Preventing Material Jams and Improving Efficiency

In the fast-paced packaging industry, manufacturing equipment is pushed to its absolute limits. High-efficiency automated packaging lines run on incredibly tight tolerances, operating for continuous shifts to meet immense production quotas. Because these machines process thin plastic films, metallic foils, and aggressive adhesives, they face a constant battle against friction and heat.

Nowhere is this more evident than in heat sealing equipment. When extreme temperatures meet meltable packaging materials, there are numerous opportunities for plastics to stick, burn, and log jam the entire system. To keep operations running flawlessly, manufacturers across the country rely on the high-performance industrial coatings provided by Coating Solutions, Inc.

For components exposed to repetitive contact with melting plastics and adhesives, Teflon® FEP (Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene) is the industry’s premier solution.

The High Stakes of Heat Sealing Operations

Heat sealing is a foundational step in packaging everything from medical devices to consumer food products. The machinery involved—including heat seal bars, cutting blades, platens, and guide rails—must apply exact pressure and heat to form a perfect seal without damaging the product inside.

When an uncoated or improperly coated seal jaw touches thin plastic, the residual melted material can easily cling to the metal. Over time, this microscopic build-up accumulates, leading to:

• Poor Seal Quality: Uneven heat distribution caused by material build-up results in weak, unappealing, or completely compromised packaging seals.
• Costly Downtime: Every minute a machine is shut down for an operator to scrape melted plastic off a seal jaw is a minute of lost revenue.
• Premature Part Failure: Constant scraping and abrasive cleaning degrades expensive metal components, requiring frequent replacements.

What Makes Teflon® FEP the Ideal Solution?

Teflon® FEP coatings are highly specialized fluoropolymers engineered to combat these exact industrial pain points. Applied as a two-coat system consisting of a primer and a topcoat, FEP provides distinct physical advantages over standard metal surfaces.

During the 650°F baking process, the FEP formulation is designed to actually melt and flow. This unique characteristic creates an exceptionally uniform, non-porous film that leaves no micro-crevices for melted plastics or adhesives to grip onto.

Key Technical Specifications of FEP:

• Unmatched Nonstick Release: By creating a non-porous surface, FEP operates as a superior release agent, ensuring plastic films peel away effortlessly.
• Low Coefficient of Friction: FEP drastically reduces drag on automated lines, boasting a static coefficient of friction between .12 and .20, and a dynamic coefficient of .08 to .30.
• Thermal Stability: Capable of withstanding continuous operating temperatures up to 450°F, FEP is perfectly suited for the thermal demands of heat seal bars.
• Durability and Thickness: FEP coatings offer excellent abrasion and chemical resistance with a standard thickness of 1-3 mils and a hardness rating of 60, protecting the underlying metal from aggressive cleaning chemicals and mechanical wear.

Essential Packaging Components That Benefit from FEP

Applying a Teflon® FEP coating to your machinery is an investment in long-term operational efficiency. At Coating Solutions, Inc., we routinely apply this heavy-duty coating to a variety of packaging components, including:

• Heat Seal Bars and Jaws: Ensures a clean release of plastic films and foils after the heat cycle, preventing burning and carbon build-up.
• Cutting Blades and Knives: Reduces friction during the cutting process, keeping blades sharper for longer and preventing adhesive sticking.
• Platens and Blister Packaging Molds: Facilitates rapid mold release, speeding up blister pack production while maintaining crystal-clear package aesthetics.
• Hoppers and Guide Rails: Eliminates static and friction as products move rapidly down the assembly line.

Partner with Coating Solutions, Inc. for B2B Excellence

Since 1995, Coating Solutions, Inc. has specialized in the application of Chemours® Teflon® and other premium fluoropolymer industrial coatings. Operating out of our Hugo, MN facility, we partner with packaging manufacturers, machine shops, and food processors nationwide to deliver exceptional quality and first-rate customer service.

When a critical piece of packaging machinery goes down, waiting weeks for a part to be coated is simply not an option. That is why we offer a standard turnaround time of just 3-5 days, with a one-day rush option available so you can get back to production immediately.

Furthermore, as a family-owned business, we understand the importance of flexibility and cost-effectiveness. We are proud to offer the lowest minimum lot charge in the industry. Whether you need a massive bulk order of guide rails coated, or just a single prototype heat seal bar, you receive fair, transparent pricing.

Stop letting sticky situations dictate your production schedule. Contact Coating Solutions, Inc. today online or call us at (651) 762-5700 to discuss how our custom Teflon® FEP coatings can optimize your packaging machinery!