Both vacuum sealers and heat sealers have their place in commercial, medical and industrial manufacturing and packaging processes. However, if you’re not experienced with the two, it can be difficult to know which is the right piece of equipment to suit your needs.

Here at Valdamark, we’re the UK’s leading experts when it comes to sealing solutions for a wide range of perishable products. All the sealers we provide are designed to meet strict, medical clean room standards.

So, if you’re struggling to understand whether you require a vacuum or heat sealer for your manufacturing, packaging or sterilization process, don’t hesitate to get in touch today!

What Are the Main Differences Between a Vacuum Sealer and an Impulse Sealer?

An impulse sealer, also known as a heat sealer, uses an electric current to heat up a conductive wire. This in turn melts the plastic around it, creating a weld. Impulse sealers are quick and easy to use, making them ideal for sealing smaller bags or packages.

A vacuum sealer works by removing all the air from a bag or package before sealing it shut. This creates an airtight seal that helps keep food fresh for longer. Vacuum sealers are ideal for sealing larger bags or packages, or for storing food for long periods of time.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

The type of sealer you choose will depend on your needs. If you need to seal smaller bags or packages quickly and easily, then an impulse or heat sealer machine is a good choice. If you need to create an airtight seal for larger bags or packages, then a vacuum sealer is the better option.

Heat Sealers Vs Vacuum Sealers: What are the Advantages of a Vacuum Sealer Over a Heat Sealer?

Vacuum sealers have a number of advantages over heat sealers, including:

• A Tighter Air Seal For Food
• Perfect For Sealing Large Bags & Packages
• Preserves The Flavour & Quality of Food
• Prevents Freezer Burn
• Helps To Protect Food From Bacteria & Other Contaminants

What are the Advantages of a Heat Sealer Over a Vacuum Sealer?

Heat sealers have a number of advantages over vacuum sealers, including:

• Heat Sealers Are Quick & Easy To Use
• They Are Ideal For Sealing Smaller Bags & Packages
• They Can Be Used To Seal Multiple Smaller Bags At Once

What Can You Seal With a Vacuum Sealer?

Vacuum sealers can be used to seal a variety of items, including:

• Food: Vacuum sealers are often used to seal food, such as meats, cheeses, fruits, and vegetables. They help keep food fresh for longer and prevent freezer burn.
• Sensitive Medical Devices: Impants, Pharmaceuticals and other senitive healthcare products all benefit from vacuum sealing
• Sensitive Industrial Products: Electronics, optics and precision parts as well as semi conductors to name a few.
• Clothing: Vacuum sealers can also be used to seal clothing. This is especially helpful when packing for travel or storage. Vacuum sealed clothing takes up less space and is less likely to become wrinkled or damaged.
• Documents: Important documents can also be vacuum sealed. This helps protect them from moisture, dust, and other contaminants.

What Can You Seal With a Heat Sealer?

Heat sealers can be used to seal a variety of items, including:

• Bags and packages: Heat sealers are often used to seal bags and packages. This helps prevent air from entering the sealed package.
• Clothing: Heat sealers can also be used to seal clothing. This is especially helpful when packing for travel or storage. Heat sealed clothing takes up less space and is less likely to become wrinkled or damaged.
• Documents: Important documents can also be heat sealed. This helps protect them from moisture, dust, and other contaminants.
• Medical Equipment – Sterilization is a process of killing all microorganisms present on the surface of an article. Heat sealers are used in the sterilization process of various medical equipment like gloves, forceps, scissors and dressing materials. When a medical product has been through the main sterilization process, such as autoclaving, they are heat-sealed into durable plastic bags to prevent contamination.
• Electrical & Mechanical Equipment – Electrical or mechanical equipment is often heat sealed to prevent damage or contamination during transit. For example, microchips can become severely damaged if they come into contact with dust. As heat sealers create an airtight seal, they are the most effective way of protecting this equipment from damage or contamination.

 

What are the Instances Where a Vacuum Sealer and a Heat or Impulse Sealer Should Never be Used Together?

There are a few instances where you should never use a vacuum sealer and a heat or impulse sealer together. These can include:

• Sealing Food: If you’re looking to seal food, you should never use a vacuum sealer and a heat sealer together. This is because the heat from the sealer can cause the food to spoil.
• Packaging Medical Equipment: If you’re packaging medical equipment for sterilization, you should never use a vacuum sealer and heat sealer together. A vacuum sealer can interfere with the sterilisation process. Instead, you should use a constant heat sealer.
• Packaging Electronic Equipment: If you’re packaging electronic equipment, you should never use a vacuum sealer and a heat sealer together. This is because the pressure from the vacuum sealing can often damage the equipment.

What to Consider when Buying A Vacuum Sealer or Heat Sealer?

When you’re looking to buy a vacuum sealer or heat sealer, there are a few things you need to consider. These can include:

• The type of product you’ll be sealing: The type of product you’ll be sealing will determine the type of sealer you need. If you’re looking to seal food, you’ll need a food-grade sealer. If you’re looking to seal medical equipment, you’ll need a medical-grade sealer.
• The size of the product: The size of the product will also determine the type of sealer you need. If you’re looking to seal large products, you’ll need a heavy-duty sealer. If you’re looking to seal small products, you’ll need a compact sealer.
• The amount of product you’ll be sealing: The amount of product you’ll be sealing will also determine the type of sealer you need. If you’re looking to seal a large amount of product, you’ll need an industrial sealer. If you’re looking to seal a small amount of product, you’ll need a home use sealer.
• Your budget: Your budget is also an important factor to consider when purchasing a vacuum sealer or heat sealer. Industrial sealers can be very expensive, so if you’re on a tight budget, you may want to consider a home use sealer.

What Are the Best Brands for Vacuum Sealers?

The best brand for any commercial vacuum sealer is Hawo. The high-performance vacuum sealers from Hawo are the most effective way of professionally sealing anything, from electrical equipment to medical supplies. If you’re looking for a durable and reliable vacuum sealer, Hawo is the brand for you.

What Are the Best Brands for Continuous & Impulse Heat Sealers?

Just as with vacuum sealers, Hawo is the leading brand for impulse and continuous heat sealers. The high-quality sealers from Hawo are the most effective way of sealing any product, from food to medical supplies. If you’re looking for a durable and reliable heat sealer, Hawo is the brand for you.

For Commercial, Medical & Industrial Sealing Solutions, Choose Valdamark Direct

Here at Valdamark, we offer a diverse range of commercial, industrial and medical sealers to suit your needs. If you’re looking for a reliable and effective way to seal your products, we have the perfect solution for you. We offer both vacuum sealers and heat sealers from leading brands such as Hawo, so you can be sure you’re getting the best quality product on the market. Contact us today to find out more.