Improve Packing Machine Seal Quality with FSRs‍

Introduction

In packaging factories, small problems can lead to big waste. If a seal is too weak, it can leak. If it’s too strong, it can damage the product or material. These issues often happen when sealing jaw pressure isn’t properly measured or controlled.

That’s where Force Sensing Resistors (FSRs) can help.

We’ve seen how FSRs — flexible sensors that measure pressure — can be used to improve sealing performance in packing machines. This post shares how FSRs help ensure better seal consistency and reduce production issues.

Why Seal Pressure Matters in Packing Machines

In high-speed production, packing machines must apply the right amount of pressure to each seal — not too much, not too little. But many lines rely only on visual checks or periodic destructive testing.

With no pressure data, it’s easy to miss issues like:

• Uneven sealing jaw pressure
• Worn or misaligned sealing heads
• Inconsistent force between machines or shifts

These problems can lead to leaking packages, wasted material, and costly downtime.

How FSRs Help Monitor Sealing Jaw Pressure

FSRs can be placed between the sealing jaws during setup or testing. They detect how much pressure is being applied — and more importantly, whether that pressure is evenly spread.

You can use them to:

• Check sealing pressure across the full jaw width
• Compare different machines or heads
• Catch pressure issues before they cause product defects
• Support QA reports with pressure data

FSRs don’t need permanent installation. They’re thin, low-cost, and easy to add temporarily for quick testing or calibration.

Simple Tools for Real Production Problems

Unlike expensive pressure mapping systems, FSRs give you a simple way to:

• Monitor sealing jaw pressure during setup
• Validate packing machine performance
• Prevent rework caused by poor seals

They can also be used as part of routine maintenance — for example, checking pressure before a shift starts, or during changeovers.

Why Manufacturers Choose FSRs

FSRs are ideal for packaging lines because they are:

• Thin and flexible – fit between sealing jaws
• Easy to use – analog output, no complex software needed
• Cost-effective – suitable for frequent quality checks

You don’t need a full pressure mapping system to catch common sealing problems. With just a few FSRs and a basic readout, teams can get clear insights and improve seal quality fast.

Final Thoughts

Packaging quality starts with consistency — and seal pressure is a big part of that. FSRs offer a simple, reliable way to monitor sealing jaw pressure in packing machines, helping teams reduce waste, avoid defects, and keep lines running smoothly.

At Ceradex, we provide FSR components that engineers and manufacturers can build into their own tools or test setups. As we explore more use cases across packaging and automation, we’re learning alongside the teams who are putting these sensors to work.

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