Heat Sealers and Cutters - The Complete Guide

Introduction to Heat Sealers and Cutters

Heat sealers and cutters are indispensable tools for any business or individual looking to efficiently seal and cut plastic bags or plastic sheeting. With the right heat sealer and cutter, you can create custom sized bags, protect items from outside elements, wrap food, and much more. Choosing the right model for your needs and learning how to use it properly ensures you get the most out of these versatile machines.

What is a Heat Sealer and Cutter?

A heat sealer and cutter is a device that seals plastic materials together using heated elements. The sealing action forms a tight bond that closes bags or joins plastic sheets together. Most heat sealers also incorporate a blade to trim and cut the plastic after sealing.

Heat sealers work by clamping the plastic layers together between heated elements. When the plastic heats up, it melts to form a strong, airtight seal. Teflon-coated elements ensure the plastic doesn't stick. Once sealed, the plastic cools and hardens to a watertight finish.

Cutters allow you to trim the excess plastic off for a neat, professional appearance. Built-in cutters provide an efficient all-in-one sealing and cutting tool.

Benefits of Using a Heat Sealer and Cutter

Heat sealers and cutters provide many benefits for both business and home use:

• Create custom plastic bags - Make bags of any size for storage, packaging, food, hardware, and more.
• Waterproof and airtight seal - Protects contents from water, air, dust, bugs and other contaminants.
• Portable - Small handheld models allow sealing on-the-go.
• Fast and easy - Quickly seal multiple bags in succession.
• Cost effective - Much cheaper than buying premade plastic bags.
• Versatile - Seal a wide range of plastic materials and thicknesses.
• Prevents tampering - Once sealed, access only by cutting the bag.
• Neat appearance - Cutters provide clean sealed edges.

Whether you need to seal food for the freezer, package products for sale, protect tools and equipment, or create custom plastic covers, a heat sealer gets the job done quickly and efficiently.

Types of Heat Sealers and Cutters

There are several different types of heat sealers and cutters available to suit various uses and budgets:

Handheld Heat Sealers

Handheld sealers offer portability and ease of use. They run on electricity and use compact heating elements to seal small bags up to around 1 meter long. Most incorporate cutters and come with accessories like seal wire cutters. Handhelds work well for light duty sealing such as food storage bags.

Benchtop Heat Sealers

Benchtop heat sealers sit on a table or workspace. They're larger in size and can accommodate bigger plastic bags up to several meters long. Benchtops also provide higher sealing power and temperature control. Many commercial operations use sturdy benchtop heat sealers for heavy duty sealing and cutting.

Impulse Sealers

Impulse sealers use a thin wire heating element to briefly "impulse" seal the plastic. The short burst of heat seals the plastic without melting the whole area. Impulse sealers offer speed and convenience but don't provide as strong a seal as element models.

Vacuum Sealers

Vacuum sealers allow you to seal contents within a vacuum for maximum protection. After placing items in a bag, the air is extracted before sealing shut. Vacuum sealing prevents freezer burn on food and protects valuables from environmental elements.

Shrink Wrap Sealers

Shrink wrap sealers use a thin plastic film that shrinks tightly over an item when heat is applied. The film conforms closely to the shape of the product. Items such as CDs, product boxes, and pallets are commonly shrink wrapped.

Key Features to Look for When Buying

The right heat sealer and cutter depends on your specific application and sealing needs. Key considerations when purchasing include:

• Size - Handheld, benchtop, or floor model?
• Sealing length - Determine the bag sizes you need to seal.
• Sealing width - Look for a sealer that accommodates your plastic width.
• Sealing thickness - Consider plastic thickness; sealers vary in heating power.
• Temperature control - Adjustable heat settings for different materials.
• Built-in cutter - Convenient cutting without changing tools.
• Portability - Lightweight construction for mobile use.
• Durability - Metal housing and commercial grade elements for heavy use.
• Safety features - Fingertip protection, auto shut-off.
• Warranty - At least 1 year for the heating element.

Considering these factors will help you select the right sealer and cutter for your unique needs and budget.

How to Use a Heat Sealer and Cutter

While operation varies across models, the general process is straightforward:

1. Place plastic bag material into the sealer, ensuring adequate overlap for the seal.
2. Close the sealer arms and lower the heating element onto the plastic.
3. Activate sealer and allow time for plastic to melt and seal together.
4. Open sealer arms and remove sealed bag.
5. Position bag in cutter guide and activate blade to trim excess plastic.

Refer to your product manual for specific times, temperatures, and safety procedures. With practice, you'll be sealing and trimming custom plastic bags quickly and efficiently.

Maintenance Tips

Follow these simple maintenance practices to keep your sealer in good working order:

• Clean heating elements regularly to prevent plastic buildup.
• Avoid overheating; match temperature to plastic thickness.
• Store handheld models in protective cases when not in use.
• Lubricate cutting blades to prevent dulling.
• Don't overload circuit; use a dedicated outlet.
• Unplug when not in use to prevent electrical hazards.
• Replace worn or damaged cords and plugs.

With proper care, your heat sealer and cutter will deliver reliable sealing performance for years.

Conclusion

Heat sealers and cutters are versatile, cost-effective tools suitable for DIY crafters, food enthusiasts, small businesses, industrial operations, and more. From handheld models under $50 to commercial grade benchtops over $500, there's a sealer to fit every sealing requirement and budget.

Choosing the right sealer with adequate size, sealing power, thickness accommodation, and durability ensures reliable sealing and cutting. Correct use and routine maintenance will keep your sealer working efficiently. With a quality heat sealer and cutter, you can create custom bags and seals for endless purposes.

FAQs

What types of plastic can be sealed with a heat sealer?

Heat sealers work with polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, nylon, and other thermoplastic materials. The sealer must match the minimum melting point of the plastic.

Can you seal foil or paper bags with a heat sealer?

No, heat sealers only work to seal thermoplastic materials like plastic sheets and plastic bags. Foil and paper bags require a different process such as adhesive or tape.

How thick of plastic can handheld sealers accommodate?

Most standard handheld sealers can seal plastic up to around 150 microns thick. Heavy duty models can seal thicker material from 150-300 microns.

What temperature should I set the sealer to?

Consult your product manual for temperature guidelines. Thinner plastics seal at lower temps around 175°C. Thicker plastics require higher heat around 275°C. Match the temperature to the plastic thickness.

How do I prevent the plastic from sticking to the sealer?

Using a sealer with Teflon-coated elements prevents sticking. You can also place a small piece of cardboard inside each bag opening before sealing.