LABORATORY HEAT SEALERS

Laboratory heat sealers offer precise control of jaw temperature, pressure, and dwell time to accurately evaluate the heat sealability of materials used for packaging on items such as flexible pouches, lidded trays, and pots. Our constant heat sealers, which comply with ASTM F2029 laboratory seal preparation standards, come with single or dual heated sealing jaw options and the option of Teflon coating for added durability.

FAQs ABOUT LABORATORY HEAT SEALERS

What is a laboratory heat sealer used for?

A laboratory heat sealer produces heat seals under controlled conditions for packaging development, material comparison, and sample preparation. It allows users to investigate how sealing conditions affect a material’s performance. Prepared seals can then undergo strength or other appropriate testing. Laboratory heat sealing helps establish suitable starting conditions for production trials – it does not replace validation on the production equipment.

How do I choose the right laboratory heat sealer?

Start with your packaging format and the purpose of the work. Preparing flat film specimens requires a different setup from sealing filled pouches or applying lids to trays. Specify the material structure, sample dimensions, required seal geometry, and expected operating conditions. Then consider control requirements, throughput, and any applicable test method. Select the configuration around the application rather than temperature range alone.

What is the difference between a laboratory heat sealer and a heat seal strength tester?

A laboratory heat sealer makes the seal, while a heat seal strength tester measures the force required to separate it. For a laboratory heat-sealability study, specimens are prepared under defined conditions and their strength is subsequently evaluated. ASTM F2029 addresses laboratory seal preparation and evaluation of heat-sealability data, whereas ASTM F88 addresses seal strength measurement. A standalone laboratory sealer does not provide a seal strength result.

Do I need a jaw sealer, a vertical heat sealer, or a tray sealer?

Choose the equipment according to the packaging format and how the sample must be supported during sealing. A jaw sealer is generally suited to sealing flexible specimens or pouch openings. A vertical arrangement may be appropriate when a pouch needs to remain upright, particularly when filled. A tray sealer uses tooling suited to the container and lid. Confirm sample access, support, and tooling requirements before selecting a model.

Which packaging materials can laboratory heat sealers seal?

Suitability depends on the material’s sealing surface, overall construction, thickness, and the capabilities of the selected sealer. Materials may include heat-sealable films, multilayer laminates, and coated structures, provided their sealing layers are compatible. Not every film, foil, or paper can form a heat seal without an appropriate sealant layer or coating. Supply the complete material specification (and representative samples where possible) when discussing equipment selection.

How can laboratory testing help establish sealing temperature, pressure, and dwell time?

Laboratory testing allows seals to be prepared across a planned range of temperatures, pressures, and dwell times, then evaluated against the application’s acceptance criteria. Dwell time is the period during which the sealing jaws (or seal bars) contact the specimen. Comparing results helps identify a suitable sealing window. Confirm the findings on production equipment: differences in sealing area, machine design, and operating speed can affect how laboratory settings translate to manufacturing conditions.

Should I choose single- or dual-heated sealing jaws?

Single-heated jaws apply heat from one side of the specimen; dual-heated jaws apply heat from both sides. The appropriate arrangement depends on the material construction, packaging application, and conditions you need to reproduce. Neither configuration is universally preferable. When specifying equipment, identify which surfaces should be heated and whether separate temperature control is required. Confirm the configuration against your intended procedure rather than assuming all laboratory sealing work requires the same arrangement.

Can laboratory heat sealers be used for prototype packaging and small-volume production?

Yes, where the selected equipment is designed for the packaging format and intended duty. Laboratory and pilot-scale sealers can support prototype preparation, development trials, and suitable small-volume sealing applications. However, laboratory sample preparation and routine production have different requirements. Consider cycle rate, operator handling, pack support, safety, and repeatability before selecting equipment. Suitability for occasional trials should not be taken as confirmation of suitability for continuous production.

Can sealing jaws and tooling be customised for my packaging?

Application-specific jaws or tooling may be needed to achieve the required seal geometry or accommodate a particular pack. Discuss the seal length and width, surface profile, packaging dimensions, and any access or support  restrictions. For trays and other containers, provide drawings or representative samples so the sealing area and tooling fit can be assessed. Available options depend on the sealer and application; confirm the required configuration before ordering.

What information should I provide when requesting a laboratory heat sealer quotation?

Provide the material specification, packaging format, sample dimensions, and required seal geometry. Explain whether the equipment will be used for material development, controlled test-specimen preparation, prototype packs, or small-volume production. Include known sealing conditions, applicable test methods, expected throughput, and available utilities. Drawings, photographs, and representative samples can help clarify tooling requirements. Share these details with RDM Test Equipment to discuss a suitable configuration.