FAQ| Soapmaking| soap molds| The Soap Goat Soap Shop

T R O U B L E S H O O T I N G:

Why Does the Heating Element Break?
Or Break Frequently?

REASONS THE HEATING ELEMENT BREAKS:
After using the sealer for 1000 to 5000 seals, it is normal for the heating element to break.
The number is dependent on the timer setting. Thicker material requires a higher timer setting, which will thereby decrease the number of seals.

The sealer’s Teflon adhesive serves as a barrier between the heating element and the sealer’s
body. When the sealer’s heating element has burned through the bottom Teflon adhesive
and arced on the sealer’s body, the heating element will break. Once the heating element
comes in contact with the sealer’s body, the heating element will break and can also
destroy the timer.

When replacing the heating element, you must also replace the bottom Teflon adhesive.
When a user does not do this, the heating element will break earlier than usual. (When
replacing the Teflon adhesive, it is very important that the Teflon adhesive should extend ¼”
to ½” past the machine on both ends. Bend down the excess adhesive. This is to prevent
the heating element from coming in contact with the sealer’s body.)

Note:

*If the top Teflon cover is worn, it should be replaced. The top Teflon cover is used to prevent the thermoplastic material being sealed from sticking to the heating element.

*The silicone rubber in the upper handle is the pressing lip which applies pressure to the bag to give a nice smooth seal. If the silicone rubber has any burned marks, is worn out, or has an uneven surface, the appearance of the seal will be affected. If this case, it is advisable to replace the silicone rubber.

1. Is the operator changing out the heating element and the bottom Teflon adhesive after the heating element breaks each time?
If the operator is only changing the element, then the new element will break immediately or shortly there after. Always replace the element and bottom Teflon adhesive.

2. What is the timer setting on the sealer?
If the timer is set higher than is needed to seal the bag, then the heating element will break and the Teflon adhesive will be damaged as well. Always start with the lowest setting on the time and then gradually increase the heat. Use trial and error until you find the lowest setting that will seal the bag.

3. Is the operator of the sealer using the flat ribbon heating element to seal and cut through the thermoplastic material (cut and seal), thereby using a high timer setting?
A round element is advisable for this application and it is available.

Installation Instructions for the Replacement Kit:

H A N D S E A L E R S
**Always unplug the unit from the power source before making any repairs.

REMOVING OLD PARTS

1. Remove the Teflon Cover: Loosen the screws that hold the Teflon cover plates on both sides of the sealer’s body. It is not necessary to remove the screws completely. Lift off the Teflon cover to expose the heating element.

2. Remove the Heating Element: On the 4” and 8” hand sealers, the front eyelet of the element is held on by a screw and the rear eyelet is hooked on a bow spring (which is commonly referred to as the mounting spring). Remove the old heating element by unscrewing the element screw first (front eyelet). Apply pressure to the heating element with your finger while unscrewing the screw. This will prevent the heating element from twisting. Once the front eyelet of the element is removed, the element can be easily lifted off from the rear bow spring.

3. Remove the Teflon adhesive: Peel off the Teflon adhesive from the sealer’s body.

INSTALLING NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS

1. Replacing the Teflon Adhesive:
*A good rule of thumb is to replace the Teflon adhesive each time you change the heating element.

Remove the backing or liner on the Teflon adhesive.
Apply it to the sealer’s body. The Teflon adhesive must always extend past the sealing platform by approximately ¼” to ½” on both ends. Bend down the excess on both ends. (The Teflon adhesive acts as a barrier between the metal body and the heating element. Never allow the heating element to come in direct contact with the sealer’s body because it will damage the timer.)

2. Installing a New Heating Element: On the 4” and 8” hand sealers, attach the rear eyelet of the heating element to the bow spring first, and then the front eyelet of the heating element by using the element screw. Apply pressure to the heating element with your fingers when screwing the screw to prevent damage to the heating element.

Note: Bow spring can flex to a shorter or longer length element by bending the spring slightly.

3. Placing a New Teflon Cover: The Teflon cover prevents the plastic or any thermoplastic material you are sealing from sticking to the heating element.
Slide the Teflon cover under the Teflon cover plates on both sides.
Tighten the screws on the Teflon cover plates when the Teflon cover is positioned smoothly on top of the heating element. 4” and 8” hand sealer element screw.

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