Industrial paper tubes are growing in popularity among brands across all industries. If you ever wonder how paper is transformed into useful tubes to improve lives, here is how:
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Types of Paper Tubes
Paper tubes are made from paperboard, fiberboard, kraft paper, and composites with paper-adhesive properties. Understanding the different types of paper tubes will help you better understand how they are made. There are various paper tubes based on the winding process or their use.
The two types of paper tubes based on the winding process include the following:
1. Spiral Wound Paper Tubes
Spiral wound tubes have an exterior paper layer wrapped around at an angle to the axis of the tube. They have minimal crush resistance making them ideal for packing cosmetics, food, and medications.
2. Parallel Wound Paper Tubes
Parallel wound tubes are sometimes referred to as convolute tubes. Their outside edges are wrapped at a 90-degree angle. They are perfect for complex construction because of their high strength and crush resistance.
The heavy-walled paper tubes, whether spiral or parallel wound, are sometimes known as paper cores. Paper cores are often used to wind webs or sheets of flexible materials like textile and foil into rolls.
Steps for Making Paper Tubes
There are many paper tube manufacturers across the globe, each with unique markets and equipment. Depending on the type and use of the paper tubes they make, their processes may differ slightly.
Here are the four basic steps for making paper tubes:
1. Making Ribbons
The paper tube-making process starts with ribbons from recycled cardboard sheets or other paper adhesive composites. Paper tube manufacturers then stack up the strips to create large ribbon rolls. The number of ribbons they use will determine the thickness of the tube.
2. Gluing
The next step is sticking the ribbons together using industrial glue. Manufacturers put adhesive glue between each layer for the paper tube to maintain its form.
Manufacturers may use special adhesives and inner waterproof seals for heavier-duty applications requiring high strength and water resistance.
3. Winding
After proper gluing of the ribbons, the paper is run through a mandrel, which provides the spherical shape of the tubes. A mandrel is a metal bar that winds the paper. Manufacturers use the outer wheel of the mandrel to vary the diameter.
4. Trimming
The final step involves cutting the long tubes into the needed sizes. Cardboard tubes are classified and measured from the inside. They are often at most 48 inches to maintain structural stability.
Paper tube manufacturers can add extras like attractive paper coatings, printed product information, and trademarks on the outside of the tube.
Considerations for Custom Paper Tubes
Manufacturers consider the following when creating a custom paper tube:
- Function
- Desired level of protection
- Intended length and width
These factors help to determine the thickness and general dimensions of the structure.
Applications of Custom Paper Tubes
Manufacturers of spiral paper tubes initially used them as storage containers and cores for wrapping various textiles and materials around. Due to improvements in manufacturing and design technologies, paper tubes today are robust and useful in multiple applications.
Here are five types of paper tubes based on their application:
1. Kraft Tubes
Kraft tubes are the most well-known and widely used type of paper tube. They are made from strong and high-quality kraft paper, making them excellent for postal tubes.
2. Shipping Tubes
Shipping tubes are designed to absorb the travel shocks and safeguard the packaged goods by preventing tearing. They transport artwork, documents, posters, and other paper-based goods.
3. Sonotubes
Sonotubes are robust paper tubes that contractors and builders use in construction operations for concrete pillars, columns, and ramps. Concrete is poured into the hollow cardboard tube to form the features.
4. Caulking Tubes
The cardboard caulking tube is another paper tube used in the building sector. The tubes dispense caulking material, which seals joints and seams in buildings. Caulking tubes are spiral coiled and coated with kraft paper or aluminum foil to improve the tube’s holding power.
5. Paper Cans
Paper cans are the most common packaging option for snacks. Their bottoms may be made of steel or paper.
Industrial Paper Tube Manufacturer Near You
Paper tubes have a wide range of applications across industries. They are versatile and eco-friendly solutions you would appreciate using. Find a reliable industrial paper tube manufacturer near you to get quality custom paper tubes for your business.