If you are thinking about adding an L bar sealer to your packaging line, one of the big considerations is price. How much of your budget should you set aside for this machine?
The large variations in price will bring up other questions as well. Should you get a manual or automatic sealer? Should you get an entry-level device or a state-of-the-art professional-grade machine?
As a machinery vendor who has been selling L sealers for many years, we understand the various questions that arise during the buyer's journey for L bar sealers.
In this article, we will take a look at the price differences regarding L sealers. From entry-level machines to fully automatic workhorses. We will thoroughly dissect the most important factors when preparing to buy an L sealer. It should be noted that pricing varies based on the manufacturer.
Manual L Bar Sealers
First, we will take a look at entry, mid and high-level manual L bar sealers. Manual L bar sealers require human labor to operate the machines and are designed for sealing 4-8 packages per minute.
L-bar sealers are used in shrink wrap packaging. With a single action, the operator can cut and seal shrink film by grabbing the handle and pushing it down to be level with the package. The operator will gently pull the package away from the machine. The heating wire will seal and cut off the film. Next, hot air is applied to the sealed product with a heat tunnel or, in smaller operations, a heat gun.
Entry Level Manual L Bar Sealers
Small tabletop manual L bar sealers start around $800 and up depending on size and options. As the low end of the spectrum, when it comes to functionality, they are straightforward machines designed to seal shrink film around a product before going into a heat tunnel or being shrunk with a heat gun.
Their low cost is due to their simple, manual operation and small tabletop friendly size. With a max product sealing capacity of around 18 x 18 inches, they are not suited for larger products or high volume runs of product sealing. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.
Mid Range Manual L Bar Sealers
Mid-range manual L bar sealers range in cost from $4,500 and up depending on size and options. These can be larger tabletop machines or stand-up versions with a metal stand or legs. Mid-range L bar sealers are priced competitively. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.
While they still have basic functionality, the quality of mid-range manual L bar sealers construction is usually better than the entry-level models. Furthermore, they often allow you to package more substantial items that most entry-level units cannot. For this type of sealer, you can expect to package products up to 39 x 39 inches.
Top Of The Line Manual L Bar Sealers
Top of the line manual L bar sealers generally cost $10,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines offer larger packaging dimensions than the mid-range machines. These machines are good for mid-sized packaging lines with moderate levels of product production. On average, you can expect to seal 4-8 packages per minute.
Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers
Next, we will take a look at semi-automatic L bar sealers. Semi-automatic L bar sealers are more straightforward to run than manual machines and require an operator to work with an electrical control panel to operate the machinery.
Generally speaking, with a semi-automatic unit, the L bar will automatically seal the product after a human operator has placed the product in shrink film and then placed it in the sealer. The L bar is controlled with a simple control panel that allows you to change settings such as heat. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.
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Entry Level Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers
Entry level semi-automatic L bar sealers start at $5,000 and up depending on size and options.
They are usually equipped with a magnetic hold down mechanism that ensures your product stays in place. These machines boast a semi-automatic functionality. You will still need a human operator via a control panel.
On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute. These machines offer a simple operating procedure for the operator running the machine.
Mid Range Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers
Mid-level semi-automatic L bar sealers range in price from $8,000 and up depending on size and options. Semi-auto L bar sealers in this range offer some unique optional features that are specific to each brand, make and model. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.
Top Of The Line Semi-Automatic L Bar Sealers
Top of the line semi-automatic L bar sealers cost around $10,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines have similar features to mid-range semi-automatic L bar sealers but with higher end construction and components. On average, you can expect to seal 6-12 packages per minute.
Automatic L Bar Sealers
Finally, we will discuss entry, mid and high-level automatic L bar sealers. Automatic L bar sealers are fully automated and do not require a human operator other than to turn on and start the machine's pre-programmed packaging process via the control panel. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.
Entry Level Automatic L Bar Sealers
Entry-level automatic L bar sealers cost around $25,000 and up depending on size and options.
They typically have a fixed lower jaw and limited height capabilities (limitations are case sensitive and based on the make and model you choose).
These machines feature fully automatic functionality that is pre-programmed. They do not require an operator to function other than programing and starting the machine. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.
Entry-level automatic L bar sealers have some of the same features as high-end semi-automatic L bar sealers with the addition of more complicated motor systems, electronics, and control panels.
Mid Range Automatic L Bar Sealers
Mid-range automatic L bar sealers cost around $30,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines are very similar to entry-level automatic L bar sealers but often feature better construction and parts. They feature more robust components, motors, and electrical elements. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.
Top Of The Line Automatic L Bar Sealers
Top of the line automatic L bar sealers cost around $35,000 and up depending on size and options. These machines are precision made with only the highest quality parts and components. They also have the capability to integrate upstream and downstream equipment into the PLC. On average, you can expect to seal 15-25 packages per minute.
They have many of the same features as the mid-priced automatic L bar sealers but also offer a host of additional options for superior packaging capabilities that may include but are not limited to:
- Vertical Seal Bar
- Vertical as well as Horizontal Photo-Eye
- Easy Perforating
- Hot Knife Sealing
- Advanced Touchscreen Control Panel
- Various Sizing Capability
- Scrap Unwind
- Locking Casters
- Closing Conveyor
How To Buy An L Bar Sealer
If you are serious about purchasing an L bar sealer, you should compare models from at least 3-4 vendors and request in-depth information about each model from each vendor. If possible, it may be a good idea to have a rep visit your packaging line in person.
This will allow for your rep to quote the appropriate machinery for your specific needs in regards to your products, packaging line, current packaging capabilities, and the required elements to run your chosen make and model of machinery.
If possible, reach out to a local packaging machinery expert and collect information from your chosen vendor about the packaging machinery you are considering. Ask them about which type of film you should be using to package your products and be sure to ask about preventative maintenance options. We here at Industrial Packaging may be a good fit for your needs if you are looking to purchase your machinery and materials from the same vendor.
