Paper tubes are hollow cylindrical products made from wound fiberboard. You can use them as protective packaging or structural cores in different industries. Here are some innovative designs by leading paper tube manufacturers:
Spiral Wound Tubes
Paper tube manufacturers design spiral wound tubes with flexibility in size, thickness, and finish. Spiral wound tubes are cylindrical, created by wrapping a continuous strip of cardboard in a helical pattern around a mandrel. Subsequent layers overlap the previous ones, building up the wall thickness and tube strength. The spiral design results in high crush resistance and stability. During manufacturing, professionals combine different materials in layers to achieve properties such as increased heat and moisture resistance. This is beneficial when delicate products need to be shipped in these tube containers.
Convolute Cores
Manufacturers make convolute cores by wrapping paperboard in a parallel fashion. This results in a strong longitudinal seam with high strength. High pressure and tension during winding eliminate voids and optimize adhesive contact. Convolute cores are resistant to bending and are suitable for applications involving heavy loads and high stress. Due to the paper grain direction and winding orientation, convolute tubes can be made with very small internal diameters. The rigidity of convolute cores supports the following industrial applications:
- Winding heavy textiles
- Winding plastic films and rubber sheets
- Serving as formwork for concrete
- Packaging specialty products
- Mailing products in tubes
Paper tube manufacturers create mailing tubes for transporting and protecting items that can be rolled rather than folded flat. The round shape of mailing tubes allows for even pressure distribution. Secure plastic or crimped end caps that snap or seal into place help protect the contents from dust and prevent them from slipping out. Their lightweight nature adds minimal weight to shipping vessels during transportation.
Film Cores
Film cores support the winding of plastic films, foils, and tapes. Their dynamic strength can withstand winding tension and heavy loads without deforming. For delicate films, the cores have a smooth surface to prevent damage and allow the film to unwind cleanly without leaving residue.
Manufacturers produce film cores based on your strength needs by performing crush testing to achieve the correct tolerances. They can create the tubes in pre-cut or parent core lengths. Parent cores are the standard sizes produced by the manufacturing machine, while the pre-cut lengths are based on the client’s specifications. Manufacturers produce film cores in distinct surface qualities, including ground, polished, and skived. Grinding removes material to achieve tighter tolerances, while polishing refines the surface to achieve a smooth finish. Skiving shaves thin layers to offer uniformity.
Spools and Reels
A spool is a center core with end walls to contain the wound material. Reels are larger and more heavy-duty than spools, and can be integrated into a fishing or extension cord machine. Both are used to store and transport flexible materials like wires, cables, or rope. Material wrapped around a reel can be deployed and retracted repeatedly.
Work With Paper Tube Manufacturers
Paper tube manufacturers can apply custom-printed logos, colors, and designs to the outer surface of the tubes and cores. This process serves as a marketing tool for your brand, providing information on the packaging or core. Contact a reputable paper tube manufacturer to learn more about their services.
