|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Free ShippingWe offer free standard shipping for all U.S. orders (Shipping via USPS First Class mail to US addresses only). Exceptions include: Expedited shipping and International orders (additional charge). |
||
-
We created this troubleshooting guide to help with our most frequently asked questions regarding sealers.
Impulse sealers (hand, foot, automatic) work in a similar manner - often, if you are having a problem with your sealer, the solution can be found in the following parts: heating element, PTFE adhesive, PTFE cover, microswitch, mounting spring, and/or timer. Let us know if you have a problem that isn't listed in this guide and we can try and assist you.
- Check element and PTFE cover and adhesive.
- Element: This is the wire (flat or round) that heats up to seal or cut the bag/film. Remove the PTFE cover and check that the wire is not discolored, bent, or broken.
- PTFE Adhesive: This is the 1/2" piece with an adhesive backing UNDER the heating element. It should extend past the seal area 1/2" on either side because it is the barrier between the metal machine and the metal heating element. For the PTFE adhesive, you must replace the bottom sealing strip whenever you change the element. The adhesive serves as a barrier between the heating element and the sealer's body. When the sealer's heating element has burned through the bottom adhesive and arc'ed on the sealer's body, the element will break as well as destroy the timer.
- PTFE Cover: The PTFE cover that goes over the heating element must be whole to prevent the plastic bags or film from sticking to the element. For the PTFE cover, we recommend changing the cover BEFORE it burns through. As the cover wears, you will see a discoloration where it comes into contact with the element, you may also notice that your element is sticking to the thermoplastic material you are sealing. You can maneuver the cover back and forth to allow the element to come into contact with the unused portions of the PTFE cover. If you are sealing/cutting a thicker plastic material (higher amount of heat) you may go through a lot of PTFE covers.
- Listen for "click" from microswitch when pushing bar down. This click should occur right before the upper bar comes into contact with the lower. If there is no click try the following:
- Hand Sealer: Slightly bend metal switch lever so that when arm of sealer is brought down, the lever makes contact with microswitch and a click can be heard.
- Foot Sealer: Small bolt for limit switch must be tightened as needed to make contact with the microswitch.
- Auto Sealers: A 3.5" screw that is mounted on upper jaw must be loosened so that it will make contact with microswitch which is mounted on left side of hinge bracket.
- Mounting Spring: Make sure that the spring the element mounts on is intact. Replace if damaged. Please check also that the mounting spring is not rusted or worn in any way as this will prevent the element from conducting heat.
- Timer Light: The light on the timer should come on briefly when the seal bar is brought down for sealing. If it does not come on, the timer PC board probably needs replacing.
- Check element and PTFE cover and adhesive.
-
**Always unplug the unit from the power source before making any repairs.
Removing the Replacement Kit
1. Remove the PTFE Cover.
Loosen the screws that hold the PTFE cover plates on both sides of the sealer body. It is not necessary to remove the screws completely. Lift the PTFE Cover to expose the heating element.
2. Remove the Heating Element.
On the 4" and 8" hand sealers, the front eyelet is held on by a screw and the rear eyelet is hooked on a bow spring (mounting spring). Apply pressure to the heating element and unscrew the element screw (found at the front eyelet). Lift the element off the rear bow spring.
For the 12", 16", and 20" hand sealers, eyelets are hooked on by a bow spring on both ends. Remove the element by releasing the eyelet off the front bow spring. Using a screwdriver to flex the bow spring inward will ease the release.
3. Remove the PTFE Adhesive.
Peel the PTFE Adhesive from the sealer's body.
Installing the New Kit
1. Replacing the PTFE Adhesive
Remove the backing on the adhesive. Apply the adhesive to the sealer's body. The adhesive must always extend past the sealing platform by approximately 1/4" to 1/2" on both ends. Note: The PTFE Adhesive works as a barrier between the body and element. Never allow the element to come in direct contact with the sealer body as that will damage the timer.
*A good rule of thumb is to replace the PTFE Adhesive every time you change the element.
2. Replacing the Heating Element
On the 4" and 8" hand sealers, attach the rear eyelet of the element to the bow spring first and then the front eyelet of the element. Apply pressure to the element with your figners when screwing the screw to prevent damage to the element.
On the 12", 16", and 20" hand sealers, attach the rear eyelet of the element to the rear bow spring and position the front eyelet of the element into the front bow spring. Using a screwdriver to flex the bow spring inward will ease the placement of the eyelet into the bow spring. Check the element to ensure it is intact and not loose.
3. Replacing the PTFE Cover
Slide the cover uner the PTFE cover plates on both sides. Tighten the screws on the PTFE cover plates when the PTFE cover is positioned smoothly on top of the element.
Note: The PTFE cover prevents the plastic or any thermoplastic material you are sealing from sticking to the element.
-
1. Plug in power cord and adjust timing dial to desired setting (a good starting point is 2 1/2). For cut and seal (round element), adjust timer to the lowest setting that will seal and cut.
2. Insert contents in bag. Place open end of the bag on the sealing pad.
3. To seal only, bring the sealing arm down (light pressure) on the bag and sealing pad. Keep sealing arm down until the red light turns off, plus an additional 2-4 seconds to set the seal.
3a. Cut and seal operation. While the sealing arm is depressed, tear the package away with your right hand.
4. Example of sealed bag. Cut and seal bags will not have bag material above the seal.
-
Making the right choice when purchasing a sealer to seal your poly bag
There are many different types of sealers available on the market and choosing the right sealer can be overwhelming. Before you make a decision, you should have the answer the following questions:
- What is the width of the opening of poly bag?
- What is the material of my bag? (polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, Mylar, coated aluminum foil, etc?)
- How thick is my material? (usually quoted in mil thickness)
- How wide do I want my seal to be? (usually 0mm for cut and seal applications, 2mm or 5mm)
We provide a short guide on sealer function, size, speed and heating elements to help you make your decision. Let us know if you have any additional questions.
Function
There are two main types of seales: impulse and or direct heat
Impulse sealers seal poly bags that require a lower temperature to seal. Impulse sealers require no warm up time and only used power when the jaw is lowered. We recommend impulse sealers for any thermoplastic material such as polyethylene (PE) or polypropylene (PP)
Direct heat sealers seal bags that require higher temperature to seal such as coated aluminum foil, Kraft paper, cellophane, mylar, coated PP, and other materials. Direct heat sealers maintain constant heat in both jaws and use power as long as the machine is turned on.
Size
Th size of the sealer depends on the width of the material to be sealed. We recommend adding one inch to the width of your bag for easier handling.
Speed
Portable sealers are lightweight, handy and versatile. Sizes, however, are limited. We usually recommend portable sealers for irregular packages or limited work space.
Hand sealers are the most popular sealers given their simplicity and relatively cheaper cost. The sealing bar is lowered manually and sizes available are from 4" - 40". Approximately 6-20 packages can be sealed per minute.
Foot sealers provide a faster sealing operation than hand sealers. The sealing bar is pedestal controlled leaving your hands free. Sizes available are from 12" - 35" and approximately 8-20 packages can be sealed per minute.
Automatic sealers provide an even faster sealing operation than foot sealers. Automatic sealers feature a preset time cycle to allow for a fully continuous automatic operation. Automatic sealers can also be placed in a manual mode and actuated by a food switch. Sizes available from 12" to 30" and approximately 20-50 packages can be sealed per minute.
Band sealers are the most automated sealers available and ideal for high production jobs. Item to be sealed is placed on a moving conveyor. Various options such as horizonal or vertical sealing, right or left side feed, coding and imprinting are available on band sealers.
Heating Element
There are two types of heating elements: round or flat. In most sealers, the round and flat wire can be interchanged. Round wire is mainly used for cut and seal applications where no seam is left. Depending on the width of the flat wire element, sealers are available in 2-3mm, 5mm, 8mm, or 10mm
Search
Shopping Cart
| Items: | 0 |
| Subtotal: | $0.00 |
—
Copyright © 2012 Impulse Packaging. All rights reserved.