industrial vacuum sealer

Types of industrial vacuum sealers

An industrial vacuum sealer is a food packaging machine that removes air from the bag and seals it. There are several types of vacuum sealers, including chamber, end, suction, and handheld sealers.

• Chamber vacuum sealers

  In a chamber vacuum sealer, the sealing bar is enclosed in a chamber. This sealer uses the pressure inside the chamber to facilitate sealing. The chamber is closed, and air is sucked out of the entire chamber, including the bag inside. Once all the air is extracted, the sealer then seals the bag. Chamber sealers are more powerful than skin and belt sealers and are preferred industrial sizes.

• End-seal vacuum sealer

  With the sealing wires situated at the ends of the vacuum chamber, an end-seal sealer performs better when sealing bags and pouches with thicker material. It may take longer to seal thinner materials. This type of sealer is suitable for most-sized businesses but works best when used to seal thicker materials.

• Suction microjet vacuum sealer

  A suction microjet vacuum sealer has the pump inside the machine instead of outside. This allows them to be more compact. While the pump runs, air must be sucked out from the pouch through holes in a filter into the machine, and then the pouch is sealed. These sealers are usually very affordable.

• Handheld vacuum sealer

  Handheld sealers are the most portable option, resulting in low prices. It involves placing a special bag with a sealing strip in the sealer. The handheld vacuum sealer then pulls the air out of the bag and performs a heat seal.

Specification & Maintenance of Industrial Vacuum Sealers

A vacuum sealer machine has many specifications depending on the model. One key specification is the sealing bar length. The sizes vary from 200 mm as the most common size to 200 mm or more for the vacuum sealer with a pump. Another common specification is the number of sealing wires or ribs on the sealer. It varies from one to two sealing wires, resulting in single or double seal grooves. Another one is vacuum strength, usually measured in horsepower (HP) or inches of mercury (HG). This rating shows how powerful the pump is in extracting air from vacuum bags. Different types of vacuum sealers have varying vacuum strength. For example, chamber-type sealers are between 0.5 to 3 HP, while suction sealers have ¼ HP or 27 in HG. The maximum vacuum pressure for chamber sealers can be 28 in HG or 99%. Another key specification is the voltage and wattage. Most heavy-duty commercial vacuum sealers operate on 110/115 volts and 0.5-1.5 watts.

Maintenance Tips

• Keep It Clean

  Like any other appliance, it is essential to clean an industrial vacuum sealer after every use. Cleaning prevents mold growth and keeps the appliance hygienic. Ensure to clean the outside, inside, and sealing wires. Wipe spillage off with a damp cloth. Use mild detergent and water to clean sealing wires. Vacuum the chamber to remove debris and food particles.

• Lubricate regularly

  Vacuum sealers tend to have moving parts that require regular lubrication to avoid wearing out. Lubricating reduces friction, ensuring smooth movement. It also prevents damage. Apply oil to the sliding rails and moving parts only.

• Deep Clean Monthly

  Even after regular cleaning, dirt and food particles can build up over time. Therefore, deep clean the sealer at least once a month. Disconnect and clean all parts of the vacuum, including the pump. Consider hiring a professional to do the deep cleaning monthly.

• Replace Bag

  Using the wrong vacuum sealer bags can damage the industrial vacuum sealer. If using a commercial sealer, ensure to use commercial-grade bags. Further, low-quality bags can rupture during sealing. This may damage the heating element. Always double-check the integrity of the bags before using them on the sealer.

• Store properly

  Whether in use or not, an industrial vacuum sealer must be stored correctly. Avoid storing in damp places as moisture can penetrate the machine, affecting it adversely. For long-term storage, wrap the unit in plastic to prevent dust from settling in the sealing wires.

Scenarios

The following industries and sectors can benefit from using industrial vacuum sealers.

• Agriculture: An industrial vacuum sealer is used for farm produce and livestock products. Packaging vegetables and fruits enhance shelf life and preserve them for consumption. Vacuum sealing meaty products like jerky and smoked sausages can withstand storage for longer periods. In addition, vacuum packaging simplifies transportation from country to city.
• Food processing: Food industries use vacuum sealers to package processed foods, including meats, cheeses, and snacks. They extend shelf life, preserve flavor and maintain product freshness.
• Pharmaceutical: Industries that manufacture drugs and medical supplies use industrial vacuum sealers for sterile packaging. The sealers also protect drugs, medical equipment, and sensitive instruments from contamination, moisture, and degradation.
• Electronics: An industrial vacuum sealer protects electronic components, circuit boards, and sensitive devices from dust, moisture, and oxidation. The sealers preserve data storage devices such as SSDs, USB flash drives, and external hard drives. They also protect delicate optics, including cameras and sensors.
• Construction: Construction industries use industrial vacuum sealers for material protection by preventing moisture ingress and contamination during storage. They package expensive construction materials such as tiles and hardwood to maintain quality until use. Vacuum sealers also simplify logistics by optimizing storage space and protecting materials during transit.
• Automotive: The vacuum sealers preserve automotive parts and accessories, including brake pads and engine components. They package tools for storage, maintaining their quality and durability. A seal vacuum machine also preserves automotive fluids such as brake fluid and engine oil from degradation.
• Medical: Medical facilities use industrial vacuum sealers for equipment sterilization. Sealed surgical instruments and equipment are safe from contamination until needed. In addition, vacuum-sealed sterile supplies such as gowns and drapes have long shelf lives.
• Logistics and warehousing: Logistics companies use industrial vacuum sealers to package and seal goods and protect items from damage and theft.

How to Choose Industrial Vacuum Sealers

Consider the following factors when choosing a commercial vacuum sealer for packaging needs.

• Packaging Requirements

  The type of commercial vacuum sealer is available to fit different packaging needs. Buyers should check if the unit matches the current or future packaging requirements. For instance, buyers should consider a vacuum sealer with a dense foam sealing bar if sealing pouches with thick material is necessary. An impulse sealer might not get the job done properly.

• Maintenance Requirements

  Choose a vacuum sealer with a low maintenance requirement to minimize downtime during commercial sealing. Industrial vacuum sealers made of stainless steel and corrosion-resistant materials usually have low maintenance requirements. Also, machines with self-cleaning features or quick-release components for periodic cleaning are ideal.

• Ease of Use

  A vacuum sealer that is simple to use and operate is better for uniform package sealing. Features that enhance user-friendliness include automatic sensors, digital control panels, and one-touch sealing programs. These features help to reduce the need for manual interventions and training.

• Durability

  Select a vacuum sealer model built to withstand heavy usage in commercial settings. Factors that improve function and durability are strong and sturdy construction, quality materials, and regular maintenance.

• Product Size Compatibility

  Check that the vacuum sealer matches the product size dimensions. It must have sufficient sealing capacity for the largest sizes and dimensions of food or item packaging.

• Warranty and Support

  When buying a commercial vacuum sealer, check the warranty period. A model with an extended warranty gives more support in case of product malfunction. Additionally, there should be available replacement parts and customer service.

Industrial vacuum sealer Q&A

Q1: Who needs an industrial vacuum sealer?

A1: Industrial vacuum sealers are mostly used in the food industry. Food manufacturers, processors, and packers seek robust vacuum sealers to handle large volumes of packing. This helps them preserve the food for longer shelf lives. Apart from the food industry, the manufacturing industries can use industrial vacuum sealers. This includes the fresh food, air filter, medical equipment, and packaging industries.

Q2: Is an industrial vacuum sealer better than a countertop one?

A2: Industrial vacuum sealers are more powerful than countertop sealers, which may be ideal for home use. It's better to use the industrial sealers if sealing strength, durability, and speed are top priorities. Industrial sealers can handle high-volume sealing tasks, while countertop sealers are limited to sealing small batches.

Q3: What are the checkups required for an industrial vacuum sealer?

A3: Regular industrial vacuum sealers need checkups. This includes belt replacements, lubrication, air filter cleaning, and sealing line inspection. Most crucial, sealing elements should be cleaned to remove residue and prevent buildup. The vacuum pump oil should be checked and replaced if needed to keep the pump functioning. The electrical components, including the vacuum timer and safety switches, should be inspected for any wear and damage.

Q4: What's the lifespan of an industrial vacuum sealer?

A4: With proper maintenance and routine checkups, industrial vacuum sealers can last for many years. Their lifespan largely depends on the frequency of usage, the sealing sensitivity and capacity of the machine, and the maintenance routines observed. To maximize the lifespan of an industrial vacuum sealer and avoid untimely breakdowns, choose the right machine for the intended application and sealing needs.