Large L bar sealers can wrap smaller items, but they are designed for shrink wrapping oversized products. Many of the larger sealers can drop the sealing area for taller products. Lowering the sealing area will allow seals to be made in the center of the product. The L bar sealing area can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but an L bar sealer with over a twenty-five-inch sealing width is considered a large L bar sealer. Smaller L bar sealers start at 13×13 inch seal areas. In this post, we will discuss some benefits of large L bar sealers, the different features available, and questions to consider when purchasing a large L bar sealer.
Anyone hand-shrink-wrapping larger products knows that a better option will need to be found as volume increases. Using a heat gun to shrink the wrap around large products is time-consuming, and a shrink tunnel will speed up production. Flipping and rotating the product to make seals is also time-consuming if using an I-bar sealer. An L-bar sealer will seal all of the open sides with one seal. Large L-bar sealers have various features that make operation easy for the operator and increase productivity.
Optional Features On Large L Bar Sealers
Sealing magnets are a common feature. They hold the sealing bar down for a set time and allow the user to begin reaching for the next item to be packaged. Once the magnets release, the bar opens.
Pneumatic push button operation is another feature of many large L bar sealers. The push button allows users to place products into the sealing area and press a button to close the sealing arm. More safety features are also necessary with the option to avoid injury.
Takeaway conveyors move products from the sealing area to the shrink tunnel. Not all L bar sealers come with this option, but it saves the operator an additional step in the process.
Perforators make tiny holes in the film to prevent ballooning. As heat shrinks the film, air escapes, allowing the material to conform to the product.
Sealing area height adjustments are an important feature for large L bar sealers. For oversized products, lowering the sealing area helps ensure the seal is in the middle of the package every time.
Scrap wheels are an optional feature with many manufacturers of large L bar sealers. The scrap wheel collects excess film as seals are being made. Once full, the wheel can be quickly emptied once full.
Questions to Consider When Purchasing a Large L Bar Sealer
When making your sealer purchase, a few questions should be considered. Below are some that may help you decide what to buy and where to buy from.
What type of sealing element does the machine have?
The most common for larger sealers are wire sealing elements. The wire is heated and seals the shrink film when lowered. The wire is often coated to keep film from sticking. It is important to keep additional wire on hand to avoid downtime. Hot knife sealing elements have temperature controls to set the desired temperature of the sealing area. These last much longer than wire sealers but also cost more.
What are the power requirements?
Be sure the machine’s location has the correct power. Some buildings have limited access to additional power lines. Installing new lines can be costly, and it is good to know beforehand if it will be required.
What is the machine footprint?
With any larger piece of equipment, it is important to consider the overall machine footprint. Where the machine will operate and the overall production flow can make-or-break a purchase.
What is required for setup?
Some machines are ready for use once they are removed from the pallet they arrive on. Others, including automatic machines, will require training and setup. Most large L bar sealers will require minor assembly for setup.
Are parts available?
As with any production machine, over time, parts will be needed. It is important to have a supplier with parts available as needed, along with troubleshooting assistance.
How long is the lead time?
Special features on shrink wrap sealers can increase lead times and availability. Be sure to know the lead times before making a purchase. Some companies can take over sixteen weeks to build a large L bar sealer.
Conclusion
Large L bar sealers are a step up from a large I bar sealer with a heat gun. The L bar sealer will seal and cut excess in one motion. It is important to determine the largest product that will be wrapped in the sealer to know the size of seal bar needed.
In addition to the proper size of sealer, consider the available features. Some features can substantially increase production. They can also increase costs and lead times, so we recommend checking estimated shipping times before placing an order.
Several questions should be asked when looking for a large sealer. It is important to know the machine’s power requirements and overall footprint. These are essential to be sure it will work in the designated area where it will be used. If you have any other questions not addressed above about buying a large L bar sealer, call 1-800-441-5090 or chat with a specialist at uspackagingandwrapping.com.
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