Process shatters preconceived notion on ultrasonic seals – Rinco

The US patent for its PPS0145 film sealing technology is part of the firm’s plan to strengthen its position in flexible packaging.

Rinco said it permits seal patterns with greater surface area, a wider seal eliminating the need for follow-up heat sealing and increased bond strength.

Potential ultrasonics users want increased seal strength, improved seal reliability, and the ability to seal through contaminants, but the narrow processing window of conventional systems was difficult to maintain in a production setting, said the firm.

Seal width​

Seals from 2-mm to 25-mm are now possible compared to 1-mm to 2-mm previously and the wider seal eliminates the need for follow-up heat sealing, saving time and cost.

The technology also allows production of contour-shaped seals, which can take almost any configuration, offering end users a range of branding options to differentiate their products, according to William Aurand, Rinco sales manager.

“Our patented process shatters the preconceived notion that ultrasonic seals must be unattractive, narrow, and straight​,” said Aurand.

“Further, the new technology significantly opens the processing window for the ultrasonic sealing process.” ​

Depending upon the film used, Rinco has determined that its interlocking pattern can provide a 20% stronger bond than conventional ultrasonic seals.

Seal strength​

The PPS technology enables users to vary the seal strength by making seal parameter adjustments.

Rinco said that due to the nature of traditional ultrasonic sealing processes, the surface area of the bond must be kept to a minimum to focus the frictional forces that are applied.

This results in very narrow and straight conventional ultrasonic seals throughout the packaging industry but the firm claim their interlocking film sealing technology permits seal patterns with greater surface area than current market alternatives.

Melt reliability ​

The interlocking design creates a wide lattice of focused lines of force within the seal area creating seals over a greater overall surface area, while focusing the initial contact point as required by the process.

It can provide a more predictable melt, beginning with the focal lattice of force previously described and ending with a completely sealed surface, explained Aurand.

As a result, Rinco’s processing window is wider than competitive ultrasonic film sealing systems which overcomes the problem of integrating ultrasonic equipment.

The company’s FPA series ultrasonic pouch sealing systems incorporate the patented technology for flexible packaging of dry and liquid foods, personal care items and electronics.

They have been designed to replace existing heat sealing equipment on liquid filled pouch form-fill-seal (FFS) machinery or pre-made pouch systems.