A machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units, the pouches defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge, the machine comprising: a guide pin (56, 856) for insertion between the transverse seals and the inflation edge to define a path of travel of the web; a tensioning device for frictional engagement with the web, wherein the tensioning device holds the web taught during downstream travel; an inflation arrangement (160, 960) having an inflation/blower control for inflation of the preformed pouches; and a sealing arrangement (162, 962) positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit, the sealing arrangement (162, 962) having at least two sealing belts (70, 870), each belt powered by a first drive roller and positioned to engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements (64, 864) positioned on either side of the web; a clamping arrangement (110, 910) positioned to pinch the two layers of the web during travel through the sealing elements (64, 864), the clamping arrangement (110, 910) having at least two pinching belts (270, 1070), each belt powered by a second drive roller (268, 1068) and positioned to engage a surface of the web and pull the web and pinch the web through the sealing elements (64, 864); characterized in that the machine comprises means for executing a sequence in which the temperature of the sealing elements (64, 864) are set to an idle temperature by the temperature control arrangement, a belt speed control stops the belts (70, 270, 870), a positioning device (66, 266, 866) separates the heating element from the web, and the inflation arrangement (160, 960) is set to an idle speed by the inflation/blower control. a guide pin (56, 856) for insertion between the transverse seals and the inflation edge to define a path of travel of the web; a tensioning device for frictional engagement with the web, wherein the tensioning device holds the web taught during downstream travel; an inflation arrangement (160, 960) having an inflation/blower control for inflation of the preformed pouches; and a sealing arrangement (162, 962) positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit, the sealing arrangement (162, 962) having at least two sealing belts (70, 870), each belt powered by a first drive roller and positioned to engage a surface of the web and pull the web through sealing elements (64, 864) positioned on either side of the web; a clamping arrangement (110, 910) positioned to pinch the two layers of the web during travel through the sealing elements (64, 864), the clamping arrangement (110, 910) having at least two pinching belts (270, 1070), each belt powered by a second drive roller (268, 1068) and positioned to engage a surface of the web and pull the web and pinch the web through the sealing elements (64, 864); characterized in that the machine comprises means for executing a sequence in which the temperature of the sealing elements (64, 864) are set to an idle temperature by the temperature control arrangement, a belt speed control stops the belts (70, 270, 870), a positioning device (66, 266, 866) separates the heating element from the web, and the inflation arrangement (160, 960) is set to an idle speed by the inflation/blower control.