Brand owners in the food or health product space often find themselves wearing many hats, from product development to marketing and even pacakging sourcing. One crucial aspect of packaging, especially for those using custom printed stand-up pouches, is ensuring a secure and professional seal.
A band sealer can be an invaluable tool in this process. Here's a guide on how to effectively use a band sealer for sealing your custom printed stand-up pouches.
Choosing the Right Sealer
First, it's important to select the appropriate type of sealer for your stand-up pouches. There are two main types of sealers:
Direct Heat Sealers: These maintain constant heat in both jaws, making them suitable for materials that require higher temperatures to seal, such as foil and metalized pouches. This would include band sealers and larger automated machines like flow wrappers.
*Impulse Sealers: Less expensive sealers that take up less space. Usually operated by hand or a foot pedal, they are easy to use and ideal for sealing plastic pouches, like mailers or shirt bags.
*We do not recommend impulse sealers for pouches or bar wrappers. The seal is very small and not as smooth or even as what'd you get from a band sealer.
Setting Up Your Band Sealer
Once you've selected the right band sealer, setting it up correctly is crucial for achieving a perfect seal:
Adjust the Conveyor Belt: Ensure the conveyor belt is set to the correct height and angle to accommodate your pouches. This will help in achieving a consistent seal across all your products.
Temperature Settings: For direct heat sealers, adjust the temperature according to the material of your pouches. It may require some trial and error to find the perfect setting.
Speed Settings: Band sealers come with variable speed settings. Adjust the speed according to your packaging needs. A slower speed might be necessary for thicker pouches to ensure a thorough seal.
Sealing Your Pouches
Preparation: If your stand-up pouches have a zipper, it's recommended to still heat seal the bags to ensure they are tamper-proof. Meaning the area above the zipper should be sealed.
Feeding the Pouches: Place your pouch correctly on the conveyor belt of the band sealer. Ensure the pouch is straight and the part to be sealed is properly aligned with the sealer.
Quality Check: After sealing, inspect the seal to ensure it is uniform and without any gaps. A perfect seal is crucial for the shelf life of the product and to maintain its freshness.
See it in action! Check out this video:
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Regular maintenance of your band sealer is important to ensure its longevity and consistent performance. Always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for specific maintenance tips. If you encounter any issues with sealing, check for common problems like incorrect temperature settings, speed, or misalignment of the pouch on the conveyor.
Conclusion
Using a band sealer for sealing custom printed stand-up pouches can significantly enhance the efficiency of your packaging process, ensuring your products are securely sealed and presented professionally. By selecting the right sealer, setting it up correctly, and following best practices for sealing, brand owners can ensure their products stand out on the shelves while maintaining their quality and freshness.
Want to test it on some free samples? Click our "Request A Sample" form above and we'll get a sample kit out to you ASAP.
Leave your comment