Plastic Tube Sealing: A Comprehensive Guide by MSD Ltd

Many products – from toothpaste and ointments to adhesives and creams – are packaged in plastic tubes. These collapsible containers, also known as squeeze tubes, are crucial in preserving product integrity and ensuring convenient dispensing.

MSD Ltd, a leader in product tube filling and sealing solutions, presents this comprehensive guide to plastic tube sealing. We explore the various aspects of tube sealing, including:

  • Types of Tubes: An overview of the different materials and configurations used in tube construction, such as plastic, laminate, and aluminium.
  • Types of Tube Seals: Exploring the diverse sealing methods employed in the industry, from heat sealing and ultrasonic sealing to impulse and hot jaw sealing.
  • Principles of Tube Sealing: Understanding the fundamental principles behind effective tube sealing, including material compatibility, seal strength, and leak prevention.

Whether you are an established product manufacturer, an entrepreneur building your first production line, or simply curious about the technology behind tube sealing, this guide offers valuable insights into the world of plastic tube packaging.

Tube Material Comparison: A Professional Overview

Plastic Tubes:

Predominantly composed of polyethene, plastic tubes are commonly used for cosmetics and certain food products. Their key advantage lies in shape retention, bouncing back after each squeeze. This makes them ideal for products where aesthetics and user experience are essential. Additionally, plastic tubes offer a wide range of decorative options, including special finishes like soft touch, enhancing their appeal at the point of sale.

Laminate Tubes:

Laminate tubes represent a hybrid solution, combining the barrier properties of aluminium with the flexibility and visual appeal of plastic. Constructed from multiple overlaid layers, including a crucial barrier layer (either aluminium or EVOH plastic), laminate tubes provide exceptional protection against light, air, and moisture ingress. This makes them suitable for products requiring extended shelf life and protection from environmental factors.

Aluminium Tubes:

Aluminium tubes are renowned for their robust barrier properties, effectively isolating contents from the external environment. This airtight seal, combined with the high temperatures in their production process, renders them virtually germ-free. Aluminium tubes are the preferred choice for highly perishable products, pharmaceuticals, and technical applications where product integrity and sterility are paramount.

The best tube material selection depends on various factors, including product characteristics, desired shelf life, aesthetic considerations, and budget. By understanding each material’s unique properties and benefits, manufacturers can make informed decisions to ensure optimal packaging for their products.

Plastic Tube Sealing Methods

The choice of tube sealing method is a critical consideration in the packaging process, impacting both the seal’s integrity and the final aesthetic of the product. Selecting the correct method involves balancing quality requirements with the specific type of tube being sealed.

Common Tube Sealing Methods include:

  • Hot Air Sealing: Widely regarded as the optimal choice for extruded plastic, laminate, and in-mould label tubes, hot air sealing offers a reliable and versatile solution. This method utilises heated air to melt and fuse the tube’s material, creating a strong and visually appealing seal.
  • Folding: Exclusively used for aluminium tubes, folding involves various techniques to crimp and secure the tube’s end. While effective in creating an airtight seal, folding methods can produce a less refined appearance than hot air sealing.

Hot Air Plastic Tube Sealing

Hot air sealing is the most efficient and versatile method for sealing plastic and laminate tubes. This process involves precisely heating the inner seal area of the tube with hot air before transferring it to a closing station, where it is compressed and cooled to create a secure and aesthetically pleasing seal.

Benefits of Hot Air Sealing Include:

  • Speed: Hot air sealing is renowned for its rapid sealing capabilities, making it ideal for high-volume production runs and maximising efficiency and output.
  • Versatility: This method is compatible with a wide range of plastic and laminate tube materials and offers flexibility and adaptability to diverse packaging needs.
  • Seal Quality: Hot air sealing produces consistently strong and reliable seals, ensuring product integrity and preventing leaks.

MSD Ltd not only provides expert guidance on tube sealing methods but also offers a comprehensive range of top-brand hot air tube filling and sealing machines, catering to various production scales and requirements. These machines are engineered for precision, reliability, and ease of operation, enabling you to achieve optimal sealing results.

In addition to tube filling and sealing equipment, MSD Ltd is your trusted source for essential change parts, ensuring seamless operation and minimal downtime. Our skilled technicians also provide expert repair and refurbishment services, extending the lifespan of your machinery and maximising your investment.
Contact us today to discuss your plastic tube sealing needs. Our team are here to help!

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