How to Save Money When Buying Automatic l Sealers

Case sealer buying guide

The rising cost of labor, frequent employee turnover, and the demand for increased production speed are driving companies to embrace automation. The great news is that automation technology has advanced, leading to a substantial increase in efficiency.

View Details

Businesses sealing more than 1,000 boxes per week would want to consider using a case sealer. Based on a rough estimate, your savings on material and labor will exceed your initial investment in less than two years, all while relieving the stress of managing workers to maintain packaging quality.

what is a case sealer machine?

Case Sealers are used to seal the bottom and/or top of corrugated boxes with pressure sensitive tape providing secure sealing for the products within. They offer gap-free, tight top flap tape sealing. For an entry level case sealer, the operator closes the bottom flaps of the box, loads the box at the entrance of the case sealer, then pushes the box into the case sealer. The case sealer then automatically applies tape for the closure. Case Sealers are durable, easy to use and virtually maintenance free. There are four types of case sealers: uniform manual, uniform automatic, random manual and random automatic. Detailed explanations for each will follow.

If you&#;re in search of the perfect case sealer solution at a competitive price, don&#;t hesitate to reach out to our team of packaging experts. We offer a diverse selection of case sealers from renowned brands such as Bestpack, Berran, Highlight, Eastey, and Impak.

Why should you consider a Case Sealer?

Hand taping can be wasteful, resulting in poorly packaged boxes and a seal that may have been done several times over. A case sealer can save your time and money on production and within your facility. It also contributes to reduced product damage during transportation.

Here is a link to a calculator that can show you potential savings by investing in a case sealer.

1. Time Saving

Case sealers are faster and more precise than humans. They can seal 12 to 56 cartons per minute, depending on type.

2. Cost Efficiency

Carton sealers can reduce tape costs by 30%, tape up to 50 boxes per minute, and provide more consistent taping with less operators.

3. Less Labor

The number of operators can be reduced. Also, the operator&#;s risk of a repetitive strain injury being suffered will decrease as they don&#;t have to repeat the same motions over the course of their shift.

4. Eco-Friendly

You can use less packaging material by reducing human error, which can ensure sustainability. Also, you can choose more sustainable tape options alongside the machine.

5. Better Containent

Ensuring proper tape adhesion can help save your products from that 10% potential of damage in transit. Machine sealed boxes are more securely sealed, significantly reducing costly product damage resulting from sloppily sealed boxes.

types of case sealers

An adjustable manual case sealer requires some level of manual operation and intervention by an operator. The &#;adjustable&#; feature refers to its ability to set up different box sizes before operation. Typically these sealers have adjustable side arms, top belts, or other mechanisms that can be adjusted or positioned to fit a range of box dimensions. 

An adjustable fully automatic case sealer is designed to automatically apply adhesive tape to close uniform size corrugated boxes or cases. The &#;adjustable&#; feature refers to its ability to set up different box sizes before operation. This adaptability streamlines the sealing process for a diverse case sizes without requiring manual adjustments or changeovers.

This random manual case sealer is capable of detecting the size of the box and sealing various sized box. It features adjustable mechanisms such as side belts, top squeezers, or other components that can be customized to fit different box dimensions. With a touch of the operator, packaging lines can effectively manage a wide range of box sizes without adjustment.

This fully automatic case sealer excels at sealing boxes of various sizes seamlessly, eliminating the requirement for adjustments. It is ideal for situations where random-sized boxes have to be packed and labor reduction and increased speed are crucial factors. This machine incorporates adjustable components like side belts, top squeezers, or other mechanisms that can be tailored to suit diverse box dimensions.

A Checklist Before Buying a Case Sealer Machine

While the prospect of adapting a case sealer machine is enticing, a few key considerations should guide your decision-making process:

1. Variety of Cases

Are your boxes in Uniform or Various sizes?

If you have a consistent, large volume of boxes that are all the same size, then an adjustable case sealer would be a suitable choice for your packaging needs. These machines are designed to efficiently seal boxes of the same dimensions. However, if your packaging line handles boxes of various sizes, it&#;s better to choose a random case sealer. Random case sealers are equipped with sensors that can automatically detect and adjust the settings of the tape head for each individual case. This flexibility is essential for maintaining efficiency and ensuring a secure seal regardless of the box size variation in your production line.

2. Case size & Taping position

What are the dimensions for boxes? Which side do you want to tape?

Assessing all box dimensions and weights is essential to check if the case sealer you want can handle the minimum and maximum box sizes and weights. Also, the position of the belt has to be considered before buying a case sealer. There are top-only case sealers, bottom-only case sealers, and top and bottom case sealers depending on which side of the box you want to seal.

3. Speed

How many cases per day do you seal?

Evaluating your daily box-sealing volume is crucial for determining your best case sealer option, including automation level, and ideal belt setup. A manual case sealer is suitable for sealing under 200 boxes daily. An operator folds box flaps and feeds them into the sealer, significantly faster than manual taping. For over 250 daily boxes, a fully automatic sealer is ideal. No operator is needed; a conveyor feeds and seals the boxes automatically.

4. Environment

Is the space for a machine humid or tight?

Considering the environment in which the case sealer will be installed is important. If the sealer will be used in a humid and hot environment you might prefer the stainless steel machine. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, making it a better choice for an environment where hygiene and durability are essential like a food production facility.

Furthermore, you would want to consider how much space you have to install the machine. The length of conveyor belts can be customized and the size of the case sealer depends on the model you choose.

5. The number of operators

How many employees are working for this line?

One of the advantages of using a case sealer is the reduction in labor requirements and increased flexibility for other tasks. You can assess the current workforce involved in the process and consider whether you prefer a fully automatic setup or a semi-automatic system requiring one or two operators.

tips for selecting a case sealer

When you are looking for a case sealer, you might want to select it with&#;

Easy Equipment Configuration

Servicing Availability

Great Operator Safety

Easily Obtainable Machine parts

Mobility and Flexibility- allows it to be moved easily wherever needed when needed

Rugged Steel Construction built for round the clock operation

Customization Availability

If you&#;re in search of the perfect case sealer solution at a competitive price, don&#;t hesitate to reach out to our team of packaging experts. We offer a diverse selection of case sealers from renowned brands such as Bestpack, Berran, Highlight, Eastey, and Impak.

Have a question about equipment or service?

Just give us a call or send us a message with the form below. One of our customer service representatives would be happy to help you with whatever you need. Impak Packaging

400 Flint Rd.
North York, Ontario
M3J 2J4
: 416-299-
Fax: 416-299-
: [ protected]

Inquiries

416-299-

Parts and Service

416-299-

You have been researching sealers for a few months now and you have decided that you would like to purchase one.

You have educated yourself on the cost and the expected ROI of purchasing a sealer. You have studied the differences between buying VS leasing your new sealer and have found the option that is right for your company. If you haven't already done these things, we'd recommend you doing so.

You spoke with a repair technician and are working out all of the necessary details of a preventive maintenance program to make sure that your machinery will run well, minimizing downtime. 

You have your key performance indicators set up in regard to your sealer's operation and you have made it a point to ensure that your machine operators are trained on all safety protocols.

This project has cost you a lot of time, effort, and money to get to this point. You are ready to actually buy a machine now.

Goto Zhongfu Packaging to know more.

Related links:
Key Questions to Ask When Ordering Surface Mount Reflow Ovens
Is 600W Powder Supply Center Worth It?
What Are the Benefits of Heat Resistant Conveyor Belts?

You have selected a vendor to purchase materials, service, and repair from and are 100% prepared to take the next step.

But, you have one more question that needs answering. Should you buy an electric sealer or a pneumatic model?

You are unsure about the difference between these machines and you need to be absolutely confident that you are making the right decision for your business.
You need a machine that will get the job done quickly and efficiently, however, you also must ensure that you are getting a machine that does not have unwarranted additional costs. So, you are not exactly sure how to move forward.

Well, we have some great news! You have found your way to this article and you are looking for an answer to your final question. And luckily for you, we have it!

Industrial Packaging has been selling sealers for a very long time and we are a thought leader in our industry. As such, we are going to assist you in choosing the perfect machine for your needs.

In this article, we will compare electric sealers to pneumatic sealers and help you in the last steps of choosing the best piece of equipment for your packaging line.

Comparing Electric And Pneumatic Sealers

Electric Sealers

Electric heat sealers are a modern version of sealers. Several different brands offer electric heat sealers in a variety of makes and models from entry-level machines to fast, fully automatic models.

When buying an electric sealer, cost savings are a big motivator. One reason for consumers to buy an electric machine instead of a pneumatic model is that electric models don't need air or an air compressor to function properly.

As pneumatic sealers require the use of an industrial level air compressor it should be noted, Industrial level air compressors cost (on average) $5,000 - $10,000! Additionally, compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in a plant.

Pneumatic Sealers

There are very few major differences between electric and pneumatic sealers. The only real difference is that pneumatic machines require an industrial level air compressor.

All sealers need a way for the sealer to have the jaws come together and seal the film. Pneumatic sealers require air cylinders to make this happen. These air cylinders that wear over time and need to be replaced.

Oftentimes as they become more unreliable, operators increase the size of the bag around the package to make up for this. This results in wasted time, money, and materials.

As pneumatic sealers require the use of an industrial level air compressor it should be noted, Industrial level air compressors cost (on average) $5,000 - $10,000! Additionally, compressed air is one of the most expensive utilities in a plant.

Need Help Buying Packaging Machinery?

Which Is Better, Electric Or Pneumatic Sealers?

Honestly, the only major difference between an electric sealer and a pneumatic sealer is that the pneumatic sealer requires an industrial air compressor to pump compressed air.

By selecting an electric sealer over a pneumatic sealer, you can save around $5,000 - $10,000 on the machinery itself. Beyond that, you can save thousands of dollars more on the utility costs of compressed air.

We strongly recommend using electric sealers for this reason. But there are some situations where a pneumatic sealer might be preferred for you.

Sometimes a company has signed a contract to source all their equipment from one vendor exclusively. Agreements made between the company and their vendor may provide other cost savings that have been negotiated to balance out or negate the savings attributed to using electric rather than pneumatic machinery.

Additionally, some operators simply prefer the feel of a pneumatic machine versus that of an electric. Depending on the budget of the company, they  may opt to purchase more expensive machinery that suits their operator&#;s preferences better.

Where To Buy Your Sealer

Regardless of which type of sealer you ultimately decide on, your next step is to purchase the machine. As you have already done all your homework and know what machine you want, you simply need to choose a vendor to purchase the equipment from.

Here are a few different types of vendors that you will want to consider buying from based upon your specific needs as a consumer.

Packaging Distributors

Industrial Packaging is a packaging distributor. Vendors like us are a common choice for buying sealers. A big reason that clients choose packaging distributors is that they have products from many manufacturers.

What does this mean for you?

Because packaging distributors aren&#;t limited to a single brand, typically you can count on them to help you choose the best sealer for the products you are packaging.

Manufacturers

Another common option for sourcing your sealers is using a manufacturer (OEM). Manufacturers usually have highly knowledgeable packaging experts who are trained exclusively on the types of sealers they produce.

In some cases, manufacturers will have the best resources for the brand they represent because they are experts with specific knowledge of the heat sealers that they themselves make.

Many manufacturers are gigantic companies and they will always have a ton of unique information about their products and what makes them unique.

It is very important to remember however, not all manufacturers will sell directly to you. You may very well have no other choice but to purchase their brand of packaging machinery elsewhere.

Next Steps To Buying Your Sealer

If you are still not exactly sure how you wish to proceed in completing your journey to purchasing the perfect sealer for your business and would appreciate further guidance, please reach out to one of our packaging experts.

They will be able to analyze your current equipment, materials, KPIs, protocols, and processes and advise you on the exact type of sealer that is correct for your environment.

They will also be able to help you source materials and preventative maintenance for your machinery, even if we are not the best fit for you as a vendor, we will be able to point you to whoever is.

Industrial Packaging has been selling stretch wrappers for decades, as such, we are in a unique position to help you buy the right machine for your needs, even if you do not ultimately buy that machine from us. It is our mission to serve you and provide you with the best choice for your company's success.

For more information, please visit Automatic l Sealers.