Poly bags, stand-up pouches, paperboard boxes, corrugated boxes, and foil sealed are popular packing products. Plastic bags are another popular packing material as you can pack bulk items like cement or sand and smaller items like candy, rice, or grains. You can also pack oddly shaped products with sharp or pointed edges. For effective packaging, impulse sealers are tools used to seal poly bags.

Impulse sealer machine – How to use and what are its functions?
Impulse sealers are specialized power tools used to seal different types of plastic packaging. Plastic bags are lightweight, cost-effective, and don’t break easily while shipping. Once you seal them with heat, the packaging remains airtight, preventing humidity and any other type of contamination. The impulse sealer machines have a heating element that does not heat continuously, but heat generates only when electricity flows through the sealer wire. When the plastic is placed in the impulse sealer arm and pressure is applied from the sealer arm, an electric current heats the wire for a preset time. When the sealer arm touches the plastic, the heat melts and fuses it permanently. It has a pressure regulator, heat and cool timers, and pneumatically actuated sealing jaws.

Impulse sealer machines work well with polyethylene, foil, cellophane, poly flex, Saran, Nylon, bubble packs, and polyurethane. Since the machine does not need any warm-up time, it heals and seals instantly. The plastic is fused permanently; hence, the packaging is leakproof, tamperproof, water and humidity resistant, hygienically sealed, and prevents oxidation. Hence it is not only the most popular method of sealing food but also used to seal scented products like candles and soaps. It also seals small and minute auto and electric parts.

Types of impulse sealers
The five types of impulse sears are:

• Tabletop or hand impulse sealers
  A tabletop impulse sealer is the basic type of impulse sealer operated by hand. It looks like a stapler or a sandwich toaster.
• Double impact impulse
  Double impulse sealers have two sealing bars that are ideal for thick plastic. It is best suited for heavy-duty operations to seal auto or machinery components. They are available in hand, foot, and automatic models.
• Foot-operated impulse sealers
  They are similar to tabletop impulse sealer machines, but instead of pressing the sealer arm manually, it is operated by a foot pedal. They are faster and are best suited for large volumes of packaging.
• Automatic
  Automatic impulse sealers can be set up with precise timing and pressure settings. Once you load the bags and press the foot pedal, the bags are sealed automatically according to the preset time.
• Cutter attached
  These impulse sealers have a cutter attached to them, which cuts the plastic once it is sealed. It is used when the packaging has a plastic tube, and both ends must be closed to seal the bag.

Apart from these, you can also find large sealers used for industrial purposes.

What are important impulse sealer parts?
Some parts of an impulse sealer machine may vary based on the type. For example, a foot-operated sealer may not have a handle knob. The main and important parts include:

• Handle knob
• Platen Arm
• Platen Spring
• Silicon Rubber
• Swivel
• Hinge
• Enclosure
• Metal Plate
• Lower Element Cloth
• Upper Teflon cloth
• Strain Relief Bushing
• Heating Lamp
• Pilot Lamp
• Timer Knob
• Control Panel
• Variable Resistor
• Switch Level
• Connectors
• Fuse holder
• Cover Plate
• Printed wiring board

Impulse sealer manuals
Every impulse sealer comes with an instruction manual. It contains details about the specific model you have purchased. It lists the spare parts, and the connection diagram and gives you step-by-step instructions on installation, if any, and how to use it. A manual also gives you tips on how to troubleshoot commonly arising problems. It will have contact information for customer service and the website name. Most companies have downloadable versions of the instruction manuals on their websites. If you need one, you can log in to their website to download a copy for your reference.

Impulse sealer suppliers
Before buying an impulse sealer machine, know the best one based on the type of packaging material you use and the volume of work. Prices of basic sealers start from around $300. The prices vary based on size and type of impulse sealer. Once you know that, you can buy one online or in hardware stores near you. If you are looking for bigger or more advanced machines, you can look for impulse sealer suppliers online near you and visit them to see how they work and if they are the right kind of machine for you. Also, verify their warranty, service, and replacement terms to avoid future repairs and replacement delays. Some of the leading impulse sealer suppliers in the country are:

• Associated Bag
• Classic Packaging Corp
• Carolina Cover Tech
• Practical Packaging Solutions
• Universal Plastic Bag
• Kyana Packaging and Industrial Supply
• TPC Packaging Solutions
• Alpha Packaging Inc
• Riverside Paper Co
• Imperial Paper