In cleanrooms, labs, and healthcare packaging environments, heat sealing is a critical step in ensuring sterility and regulatory compliance. Yet many facilities are still relying on manual sealing processes that are slow, error-prone, and difficult to validate. As demand grows and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, simply doing it “the old way” is no longer enough.
Fortunately, automation doesn’t have to mean ripping out existing sealing machines or investing in entirely new production lines. A modular approach makes it possible to upgrade what’s already in place—transforming a manual sealer into a streamlined, semi-automated system ready for modern standards.
Two key technologies enable this transition: the SealBELT automatic conveyor and the SealLINK smart networking system. Both are designed to work with existing heat sealers, providing practical, validated automation without the need for major retooling.
SealBELT: Automated Conveyor Integration Without Complexity
SealBELT offers a straightforward way to increase throughput and consistency by adding an automatic conveyor to the sealing workflow. Designed with universal compatibility in mind, it can be integrated into nearly any existing sealing setup, even non-Hawo models, with no mechanical connection required. Simply position and deploy.
This fully automatic conveyor is optimised for continuous operation, boosting sealing output without requiring constant operator intervention. For facilities sealing heavier items like trays, SealBELT includes a foot switch mode that supports validated, reliable processes while improving ergonomics for staff.
Adjustable speeds (from 5 to 13 m/min) allow precise control over workflow, helping facilities tailor the process to their specific packaging needs. The result is a validated, efficient sealing line that can handle both high volumes and complex products with ease.
SealLINK: Smart Networking for Precision Packaging
While SealBELT focuses on moving products automatically, SealLINK tackles another critical challenge: eliminating packaging waste and errors. The system links sealing equipment with a pouch production machine to deliver custom-fit pouches on demand.
SealLINK’s process is simple and intelligent:
- The instrument is scanned via a data matrix reader.
- The system automatically determines the precise pouch length and stores it.
- The hm 8000 AS-V produces the custom-sized pouch immediately.
- The instrument is inserted and sealed in a single, optimised step.
By eliminating oversized pouches and manual cutting, SealLINK reduces material waste and ensures every package is traceable and compliant. The process continuously improves as more instruments are scanned and stored in the system. This enables precise, repeatable results that meet modern validation requirements while saving time and resources.
Compatible with existing Hawo sealing models, including the hm 950 DC-V NanoPak, hm 4000 DC-VI, and hm 5000 DC-VI PrintPak. SealLINK delivers advanced automation without the need for new sealing equipment.
Why Modular Heat Sealer Automation Matters
Modular automation offers facilities a cost-effective, low-disruption path to upgrade packaging processes. Rather than investing in an entirely new production line, teams can improve throughput, reduce human error, and achieve repeatable, validated results using the sealing equipment already in place.
Key benefits include:
- Increased efficiency through continuous operation and automated product movement
- Improved consistency and validation with repeatable, traceable processes
- Reduced packaging waste through precise, data-driven pouch production
- Easier compliance with regulatory standards and audit requirements
In short, automation doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. By adopting tools like SealBELT and SealLINK, existing sealing lines can be transformed into modern, efficient systems that deliver reliable, validated results—meeting today’s demands while remaining ready for tomorrow.