When it comes to tube packaging, two of the most common materials used are aluminum tubes and plastic (or laminated) tubes. Both serve different industries and product types, and each requires specialized filling and sealing technology. Understanding the difference between aluminum tube filling and sealing machines and plastic tube filling and sealing machines is key to choosing the right equipment for your production needs.
1. Tube Material and Sealing Method
| Feature | Aluminum Tube | Plastic/Laminated Tube |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | Metal, soft, collapsible | PE, laminated (ABL, PBL), flexible |
| Sealing Method | Folded & crimped (usually with three folds) | Hot air sealing or ultrasonic sealing |
| Heat Sensitivity | Resistant to heat | Sensitive to overheating |
| Barrier Properties | Excellent barrier against light, air, and moisture | Good barrier, especially multilayer laminated types |
| Appearance | Traditional pharmaceutical look | More colorful and customized shapes/designs |
2. Machine Design Differences
β Aluminum Tube Filling and Crimping Machine
- Equipped with folding and crimping unit for mechanical sealing.
- Often used in pharmaceutical, industrial ointment, adhesive, and shoe polish industries.
- Usually includes lot/batch number embossing on the fold.
- Requires tube orientation (mark registration) to align artwork before crimping.
β Plastic Tube Filling and Sealing Machine
- Uses hot air or ultrasonic sealing system, followed by trimming the sealed end.
- Popular in cosmetics, personal care, food, and toothpaste sectors.
- Allows for more design flexibility (oval, flat, round tubes).
- Usually comes with tube feeding hopper, photoelectric registration, and cutting station.
3. Applications & Industries
| Tube Type | Typical Products |
|---|---|
| Aluminum Tube | Ointments, antiseptic creams, adhesives, industrial grease |
| Plastic Tube | Toothpaste, facial cream, sunscreen, food pastes (e.g., wasabi, mustard) |
4. Case Study from Our Clients
Client: European Cosmetic Brand (Dual Line Production)
They needed to package both 50g aluminum ointment and 100g cosmetic cream. We provided two solutions:
- One aluminum tube filling and crimping machine, with servo-driven filling and 3-fold crimping, reaching 45 tubes/min.
- One plastic tube filling and hot air sealing machine, with auto tube loader, leak-proof seal, and batch coding, operating at 60 tubes/min.
The client appreciated the machine modularity, fast changeover, and stability, allowing them to scale production efficiently across two different packaging materials.
5. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose an Aluminum Tube Filling Machine if you need:
- A premium look for medical/pharmaceutical products
- Strong barrier protection
- Metal crimping instead of heat sealing
Choose a Plastic Tube Filling Machine if you need:
- A visually appealing cosmetic finish
- Faster sealing speeds with automation
- A more eco-friendly and lightweight packaging option
Why Work With Us?
- π 30+ Years Engineering Experience: Experts in non-standard tube filling lines.
- βοΈ Customized Solutions: For dual-material production needs.
- π Global Service: Exported to 60+ countries, CE/ISO certified.
- π§ Fast Response: Layout, quote & sample cases within 24 hours.
π© Looking for the best tube filling solution for your factory?
Contact us now for a custom proposal tailored to your tube material, speed, and budget.