Polyethylene seem welder

[musselmark]

Not really tractor related but there are smart minds in this forum. I need to build something to melt polyethylene netting together. I'm thinking something similar to the way ketchup packets/mr freezes etc are sealed. We buy 1000 yard rolls of this polyethylene sock netting, cut it into 10' length and tie a knot on one end to make a sort of net bag. I have to tie 20,000 of these every year which sucks lol. We use them in mussel farming. I do use my TN75 on the mussel farm though. Thanks for any ideas.

 

[flyerdan]

Maybe something like this rope cutting gun, my dad had a similar blade for his soldering gun for cutting nylon rope. If you twist it up good, you probably won't have to tie it.

 

[lomita]

Seal a Meal??

Check this out....................Sealer F.A.Q. - Accu-Seal

 

[Bengineer]

How about hog rings as is used on flour/meal bags? hog ring pliers

 

[TractorGuy]

Try a heat gun.

 

[BlueKnife]

I need to build something to melt polyethylene netting together.

Seems like a table top rope cutter would do it. RoMech Electric Rope Cutter - Hot Knife Thermal Blade for Braid Fabric Webbing Belting Ribbon- Bench Mount Cutting Tool Kit – Heal Sealer (6W) - - Amazon.com

 

[robstaples]

Saw this ultrasonic welder demo. Ultrasonic Welder Demo - YouTube
Might be fast enough. Demo did a netting.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I bought an industrial looking GISMO at a thrift store for five bucks. It is like a bag sealer but was meant to seal Mylar Balloons. Mini Seal MS-4. Rather stout piece of kit with temperature control. If I had some netting, I might try that. Otherwise it has sat in a drawer for ten or more years!

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I'm not one to try and re-invent the wheel. Why not the crimping method with an aluminum ring, as seen on many of these supermarket net packaging? Or small high quality tye raps bought in bulk.

 

[Ford850]

I bought an industrial looking GISMO at a thrift store for five bucks. It is like a bag sealer but was meant to seal Mylar Balloons. Mini Seal MS-4. Rather stout piece of kit with temperature control. If I had some netting, I might try that. Otherwise it has sat in a drawer for ten or more years!

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I'm not one to try and re-invent the wheel. Why not the crimping method with an aluminum ring, as seen on many of these supermarket net packaging? Or small high quality tye raps bought in bulk.

I agree, I'd get a bag stapler (like on mesh bags, sausage tubes, etc).

 

[musselmark]

Thanks for all suggestions. Cant have any metal such as hog rings etc as it would get into the socking stripping machines at harvest time. That mylar sealing machine is what I was envisioning. Will have to try and find one for sale somewhere.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I am not sure it would work on mesh. Material to material contact might be unpredictable. A flat surface has 100% contact. How strong a joint is required?

 

[aczlan]

I am not sure it would work on mesh. Material to material contact might be unpredictable. A flat surface has 100% contact. How strong a joint is required?

Would need a guide to squeeze the mesh into a 3/8” or 1/2" wide area to ensure contact between all of the strands.

Aaron Z

 

[Industrial Toys]

I have a feeling it would not work. Often plastic is welded with high frequency energy, but I don't have a clue how that works. But sounds expensive.

 

[Ford850]

It would probably have to mash/melt on a gradual angle to the clean cutoff edge to insure a wide welded area rather than a typical hot wire line. > instead of V

 

[Industrial Toys]

The fact, that I have never seen such a mesh welded, makes me question the validity somewhat. My tye-rap idea wouldn't work?

 

[musselmark]

The price is reasonable, doesnt need to be strong as the mussels grow into the mesh within a few days which supports their weight. Worth a try, I wonder if it would be possible to increase the temperature as the mesh may require more heat than a polyethylene bag

 

[musselmark]

If it takes any more time than simply tieing a knot then there is no advantage. Plus it would just be something else to pick out on the processing line.