If your small business involves packaging and distribution processes, then you’ll know how essential the correct sealing methods are. Ideally, you want your products to arrive at their destinations safely and securely.
One of the best ways to achieve this is to invest in a few heat sealers which will go a long way toward streamlining your packaging process. Once you have invested in the right size heat sealing machines, the next step is to ensure that they are routinely maintained to ensure optimal performance.
Understanding Heat Sealers
Heat sealing machines of all sizes uses heat to melt two pieces of film together. When this happens, a strong bond is created that keeps your products secure. This type of sealing is typically used for pharmaceuticals and delicate electronic components.
You can also use the pouches created by the plastic film to store items such as jewelry and dried fruit. Storing food in this manner will ensure that your product has an improved shelf life and also stays fresher for longer.
Advantages of Using a Heat Sealer Machine
Heat sealing machines have a bunch of advantages that highlight why this is the perfect packaging solution for your small business needs. The most significant are listed below:
- Doesn’t require additional adhesion: During the heat sealing process, two pieces of plastic or film are melted together. Since this doesn’t require any additional adhesive, there’s also a significant cost-saving factor.
- Creates a superior, tamper-proof seal: A strong, tamper-proof seal ensures that small components don’t fall out of the packaging during transit. It’s also impossible for bags to be opened and resealed after items have been removed.
- Ensures products are secure in a protective material: Shipping and transit processes often mean that every package is handled many times. Without the correct packaging, it’s easier for items to get damaged or lost. The strong seal created by heat sealing ensures that this doesn’t happen.
Heat Sealer Maintenance is Quick and Easy
Heat sealers may be well-known for their durability but that doesn’t mean they don’t need regular maintenance. Not taking care of your heat sealer may see you struggling with a breakdown right in the middle of your busy period. To help you get started, we’ve compiled a bunch of tips to keep your heat sealing machines maintained and functioning smoothly.
1. Invest in Preventative Maintenance
All machinery in your business should be part of a preventative maintenance program. This means that each machine should have a schedule for when it should be tested, serviced, and maintained. The goal here is to repair or replace minor components before they cause downtime in your business.
The good news is that you can do many of these tasks on your own. You can also outsource them to a certified service technician, which is especially handy if you have more than one heat sealer to look after. Speak to your manufacturer about a referral to a technician who has experience with your particular model.
A few of the common aspects that your service technician will work on include the following:
- Check the machine thoroughly
- Replace components that have worn out
- Ensure that significant spare parts are kept in stock
- Lubricate necessary components
- Order backup stock of replacement kits
2. Involve Your Manufacturer
If your heat sealer is under guarantee or warranty, it’s important to speak to your retail agent and manufacturer about any service queries you may have. If you’re still in the research phase and you haven’t bought your heat sealer yet, it’s a good idea to check the availability of a quality customer service department before making your final purchase. This will ensure that someone is available to assist you with any queries, spare parts, or potential upgrade questions you may have.
3. Always Invest in Spare Components
Even with a service plan in place for your heat sealer, a component can malfunction at the most inopportune time. Since some parts are easy enough to swap out on your own, it’s always recommended that you stock up on the most basic components.
Many of the heat sealer models have replacement kits available that you can simply insert into the machine when the existing one stops functioning. Speak to your manufacturer or your service technician for a list of components and kits that will be most helpful to all the models and types of heat sealers you have.
Having back-up spares also ensures that there’s no need for your service technician to order spares and wait for them to arrive. This will ensure that there’s no unplanned downtime or delays in your packaging process.
Final Thoughts
Heat sealers are the perfect tool to create a secure and durable package for everything from food to small electronics. This method is also more cost-effective than more traditional packaging and sealing methods.
Use our tips to maintain your heat-sealers, no matter how big or small they are. This way you’ll keep all your items as fresh and secure as you need them to be!
