Impulse Heat Sealers and Heat Seal Bags: A Simple Guide
The DiscountTillRolls.ie TeamAn impulse heat sealer melts the two sides of a plastic bag together with a quick burst of heat when you press the arm down. It only heats while sealing, so it is safe to leave on the bench and needs no warm up. A 300mm sealer handles most bags up to 300mm wide. Start on a low heat setting and turn it up until the seal is strong but not burnt through.
If you bag sweets, nuts, baked goods or spare parts, a sealer makes packs look professional and keeps them fresh and tamper evident.
In this guide
- How does an impulse sealer work?
- Which bags can I seal?
- How to get a good seal
- Who uses heat sealers?
- FAQ
How does an impulse sealer work?
A thin heating wire sits under a strip of heat resistant tape. When you press the arm down, a pulse of current heats the wire for a second or two, melting the bag plastic. Keep holding while it cools and the two layers set together into a seal.
Seals plastic bags up to 300mm wide.
Which bags can I seal?
| Bag | Seals? |
|---|---|
| Polythene and polypropylene bags | Yes, these are what impulse sealers are made for |
| Heat seal bags | Yes |
| Plain paper bags | No, paper doesn't melt |
| Foil and specialist laminates | Some do, but check with the bag supplier |
Bags sized for sweets, snacks and small parts.
How to get a good seal
- Start low. Set the timer dial low and test on a spare bag.
- Keep the seal area clean. Crumbs, powder or grease in the seal line cause weak spots.
- Press and hold. Hold the arm down until the light goes off, then a second longer while it cools.
- Check it. A good seal is clear and even. White, bubbly or burnt means too much heat, and a seal that peels means too little.
- Let it rest between seals on busy runs, so the element doesn't overheat.
Who uses heat sealers?
- Sweet shops and bakeries: pick and mix bags and biscuit packs.
- Delis and farm shops: nuts, dried fruit and portioned goods.
- Online sellers: sealing small items before they go in the postal bag.
Selling food? Label your packs with allergens and dates. See our allergen labelling guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is an impulse heat sealer?
A sealer that heats only when you press the arm down, melting plastic bags closed.
Can a heat sealer seal paper bags?
No. It works on plastic bags such as polythene and polypropylene.
What does 300mm mean on a heat sealer?
It is the length of the sealing bar, so it seals bags up to 300mm wide.
Why is my seal weak or burnt?
Weak seals need more heat or a longer hold. Burnt seals need less heat.
Neat, sealed packs in seconds.
Heat sealers and heat seal bags, dispatched from Dublin 12.
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