Sealing an Aluminum Cap Seal on a Plastic Jug

Objective

To heat one aluminum cap seal on a plastic jug for a cap sealing application. The client is replacing past systems that no longer work for their process.

End Product

plastic jug cap

Equipment

Ambrell EASYHEAT® 1.2 kW, 150-400 kHz solid state induction power supply with a workhead and coil specifically designed for this application.

Materials

Aluminum foil

Temperature

250 ° F (121°C)

Frequency

315 kHz

Testing

A custom-designed single position multiple-turn helical coil was built to generate the required heating for this cap sealing application. Initial tests were conducted to optimize the power delivered to the part. The induction coil was located approximately 1/8” (3.2 mm) away from the cap. It took one second to heat the aluminum inside the cap hot enough to adhere to the plastic jug.  Several jugs were sealed and sent back to the customer for evaluation.

Benefits

• Speed: The process prescribed by THE LAB achieved their heat time requirements.

• Quality: The process also achieved their quality objectives.

• Footprint: EASYHEAT systems require a minimal footprint, saving the client floor space.

• Efficiency: Induction is an energy efficient method for sealing that only delivers heat as necessary

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