What is an Impulse Heat Sealer?

An Impulse Heat Sealer is a packaging machine that seals plastic bags, shrink film, and poly tubing by applying a short burst of heat and pressure to create a strong, secure seal. Impulse heat sealers are commonly used in food packaging, retail, warehousing, and industrial packaging.

Unlike constant heat sealers, impulse heat sealers only generate heat during the sealing cycle, making them energy-efficient and safer to operate. The sealing element heats up when activated, melts the plastic layers together and then cools to form a secure seal.

Most manual impulse heat sealers operate using a simple scissor-like action, where the operator lowers the sealing arm onto the plastic material. This creates a single, straight heat seal that securely closes the opening of a plastic bag or tubing.

Impulse heat sealers come in various sizes, with sealing lengths from 100mm to 1 metre and seal widths typically between 2mm and 5mm, depending on the model. Some impulse heat sealers also feature built-in cutters, allowing you to trim excess plastic after sealing.

These versatile machines can seal a range of heat-sealable packaging materials, including polyethylene (polythene), suitable polypropylene films, shrink film, and poly tubing. The correct sealing temperature, heating time, and pressure depend on the material type and thickness being sealed.

Available in hand-operated, foot-operated, and automatic models, impulse heat sealers suit everything from occasional bag sealing to continuous packaging operations.

Benefits of Using an Impulse Heat Sealer

  • Energy-efficient: Consumes significant heating power only during the sealing cycle.

  • Strong, secure seals: Creates consistent seals that protect packaged products from dust, dirt, and moisture.

  • Easy to operate: Simple sealing action makes manual models ideal for everyday packaging tasks.

  • Versatile: Suitable for sealing a variety of plastic bags, shrink films and poly tubing.

  • Multiple sizes available: Different sealing lengths and widths accommodate various bag sizes and material thicknesses.

  • Optional cutting function: Selected models include a cutter for trimming excess plastic after sealing.

Impulse heat sealers provide a quick, economical and reliable way to seal plastic packaging, making them an essential tool for businesses that regularly package, protect or dispatch products.