Nozzle Vacuum Sealers

How to Choose a Nozzle Vacuum Sealer

Nozzle vacuum sealers, also called external or retractable nozzle sealers, are common in electronics, medical device, aerospace and food packaging. Because there is no chamber, the bag size is limited only by the seal length. These are the points to check.

Seal length and seal width

Choose a seal length that is longer than your widest bag. AmeriVacS nozzle sealers come in 20″ to 50″ lengths with a 1/4″ seal; AIE models come in 14″ to 24″ with a 5 mm or 10 mm seal. Wider seals are easier to see and suit thicker or multi-layer bags. AIE's VAD and GSD Series use a double impulse seal for materials up to 20 mm.

Vacuum only, or vacuum with gas flush

Vacuum-only machines such as the AmeriVacS AVS-20 and the AIE VA Series remove the air and seal. Gas flush machines such as the AmeriVacS AVN and the AIE GA Series flush the bag with nitrogen or another inert gas before sealing. Gas flush lowers residual oxygen and moisture, which is important for electronic components and sensitive foods.

Compressed air or built-in compressor

Most nozzle sealers use shop air to drive the nozzle and the jaws. The AmeriVacS AVN and AVS need 6 CFM at 110 PSI (AVN-50: 12 CFM). If you have no compressed air, the AmeriVacS CAVS, CAVN and the AIE355VAP have a built-in compressor and run on a standard outlet.

Vacuum level

AmeriVacS nozzle sealers reach 27 inHg; AIE lists 25″ Hg (635 mmHg) for its VA, GA and VAD Series. Chamber machines reach deeper vacuum, so if you need the lowest possible residual air, compare with our chamber vacuum sealers.

Bags and materials

Nozzle sealers work with smooth bags. AmeriVacS lists clear, foil (Mylar), mil-spec and ESD bags of any thickness the element can seal. Check the maximum material thickness for AIE models on each product page.

Typical applications

Electronics: dry packaging of components, trays, tape and reel, tubes and SMD shipping containers in moisture-barrier and ESD bags, often with a nitrogen flush. Medical and pharmaceutical: sealing products in clean rooms, where AmeriVacS machines are listed as clean room compatible. Aerospace and defense: mil-spec foil bags for parts that are stored for long periods. Food and bulk goods: coffee, nuts, jerky and large bags of dry products that do not fit a chamber.

Single or double seal

A single impulse seal is enough for most polyethylene and many foil bags. Thick laminates and heavy gusseted bags seal better with heat from both jaws, as on the AIE VAD Series and the AIE GSD Series with gas flush. Two nozzles also let the VAD vacuum two small bags at once.

Delivery, setup and supplies

AmeriVacS nozzle sealers ship by FedEx from the factory in San Diego, California, and AIE models ship from City of Industry, California. Before the machine arrives, check the compressed air supply and the bench or stand where it will sit; AmeriVacS offers a multi-position stand for its sealers up to 35″. Keep spare heating elements and Teflon tape for your model on hand, and order smooth bags in the widths you use most.

Operation and safety

Foot pedals keep both hands free for the bag, which matters when you hold a long or heavy bag in place. AmeriVacS sealers do not heat seal until the jaws have fully closed, and AmeriVacS lists them as clean room compatible.

Compare the models

Read Chamber vs. Nozzle Vacuum Sealers to see when each type fits. Brand pages: AmeriVacS and AIE. Related: Electronics & Clean Room Packaging and Medical & Pharmaceutical Packaging.