Heat Sealer for Polythene Bags
Heat Sealer for Polythene Bags
A heat sealer for polythene bags creates a watertight, airtight seal in seconds. Whether you are packing 50 bags a day in a workshop or 500 on a production line, the right impulse sealer depends on your bag width, polythene gauge, and daily volume.
Choosing the right impulse sealer for polythene
Polythene is the most widely used packaging material in the UK. From layflat bags and gusseted pouches to poly tubing cut to length, almost every sector uses polythene in some form. The good news is that impulse heat sealers handle polythene exceptionally well, because PE film has a low melting point and responds cleanly to a brief pulse of heat.
The main decision is seal length. If your bags are under 200mm wide, the 200mm Hand Operated Impulse Sealer does the job for under £65. For bags up to 400mm, the 400mm Hand Operated Impulse Sealer is our best seller in that range. It seals polythene up to 600 gauge and handles 2–6 bags per minute.
Businesses sealing larger poly bags or sheeting should consider a 500mm model. The 500mm Hand Operated Impulse Sealer handles bags up to 480mm wide and suits light industrial, fulfilment, and food packaging operations running up to 200 seals per shift.
How impulse sealing works on polythene
An impulse sealer heats only when the jaw closes. A resistive element wire generates a controlled burst of heat that fuses the two layers of polythene together. The jaw stays closed under pressure while the seal cools, producing a clean, consistent bond. There is no warm-up time and no continuously hot surface, which makes impulse sealers safer and more energy-efficient than constant-heat alternatives.
For standard polythene bags under 500 micron (200 gauge), a 2mm seal width is sufficient. Thicker polythene or heavy-duty bags benefit from a 3mm seal. The Hulme Martin HM2500 produces a 3mm seal with parallel jaws that handle heavier films up to 600 gauge (150 micron per side), making it a strong choice for industrial polythene sealing.
If you are sealing polythene bags for items like coffee or food products, the key is matching the sealer to your film thickness. Send us a sample bag and we will test it on the right machine before you buy.
Which sealer fits your polythene bags
The table below covers the most common impulse sealers we sell for polythene. All handle standard PE and PP films. Choose based on your bag width and daily volume.
| Machine | Seal length | Seal width | Price (ex VAT) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSH402V Budget Hand Sealer | 400mm | 2mm | £46.99 | Occasional use, light-duty polythene |
| 200mm Hand Impulse Sealer | 200mm | 2mm | £64.00 | Small bags, market traders, hobby use |
| 400mm Hand Impulse Sealer | 400mm | 2mm | £108.98 | Standard polythene bags, daily production |
| 500mm Hand Impulse Sealer | 500mm | 2mm | £149.98 | Large bags, poly sheeting, industrial use |
| Hulme Martin HM2500 | 240mm | 3mm | £392.00 | Heavy-duty polythene, production environments |
For polythene tubing (layflat tubing cut to length), any of the above sealers will work. If you need to seal and cut from a roll in one operation, choose a model with a built-in cutter. Call us on 0121 704 0294 and we will confirm which model fits your bag material and workflow.
Polythene thickness and what your sealer can handle
Polythene bags are measured in microns or gauge. The thicker the film, the more heat and dwell time the sealer needs. All PackSealer impulse sealers have an adjustable timer so you can fine-tune the seal duration to your film thickness.
| Thickness | Gauge | Typical use | Sealer requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–50 micron | 100–200 | Light bags, food wrapping, retail bags | Any impulse sealer (low timer setting) |
| 50–100 micron | 200–400 | Standard polythene bags, postal bags | Any impulse sealer (medium timer setting) |
| 100–150 micron | 400–600 | Heavy-duty bags, industrial polythene | Metal-body sealer recommended (PSH series) |
| 150–250 micron | 600–1000 | Very heavy polythene, pallet covers | Hulme Martin HM2500 or foot-pedal sealer |
Not sure about your film thickness? The easiest test is to send us a sample bag. We test materials against our machines every day and can confirm compatibility within 24 hours. No charge, no obligation.
Impulse heat sealers for polythene bags
Replacement parts for hand impulse sealers
Heating element wire and PTFE (Teflon) tape are consumable parts. Replace them when your seals start to look uneven or the tape blackens. We stock complete spares kits for every hand sealer model, including the PSH302, PSH402, and PSH502 series. Order a spare kit with your machine and you will have it ready when you need it.
Shop Spares Kits →What customers say
"They tested heat sealers on some sample bags I sent them to confirm suitability, even though the sale was relatively low value. Ultimately the unit I ended up purchasing was perfect for my needs."
"I have been purchasing bag sealers spares kits and bags from Packsealer for around 4 years. I find the quality of the machines outstanding and the service is brilliant. The team are very informative and helpful I have no hesitation recommending Packsealer for all your packaging needs."
"Great reliable heat sealer and they've got the spares in stock too."
Common questions
An impulse heat sealer is the best choice for polythene bags. It generates heat only when the jaw closes, which suits polyethylene film perfectly. Impulse sealers handle polythene from 25 micron (light retail bags) up to 250 micron (heavy industrial polythene). No warm-up time, no continuously hot surface.
For standard polythene bags under 500 micron, a 2mm seal width is sufficient and produces a clean, flat seal. For heavier polythene (over 500 micron) or bags that need to withstand rough handling during shipping, a 3mm seal provides more strength. The Hulme Martin HM2500 produces a 3mm seal as standard.
Yes. Layflat polythene tubing seals the same way as pre-made bags. Cut the tubing to length, seal one end, fill the product, then seal the other end. If you want to seal and cut in one step, choose a hand sealer with a built-in cutter blade.
For light daily use (under 100 seals per day), the element wire and PTFE tape typically last 3 to 6 months. For heavier production use, replace them every 4 to 8 weeks. Signs of wear include uneven seals, burn marks on the tape, or the wire snapping. We stock spares kits for every machine we sell.
Impulse sealers heat only during the sealing cycle and are the standard choice for polythene bags. Constant-heat sealers maintain a continuous temperature and are designed for materials like cellophane, foil laminates, and waxed paper. For plain polythene, an impulse sealer is more efficient and produces a cleaner seal.
Not sure which sealer is right? Our free assessment matches you in two minutes.
Find My MachinePolythene bags
Polythene is the most forgiving film to seal, so the decision comes down to bag width and how many you run. Tell us both and we will point you at the smallest machine that does the job properly.
Get a tailored quote from us
Tell us your volume and current setup. We'll match you to the right machine and reply within 24 hours. UK stock, real engineers, honest advice.
Find the right sealer for your polythene bags
We stock impulse sealers from 200mm to 500mm for every gauge of polythene. UK stock, fast dispatch, and expert advice on 0121 704 0294.
View Impulse Bag Sealers → Or call: 0121 704 0294 (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm)