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An Overview of Side Sealers and Their Benefits

A Versatile Machine for Packaging Multiple Products

A side sealer is a type of shrink equipment that efficiently shrink wraps products with precise trim seals on three sides of the package. These machines are versatile due to the fact that they do not require precisely matching the film size. This allows operators to run a variety of product sizes with a moderate number of film widths, all with the same machine. Another benefit of using a side sealer is that they are continuous motion sealers, meaning that they can run uninterrupted to keep up with production and output needs.

In this side sealer guide, we will cover
- How a side sealer works
- Types of in-feeds
- Additional options for your side sealer
- Common products packaged by side sealers
- Common manufacturers
- Industries that use side sealers
- Upstream equipment
- Downstream equipment

How a side sealer works

A side sealer starts the packaging process by moving a product into its feed which is then caught by the inverter bar that is holding the shrink wrap. As the product goes through the shrink wrap, it’s neatly sealed on the side and then sealed in the front and back using a hot knife with side sealers.

To see one of our side sealers in action, check out the video below.

Types of In-feeds

The spacing and speed at which products run through a side sealer are determined by what type of in-feed you’re using. Typically, you will see either a belt-driven side sealer or a chain-lugged in-feed side sealer.
Belt-Driven - the product is taken through the in-feed by a conveyor belt
Chain-Lugged - the product is going through the in-feed and is caught by the chains. The lugs carry the product through the machine.

Additional options for your side sealer

Some extra add-ons that can help your side sealer more effectively package your products are
Selvage rewind - collects excess shrink wrap coming off of the side sealing mechanism once the product is sealed
Perforated roller - pokes holes in the shrink wrap so that once the product leaves the side sealer and goes to the heat tunnel, the bag does not blow up.

What products does a side sealer package?

Some common products that are shrink packaged by using a side sealing machine are
- Candy
- Video game boxes
- DVDs
- Books
- Electronics

Common manufacturers

We recommend buying your side sealer from one of the following manufacturers
- Shanklin
- Texwrap

Industries that use side sealers

These machines offer great versatility and can be used for almost any industry that we cater to here at SIGMA Equipment. Some of the following industries include
- Beverage
- Chemical and industrial
- Construction/building supplies
- Container and closures
- Cosmetics and personal care
- Metal, poultry, and seafood
- Paper and printing
- Pet foods and supplies
- Pharma/nutra/medical
- Plastics
- Prepared and convenience foods
- Textiles and apparel
- Tobacco and smoking products
- Toys, sports, and crafts
- Warehousing/distribution/logistics

Upstream equipment

Before the product reaches the conveyor, it will always be transported on a conveyor.

Downstream equipment

Once the product has gone through the side sealer and has been sealed correctly, it can then move along to
- Heat shrink tunnel
- Case or tray packer
- Palletizer

Engineering questions

Some questions to consider when buying or working with a side sealer are
- What is the minimum height of the product?
- What is the maximum height of the product?
- What is the maximum width of the product?
- What is the minimum width of the product?
- Does it have print registration?
- What is the seal bar width?
- What is the maximum outside diameter of the film reel?
- What is the maximum film width?
- What is the production output rate?
- What type of operation does this side sealer have?
- What type of sealing mechanism does this side sealer have?
- What type of in-feed does this side sealer have?
- What is the speed of the transport conveyor?
- What type of operator interface is included?
- What is the working height range?
- What is the film gauge range allowed?
- Does this side sealer come with any additional options?

Summary

Side sealers have the capability to seal packages neatly on three sides, starting from the side opposite the shrink wrap that comes from the arbor bar. This machine works best with regular-shaped products and is compatible with a variety of sizes.
SIGMA Equipment can help you out with buying or selling your side sealer today.

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