Induction sealing is a popular packaging method that utilizes electromagnetic energy to hermetically seal packaging materials together. This sealing process creates an airtight, watertight, and tamper-evident seal through contactless heating. Induction sealing machines provide many benefits over traditional sealing methods. They are fast, clean, efficient, and consistent. The sealing process takes just a few seconds and does not require direct contact with the packaging materials. This makes induction sealing ideal for high-volume production environments where efficiency and reliability are critical.
If you are considering adding induction sealing capabilities to your production line, it’s important to understand the most common and effective induction sealing applications. The versatility of induction allows it to seal a wide variety of materials and packages. Here are 5 of the top induction sealing machines applications for maximum efficiency:
Bottles and Containers
Induction sealing is highly effective for sealing plastic bottles and containers. The most popular application is sealing screw-top caps and lids on plastic bottles. Induction efficiently seals through the liner inside the cap to the mouth of the bottle. This creates a secure seal that is tamper-evident and prevents leakage.
Induction sealing works for all bottle and container materials including PET, HDPE, PP, and more. It’s commonly used for food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, automotive fluids, and personal care products. Induction sealing keeps the contents protected and is ideal for products shipped and stored horizontally.
Blister Packs
Blister packs provide secure product display and containment but the back must be sealed effectively. Induction excels at sealing through the aluminum backing to the formed plastic blister. This provides an attractive solution that keeps the product protected through shipping and handling.
Pharmaceuticals, consumer goods, hardware, and electronics commonly use blister packs. Induction sealing maintains product integrity while allowing consumers to clearly see the product through the transparent plastic. Tamper-evidence is also assured through the durable aluminum and plastic construction.
Cups and Tubs
Induction machine sealing applications are ideal for sealing cups, tubs, pails, and other open-top containers. Food products, dairy items, pet food, nuts, powders, and industrial supplies are often packaged in these containers.
The induction process seals inner seal liners and film overwraps to the top of the container. This protects against dirt, moisture, and tampering. The seal remains intact until removed by the consumer. Induction sealing provides an economical and efficient process compared to heat sealing pre-cut membranes.
Trays and Clamshells
Induction effectively seals both flexible film and pre-cut membranes to plastic food trays and clamshell containers. This keeps food fresh and prevents leaks through transit and shelving. Tamper-evidence also gives consumers confidence in the product’s safety and integrity.
Meat, poultry, produce, frozen foods, and ready meals commonly utilize tray and clamshell packaging sealed by induction. For fresh meats, induction sealing maintains packaging integrity and an oxygen-free environment to prolong shelf life. Poultry tray sealing keeps moisture in and bacteria out. With produce, induction sealing avoids moisture loss and inhibits premature ripening. It also prevents freezer burn for frozen foods.
The fast induction sealing process minimizes warming of the products, helping maintain quality. The contactless sealing won’t crush delicate fruits or vegetables. Induction sealing integrates seamlessly into existing tray sealing operations for maximum efficiency. In-line induction sealing machines allow trays to be sealed immediately after filling and prior to retail packaging. This automates the entire packaging process.
Bag Sealing
Induction sealing gives bagmakers the ability to seal bags of nearly any size and material. By sealing through the bag material to an inner sealant layer, induction creates an airtight seal even through thin or porous materials. This allows innovative bag designs with venting, handles, and spouts.
Types of bags sealed with induction include stand-up pouches, coffee bags, retort pouches, paper bags, and flexible packaging. Induction sealing gives bagmakers immense flexibility in bag formats and materials. Stand-up pouches allow for shelf-stable, resealable packaging for a variety of liquid and solid products. Retort pouches provide a lightweight, non-rigid solution for shelf-stable prepared meals, soups, sauces, and more. For coffee bagging, induction creates an airtight seal to lock in freshness and aroma.
Induction excels at sealing through porous and challenging materials like paper, foil, and woven textiles that defeat traditional heat sealing methods. This expands options for lightweight, sustainable, and compostable packaging made from renewable materials. For example, renewable wood-pulp paper bags and plant-based woven bags can replace less eco-friendly plastics. The induction process seals these renewable materials reliably and efficiently while maintaining their sustainability benefits.
Get Your Induction Sealing Solution
If you package food, pharmaceuticals, household products, or industrial items, induction sealing likely has an application to improve your production and products. With its versatility, speed, and reliability, induction sealing maximizes efficiency and minimizes downtime. To determine the best induction sealing solutions for your products, consult with experienced manufacturers that offer equipment, tooling, and guidance tailored to your needs.