When we think of collapsible tubes we most likely think of toothpaste since we all use it every day. Tubes are also used for packaging many other products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, candy and more. Tubes can be used for any liquid from very thick like silicone caulk to as thin as water. Occasionally tubes are even filled with powder. Tube filling/sealing speeds run from 20-30ppm to 500+ppm.
The first thing to know about tubes is that there are 3 major types. All are handled the same way except for closure and sealing.
- Laminate tubes are probably the most common type.
- Metal tubes are stamped from aluminum or other metal blanks.
- Plastic tubes are made from various single or multi-layer plastic.
Empty tubes generally come to the filling machine in single-layer partitioned cartons, packed open side up. At the tube filler, the cover of the box is opened by the operator or automatically by machine, exposing the open end of the tubes.
The tubes are then loaded into the filler infeed bopper individually or by dumping the entire box. Loading method depends on filler design, speeds and box style. Either type of loading may be manual or automated.
Download the complete Tube Fillers Whitepaper to continue learning about tubes and the tube filling process.
