News
Watlow Thick Film Heating Technology Provides Processing Advantages for Seal Bars, Seal Dies in Packaging Applications
February 13, 2007
St. Louis, MO - Watlow's thick film technology is being used in numerous packaging applications to provide uniform heat with pinpoint accuracy, at temperatures up to 500°C (932°F). Hot and cold spots are virtually eliminated, allowing for faster machinery start-up and cycle times, less scrap and more consistent product quality. Computer-controlled manufacturing ensures a high rate of heater-to-heater quality and repeatability.
In many applications, Watlow thick film heating technology has replaced traditional cable and tubular heaters, greatly improving reliability and overall product performance.
Benefits of Thick Film Technology Seen in Sealing Applications
Since their introduction to the packaging industry, Watlow thick film heaters have been increasingly used for a variety of sealing applications. Because of their rapid thermal response these heaters reduce thermal lag, resulting in consistently strong, predictable heat seals in minimum time.
One Watlow customer uses thick film heaters for sealing protective film on thermoformed trays; they report that vegetables stay fresh for five to seven days longer due to the consistent seal provided due to the uniform heat of the Watlow heaters. Another uses these heaters for a cap sealing application. Yet another uses them on the face of seal bars being used on horizontal, high speed pouching machines in a flexible packaging application.
With Watlow thick film heaters, temperature uniformity is ensured. In addition, since these heaters can be shaped to match any cylindrical or two-dimensional shape desired, they offer exceptional design flexibility to adapt to any piece of machinery.
When Watlow SERIES SD controllers are used together with Watlow thick film or other heating products, processors can benefit from additional control of their process. This systems approach provides users with the advantages of integrated Watlow technologies. Packagers are encouraged to visit Watlow at Pack Expo to discuss their specific heating and control applications.
About Watlow
Since the company's founding in 1922, Watlow has brought its thermal expertise to numerous applications, including semiconductor, photovoltaic, analytical, medical, clinical, plastics processing, foodservice equipment, packaging, aerospace and others. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, Watlow is the largest custom designer and manufacturer of industrial heaters, sensors, controllers and software with offices and manufacturing facilities around the world.
For additional information call your nearest Watlow representative:
Watlow
Phone: 1+ (800) WATLOW2, 1+ (314) 878-4600
Fax: 1+ (877) 893-1005, 1+ (314) 878-6814
Internet: www.watlow.com