Guide
Choosing a medical device tray sealer
The right tray sealer follows from the package, the tooling and the production method. This guide takes each decision in the order Atlas Vac engineers work through them with your team.
Step 01
Start from the package, not the machine
The package and the tooling that holds it settle more of the selection than any machine feature. They are established first.
What to establish
- The tray or package drawing, or a sample
- The lidding material
- The flange area to be sealed
- Any product that sits above the flange
Why it matters
Atlas Vac designs and machines each sealing nest and heated platen from the tray drawing or a sample, with supports under the flange so that the seal is formed with even contact. Where product sits against the lid, the platen is relieved.
Tray and lid alignment and supported flange contact are therefore tooling questions, settled alongside the choice of machine.
Detail
Step 02
Four size questions that are often confused
The model name gives the platen size, which answers only one of the four. Tool opening, tray depth and footprint are each confirmed separately.
| Question | What it means | What answers it | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Platen area | The heated sealing area that names each model. | 15″ × 18″ · 1518S, 1518 Dual 15″ × 22″ · 1522 18″ × 30″ · 1830S, 1830 Dual, 1830S All Electric |
| 02 | Package fit | How many cavities of the package fit inside the sealing area with flange support. | The tooling layout, designed from the package drawing |
| 03 | Tool opening and tray depth | The height available for the tool and the package. | The configuration of each model, confirmed per model |
| 04 | Floor space and utilities | Footprint, air supply and electrical supply. | Specifications and dimensioned drawings for each model. |
Platen area is not tool opening, tray depth or footprint.
Step 03
Two separate choices: loading and press drive
How trays reach the press and how the press applies force are independent decisions. Each is made on its own terms.
Loading
- Single or dual shuttle. With a dual shuttle, the operator loads one tool while the other is in the press.
- Manual or automatic shuttle motion. Automatic shuttles are optional on pneumatic models and standard on the All Electric.
- Light curtains on pneumatic models require Auto Shuttle and Auto Pressure.
Press drive
- Pneumatic press on the 1518S, 1518 Dual, 1522, 1830S and 1830 Dual.
- Servo-driven press on the 1830S All Electric: the servo drive applies, measures and controls direct down-force.
- An electric shuttle moves the tool; it does not change how the press applies force. A servo-driven press is specific to the 1830S All Electric.
No single answer
No configuration is faster or better for every application. The choice follows the package, the production volume and the operator workflow.
Step 04
Decide what is controlled, measured and recorded
Quality and validation requirements are clearer when control, measurement and records are treated as three separate questions.
-
Controlled
Temperature, time and air pressure
Air pressure is regulated manually as standard, or automatically with the Process Control option. Pressure regulation is not force measurement.
-
Measured
Force on the tool
Direct Force Sensing reads the force in lb‑f on every press stroke. On pneumatic models it is a reference reading, not closed-loop control.
-
Recorded
Process, audit trail and alarms
Each cycle is recorded with its parameters, access events and alarms, with operator identification and UDI input as configured.
Evidence
Recorded data supports your validation program; the validation itself is carried out by your organization.
Qualification assistance, including IQ and OQ, is scoped for each project.
Step 05
What to bring to a technical discussion
Useful if you have it. Atlas Vac engineering works with whatever is known and identifies what remains to be settled.
-
Engineering
- Package drawing or sample
- Lidding material
- Cavities per cycle
- Any product above the flange
-
Operations
- Loading method and operator workflow
- Available floor space
- Air and electrical supply
-
Quality
- Records and access levels required
- Qualification support expected
-
Procurement
- Scope to be quoted: tooling, options, documentation and factory acceptance testing
Application enquiries
Discuss your application
Atlas Vac engineering reviews the package, loading method and records requirements with your organization and recommends the model, configuration and tooling suited to your process.
Useful if you have it
Package drawing or sample · Lidding material · Loading method · Required records
- Address
- Atlas Vac Machine, LLC
9150 Reading Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45215, USA - Phone and email
- (513) 407-3513
sales@atlasvac.com - Hours
- Mon–Fri 08:00 am – 05:30 pm
Saturday by appointment
Sunday closed