Audion FAQs

What is my application?
What is my bag size?
What bag material should I use?
What product(s) will I be packaging?
Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) necessary?
What is the packaging environment?
What are my production requirements?
What are my reasons for packaging in the first place?
Do I need to code or mark the package?
What options might I need on the machine?

What is my application?

Identifying your application is one of the most important things to do before selecting a bag sealing machine. You must evaluate your entire packaging application so when it comes time to select the machine, it will be the right one to fit the application. If your application is unique, you might need a custom bag sealing machine. Rarely will two applications be exactly the same.

What is my bag size?

The jaw size of the bag sealer that you select is determined by the width of the widest bag you will be sealing. For example, if your widest bag is 10 inches wide, you should select a sealing machine that can accommodate at least that size bag. The length of the bag is also important and can be a factor in the type of machine you need.

What bag material should I use?

Using the right bag material for your application and product is of utmost importance. The bag material also helps determine what sealer you will need. If, for example, you need to vacuum package your product for extended shelf life, then you will probably need a barrier type bag for best results. But if you are packaging something such as hardware parts, you can use a simple polyethylene bag. A bag of greater mil thickness might be needed for a heavy product or one with sharp edges.

What product(s) will I be packaging?

This is also an important question to consider. Is the product bulky? Fragile? Liquid or moist? Powdery? Heavy? Light? Dusty? A medical instrument? Greasy or oily? The correct bag sealing machine you need will often depend on the answers to this question.

Is Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) necessary?

If you are packaging a product whose shelf life can be improved by back flushing the bag with gas, such as some fresh or frozen foods, you will want to consider a machine that allows you to do this. Electronic parts and products that easily corrode are other examples of products that are often best packaged by modifying the atmosphere in the bag by vacuuming and gas flushing.

What is the packaging environment?

Where the packaging machine is located is another important consideration before choosing the type of bag sealing machine. Is the environment where the packaging is done wet? Dusty? Cold? Hot? Explosive? Clean room? You might want a stainless steel machine if it is necessary to wash the machine often.

What are my production requirements?

Production requirements are important in the decision to choose the right packaging machine. If only a few bags are to be sealed per hour, a simple hand or foot-pedal operated sealer will suffice. If many bags are required to be sealed per hour then a more automated machine such as a continuous bag sealer or one that allows multiple bags per cycle should be considered.

What are my reasons for packaging in the first place?

There are many reasons to package a product: to reduce moisture after the seal is made, to reduce static electricity, to reduce bulk, to prolong shelf life, etc.

Do I need to code or mark the package?

Many packages need to be coded with a date or lot number. Often coding is needed to control the whereabouts of the package after it leaves your premises. Security reasons can also dictate coding on sealed packages. Better control can be maintained by coding, such as embossing on the seal or printing a number or date on the package with a hot stamp printer.

What options might I need on the machine?

If you need to trim the bag above the seal, you might need a blade system, wider seal or a workshelf so the operator can better handle the bag as it is put into the jaws of the machine. There are a number of other special options that you might need on your machine to make your packaging operation more productive.

Question provided by the Packaging Aids Corporation.

Hughes can help you determine which of our bag sealing equipment would work best in your packaging environment. Contact a Hughes Sales Representative for assistance.