How to Package with a Heat Sealer

Heat sealers are used on a day-to-day basis by large corporations for packaging software, paper, video games and other electronics. However, even if you don't have a sealer with industrial strength, there are smaller sealers for use by individuals and small businesses called impulse sealers. Both the industrial and the impulse sealers work in a similar fashion and serve the same purpose. To get the timing just right, you may have to practice a few times.

Things You'll Need

• Mylar bags or plastic/shrink wrap
• Hair dryer or heat gun

Instructions

1. Unlock your heat sealer. When not in use, lock your heat sealer by using the large rubber band that came with it. This protects the alignment between the top and bottom presses.

2. Plug in the heat sealer and turn in on. A power button should be located on the front of the device. You may have to let it sit for a few minutes until it heats up. Start placing the product in the plastic wrap or Mylar bags so you can begin sealing once it's ready. The type of shrink wrap or Mylar bags you use will depend on your heat sealer's model and the size of your product. If you aren't sure which wrap you should use, check the manufacturer's website or your instruction manual. Many manufacturers will include a sample to try when you ordered the unit.

3. Set the open end of your plastic wrap between the presses of your heat sealer. Have the seal line's approximately 1/4 inch away from the product itself. This will allow for a smooth surface. This takes practice, so don't feel discouraged if you get a rough line or bubbles the first few times you try.

4. Press down on the top press so it's touching the bottom press. (Think of a heat sealer like a pair of jaws: They need to close completely in order to bite off a piece of food, or in this case, to seal plastic wrap or a Mylar bag.) There now should be a light on the front of the unit that turns on when these jaws touch. Hold the top press in place until that light goes off. In most cases, the sealer will also make a buzzing noise or click when it's finished.

5. Remove the plastic wrap from your sealer and check the seam. If there are any bubbles or if the plastic looks burnt, start the process over. Change the heat setting on the unit when necessary. If you get a clear, smooth seam, you can continue to seal one side of the plastic wrap. Generally you do two seals per product: one on the open end to close the "bag" and another on one of the sides for a tight fit. If the product can jiggle around, it's not sealed correctly.

6. Finish sealing your product by using a hair dryer or heat gun set to low. When using either of these tools, don't keep it in one place or you'll burn a hole through the plastic. Keep your hair dryer or heat gun moving until the shrink wrap tightens around the product. If there are any holes such as around the corners, you may want to start over again.