Food Vacuum Chambers
Point Five Packaging is a full-service food packaging supplier with over 13 years in the industry. Our products and packaging systems connect companies of all sizes with the most advanced packaging technology available. The solutions we offer include several types of chamber vacuum sealer machines, suitable for use with liquids, produce, meat, dairy products, and much more.
How a Chamber Vacuum Sealer Works
Also referred to as a chamber vacuum packing machine or chamber vac machine, a vacuum chamber sealer is an appliance that securely seals foods inside a bag or a pouch. Using a powerful vacuum, all of the air inside pouch is removed. When the air pressure is equalized outside of the container, the machine creates an airtight seal, enclosing the contents securely inside the packaging.
Chamber vacuum sealers are a similar product to the suction edge sealers used in domestic environments. However, they are much more effective at eliminating all air from a package and more suitable for high-volume packaging needs. While edge sealers attach to the opening of a plastic bag and slowly extract air, chamber vacuum sealers surround the entire food package during the sealing process.
The Chamber Vacuum Sealing Process
Sealing food inside packaging using a vacuum chamber sealer involves three basic steps:
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Packaging containing a food item is placed inside the vacuum chamber. Next, the vacuum pump removes oxygen from the chamber. The oxygen inside of the packaging is also removed. During this step, the pressure inside the chamber is lower than the outside pressure. The amount of pressure used during this process is measured in millibars (mbars). 50 mbars indicates that 95% of the air has been removed.
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After the oxygen has been removed, the chamber vacuum's sealing bar heats a portion of the packaging until it melts, creating an airtight seal.
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The final step is for the machine to equalize the pressure inside and outside of the chamber. Since the packaging has been sealed, it cannot acclimate to outside pressure, causing the packaging to collapse, creating a vacuumed effect.
Chamber vacuum sealer machines from Point Five Packaging come in a variety of adjustable pressure levels. This is helpful for sealing more delicate products that could become damaged, crushed, or negatively altered by too much pressure. When sealing these types of products, a more gentle pressure or shorter vacuum cycle time preserves product integrity while delivering a secure, food-safe seal. In addition, certain machines feature a gas flush cycle that also helps prevent product packaging from collapsing on top of its ingredients.
Types of Chamber Vacuum Sealing Machines
Point Five Packaging offers several types of chamber vacuum sealing machines to meet a variety of sealing needs. Our solutions include:
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Vacuum sealers. Vacuum sealer machines come in many forms, however, all types will remove the oxygen from packaging and provide a seal using heat. The right vacuum sealer will increase packaging efficiency and extend product freshness.
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Vacuum sealers with gas purge. These units introduce an inert gas mixture into the packaging, such as nitrogen. After the oxygen is removed, gas is added to prolong product shelf life, sometimes by as much as 10 times compared to without gas treatment.
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Self-contained vacuum sealers. Featuring a built-in compressor for removing air as well as a gas flush option, self-contained vacuum sealers provide all-in-one space-saving capabilities. These machines do not require any additional equipment and offer greater simplicity compared to machines with external compressors.
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Chamber vacuum sealers. This type of machine is excellent for packaging liquids or food products with a liquid component. They are capable of sealing multiple packages at once by simply placing them inside the chamber and removing air using the vacuum pump.
Can I Vacuum Seal Liquids?
External vacuum sealer equipment, like edge sealers, cannot handle liquids as they will spill during the oxygen extraction process. Chamber-style units are capable of sealing liquids, however, it's important to review your equipment's manual and follow the operating protocol best practices. In general, liquids require a weaker seal than other types of food products. Additionally, since moisture can damage vacuum pumps, certain machines feature a pump conditioning process that should be completed at regular intervals.
Food Vacuum Chambers From Point Five Packaging
Food vacuum chamber machines provide reliable sealing for many types of food products. They extend shelf life and facilitate safe product transportation, with minimal risk of leaks or damage. Point Five Packaging offers a selection of high-performing vacuum chamber machines, suitable for demanding food processing applications. To learn more about our solutions, contact us or request a quote today. 
