Vertical bag sealing machines

Vertical bag sealing machines are different from rotary heat sealers, which are very popular in Sterile Service Departments (SSDs) in hospitals across the UK. Vertical bag sealing machines work on the same principle as a rotary heat sealer, but their applications are very different. In this month’s blog, we will take a closer look at vertical bag sealers and the options you have if you are looking to purchase one.

What are vertical bag sealing machines?

A vertical bag sealing machine is a type of packaging equipment used to seal bags or pouches that are filled with products, typically in an upright position. It is commonly used in industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemicals and more. Like a rotary heat sealer, the machine seals the open end of the bags or pouches using heat and pressure to create an airtight or watertight seal, preserving the contents inside.

Key Features:

Vertical Design: The machine holds the bags in a vertical position, making it ideal for products that can easily spill or are liquid, granulated or powdery.

Sealing Mechanism: Most vertical bag sealing machines use a heat-sealing mechanism, where two heated bars press the bag’s edges together, melting the material and bonding them to form a seal.

Automatic or Semi-Automatic: Depending on the setup, some machines are fully automated, while others require manual assistance in feeding the bags.

Applications and use

Vertical bag sealing machines have versatile applications across various industries, primarily for packaging and sealing products in bags or pouches. The following are some key applications:

Pharmaceuticals

• Medicines and Supplements: Sealing pouches containing tablets, capsules, powders, and other medicinal products for hygienic and secure packaging.
• Medical Devices: Packaging sterile items like syringes, gloves, and bandages in sealed bags.

Food Industry

• Snacks and Dry Foods: Sealing pouches for chips, nuts, dried fruits, cereals etc.
• Powdered Products: Packaging flour, sugar, spices, protein powder, and other powdered items.
• Liquids and Sauces: Sealing flexible pouches for sauces, oils, soups or beverages.
• Frozen Foods: Packaging frozen vegetables, meats, and seafood to ensure freshness and avoid contamination.
• Coffee & Tea: Sealing coffee beans, ground coffee, and tea to maintain aroma and freshness.

Cosmetics and Personal Care

• Lotions and Creams: Sealing small pouches for single-use sachets of lotions, creams or other cosmetic products.
• Hair and Skin Care Products: Packaging shampoos, conditioners, facial masks, and more in flexible pouches.

Chemical Industry

• Fertilisers & Pesticides: Sealing small bags of chemical products such as fertilizers, pesticides and other agrochemical products.
• Cleaning Products: Packaging detergents, cleaners, and other chemical products.

Pet Food Industry

• Dry & Wet Pet Foods: Sealing pouches of dry kibbles, treats or wet food for pets, ensuring long shelf life and preserving freshness.

Industrial Applications

• Hardware Components: Packaging screws, bolts, or other small hardware components for retail or distribution.
• Non-food Powders: Sealing pouches containing industrial powders like cement, clay or sand.

Agriculture

• Seeds and Grains: Packaging seeds, grains, and other agricultural products in small or bulk pouches.

Electronics

• Small Electronic Parts: Packaging components like cables, adapters, and other small electronic parts in protective pouches.

These machines are used where a reliable, high-quality seal is needed to protect contents from contamination, moisture, and other environmental factors. They are ideal for packaging products that require preservation, extended shelf life and attractive retail presentation.

What different types of vertical bar sealing machines are avaialble?

There are a number of options available when looking to buy a vertical bar sealing machine. The Hawo hpl 1300 AP-V is a very wide heat sealer that can be mounted in a vertical way and seal bags over 1 metre wide. If users do not need to seal such large bags, it can be supplied in a smaller version. It can also be equipped with a vacuum which will suck the air out of a bag before sealing it. Alternatively, a gas can be introduced inside the bag before sealing commences. This is ideal for users who want to preserve the shelf life of a product.

How Henderson Biomedical can help

We supply vertical bag sealers for use in a range of industries. We are the UK partner for Hawo, the world’s leading heat sealer manufacturer and can supply their vertical bar sealing machines. Our engineers are also factory trained by Hawo in Germany, meaning we can provide ongoing maintenance for many years to come.

For more information on how we can help you, please contact our friendly team on 020 8663 4610 or use our online contact form.

Image by rustamismart from Freepik.