The Latest in Sealers

Contact Sealing

New contact sealing capabilities have recently debuted. Y Water is a variable sealing control that incorporates into the manufacturer’s other line of sealing units. The company’s remote control and monitor systems allow users to control induction sealers from a remote touchscreen. This variable-sealing control technology facilitates reliable seals by automatically adjusting sealing energy to compensate for line speed fluctuations. Enercon Industries Corp., Menomonee Falls, WI; 262/255-6070; www.enerconind.com.

Pouch Heat Sealer

A robotic open-fill-seal system is on the market. The Pouchmaster Automatic Bar Seal (ABS) processes barrier, premade Tyvek, and foil pouches and bags. The system, which works for medical devices and diagnostic test kits, is cleanroom compatible and complies with FDA heat-seal validation guidelines. Optional features available include snorkel vacuum flush for MAP and CAP packaging and emboss coding for lot numbers and expiration dates. The unit is programmable logic-controlled with four stations and has two vertical product loading stations. About Packaging Robotics; www.aboutpackagingrobotics.com.
 

High-Speed Taping

A new, high-speed taping head is available. The 3M AccuGlide 3 taping head is designed to be used with the manufacturer’s line of sealers to provide accurate sealing on high-speed lines. The unit has a low-profile side plate and open tape path for quick, simple threading. A patented tape drum latch secures the tape roll for stability and alignment, and offers a press-to-release button for quick roll changes. 3M Industrial Adhesives & Tapes; 800/472-2563; www.3M.com/packaging.

Thermal Impulse

A company introduces a new line of medical vacuum sealers. Medivac thermal impulse sealers suit medical packaging requirements, by providing precise control of vacuum and gas flush. Repeatable and validatable controls allow FDA/NIST traceability. The tabletop units come standard with digital temperature control feature selective alarm functions. The unit guarantees safety, according to the manufacturer, with low pressure close and safety reed switches to prevent heat or high pressure until the top and bottom bars are flush. Also included are standard features such as a stainless-steel product stop, exhaust port, and powder-coat finish for cleanroom compatibility. Heatsealers.net; 888/212-0860; www.heatsealers.net/medivac.html.

Band Sealing

A new rotary band sealing system is on the market. The Model VBS-DH-3/8-10-V seals Tyvek pouches at 40 ft/min and includes a self-contained air compressor. Wear-resistant Teflon bands create hermetic seals of ¼- or 3/8-in. wide. Single-line embossing coders are available. Extended heating and cooling zones facilitate sealing of difficult material. The unit is mounted on a stand with crank handle height adjustment and can be positioned over existing lower carry conveyor. All Packaging Machinery Corp.; 800/637-8808; www.apmpackaging.com.

Sustainable Sealer

A hot-melt adhesive system reduces the need for excess product. The SureFoam adhesive system is a hot-melt dispenser ideal for packages with longer set times. As the system dispenses material, gas expands to create a closed-cell foam, which can be applied in swirl or bead patterns using the manufacturer’s dispensing guns. The system is capable of using virtually all commercially available hot-melt adhesive material, according to the manufacturer, and helps achieve customers’ sustainability goals by reducing the amount of material used through foam density controls. Nordson Corp., Duluth, GA; 770/497-3715; www.nordson.com.