Whether you’re upgrading the look and feel of your product packaging or have other reasons for professionally sealing polyethylene bags, an impulse sealer is an essential piece of packing and shipping supplies. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is an Impulse Sealer?

An impulse sealer is a power tool created to seal and package different kinds of polyethylene bags and similar items. Whether you’re just sealing a bag for tools or moving from house to house, this product is a must have on all packaging endeavors. Staples’ impulse bag sealers range from 8 to 20 inches and feature an adjustable timer for a perfect sealing experience.

How Do Impulse Bag Sealers Work?

Impulse sealers at Staples use a short impulse of electricity to melt one layer of plastic onto another layer. This creates a tightly sealed package ready for travel that can only be reopened by ripping or cutting the plastic open with non-stick scissors. Some models even feature a cutter that can cleanly cut poly tubing with one simple process.

Staples offers hand impulse sealers and foot operated impulse sealers — with the main difference being the length, voltage and portability of each item. Foot-operated bag sealers use a standard 110 volt power supply.

What’s the Difference Between Impulse Sealers and Constant Heat Sealers?

The difference between impulse sealers and impulse heat sealers is the way that heat is applied to the plastic.

Impulse sealers use a short impulse to create a burst of heat that quickly seals bags. They’re used for polyethylene bags.
Constant heat sealers use consistent heat that reaches higher temperatures and takes more time to seal bags, but is capable of sealing heavier products. They’re intended for cellophane bags.

Both products come in different lengths and widths as well as the option for manual or automatic use.

How Long Does an Impulse Sealer Last?

Impulse bag sealers can seal around 1,000 to 5,000 bags before the heating wire sustains damage or breaks. Regular maintenance and replacement of the heating components will help to increase the lifespan of your impulse sealer.

Specifically, you’ll have to replace the PTFE adhesive cover with the heating wire before it burns completely through. The PTFE adhesive should be replaced once its discoloration becomes noticeable and it begins to stick with the item you are sealing.

Replacing these parts can be a tricky process, so make sure you have the right tools and directions before proceeding.

Impulse Sealers for Shipping & Storing