about more than a simple plastic bag or box to put their items in. Whether you want a simple packaging system to keep components from moving around or you need something more durable, the good news is that there’s a simple solution that will change the way you package your goods.
Achieving a perfect packaging solution involves choosing one of the many heat sealers on the market. Bench-top heat sealers are smaller units that can be placed on a counter, while their foot pedestal counterparts stand next to your workbench. Either option will be ideal for securing your packages. Keep reading as we explore how they work as well as the best ways to keep your heat sealers maintained.
What is a Heat Sealer?
Heat sealers typically use heat to fuse two pieces of plastic film. When this happens, a strong bond is created that keeps your products secure. This type of sealing is typically used for pharmaceuticals and delicate electronic components.
Plastic pouches can also be used to store items such as jewellery and dried fruit. Storing food in this manner will ensure that your product has an improved shelf life and also stays fresher for longer. A range of different sizes and types is available to accommodate the type of product you’re trying to seal.
Maintenance is as Simple as One, Two, Three
As with any other type of machinery used in your business, heat sealers will require regular maintenance. Neglecting to take care of your heat sealer may see you struggling with a breakdown right in the middle of your busy packaging period. We’ve compiled three crucial tips to keep your heat sealing machines maintained and functioning smoothly.
1: Preventive Maintenance is Essential
Functioning machinery can be the difference between your packaging process running smoothly and continuously struggling. This means that your heat sealer should be part of a preventative maintenance program. This means that each machine should have a schedule for when it should be tested, serviced, and maintained.
Fortunately, many maintenance tasks can be done by the user. You can also outsource them to a certified service technician, which is especially handy if you have more than one heat sealer to look after. Several common aspects that your service technician will work on include the following:
- Check the heat sealer thoroughly
- Replace worn-out components
- Keep essential spare parts in stock
- Lubricate necessary components
- Order backup stock of replacement kits
1: Liase with Your Original Supplier or Retailer
If your heat sealer is under guarantee or warranty, it’s important to speak to your retail agent and manufacturer about any service queries you may have. If you’re still in the research phase and you haven’t bought your heat sealer yet, it’s a good idea to check the availability of a quality customer service department before making your final purchase.
2: Stock Up on Spare Parts
A heat sealer that’s used extensively in your packaging process is at risk of malfunctioning at any time. Since some parts are easy enough to swap out on your own, it’s always recommended that you stock up on the most basic components.
The good news is that many heat sealer models have replacement kits available that you can simply insert into the machine when the existing one stops functioning. Speak to your manufacturer or your service technician for a list of components and kits that will be most helpful for all the models and types of heat sealers you have.
Some Significant Benefits of Using a Heat Sealer
No matter what type of heat sealer you opt for, there are several benefits that demonstrate why it’s the ideal packaging solution for a variety of small business needs. A few of the more prominent are mentioned below:
- No need for additional adhesion: During the heat sealing process, two pieces of plastic or film are melted together. Since this doesn’t require any additional adhesive, there’s also a significant cost-saving factor.
- Ensures a superior, tamper-proof seal: A strong, tamper-proof seal ensures that small components don’t fall out of the packaging during transit. It’s also impossible for bags to be opened and resealed after items have been removed.
- Products are secure in a protective material: With shipping and transit processes, every package is often handled many times. Without the correct packaging, it’s easier for items to get damaged or lost. The strong seal created by heat sealing ensures that this doesn’t happen.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re opting for small benchtop heat sealers or you prefer the larger, foot pedal models, there’s no denying that heat sealers are the ideal tool to help you create the most effective packaging. These machines are perfect for sealing everything from food to small electronics.
This packaging method is also more cost-effective than more traditional packaging and sealing methods. Our tips will help you maintain your heat-sealers, no matter how big or small they are. Ensuring the safety of your products has never been easy!
