What Is a Bottomer Machine?
A bottomer machine is the second critical piece of equipment in a paper valve sack production line. After the tuber machine forms flat paper sheets into tubes, the bottomer folds and seals the bottom of each tube, installs the filling valve, and produces a finished cement bag ready for filling.
Bottomer machines work in tandem with tuber machines — without a bottomer, the tubes produced by a tuber are incomplete and cannot be used for cement packaging. Together, they form the core of any paper valve sack production line.
Bottomer Machine Process Flow
Types of Bottomer Machines
By Pasting Method
| Type | Description | Speed | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-End-Pasted | Seals one end only, valve on opposite end | 80–120 bags/min | $45,000–$85,000 |
| Both-End-Pasted | Seals both ends with valve inserted | 80–120 bags/min | $55,000–$100,000 |
| Reinforced Bottom | Adds internal/external reinforcement patches | 60–100 bags/min | $45,000–$80,000 |
By Adhesive System
- Hot Melt Adhesive — Fast setting, good for high-speed lines, temperature-sensitive
- Chemical Adhesive (PVA/Starch) — Stronger bond, better for heavy-duty bags, slower cure time
- Combination Systems — Use hot melt for initial tack, chemical for final bond strength
By Automation Level
- Semi-Automatic — Manual tube feeding, automatic bottom folding and sealing ($15,000–$30,000)
- Fully Automatic — Complete automation from tube infeed to finished bag stacking ($40,000–$220,000)
- AI-Integrated — Vision inspection, auto-reject defective bags, real-time quality monitoring ($100,000–$220,000)
Key Specifications to Consider
- Production Speed — Measured in bags per minute. Range: 60–300 bags/min
- Valve Type — Flake valve (internal), external valve, or both options
- Sealing Method — Hot melt, chemical adhesive, or combination
- Reinforcement — Internal reinforcement, external reinforcement patches, or none
- Layer Capability — Compatible paper layers (2–5)
- Bag Size Range — Width (300–720mm) and length (350–1650mm)
- Integrated Printing — Some models include 2-color bottom printing
- Quality Detection — Photoelectric correction, AI vision systems
Top Bottomer Machines Compared
TECON TC-B100 (Entry Level)
- Speed: 60–100 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Valve: Flake valve
- Price: $40,000–$75,000
- Best for: Small to medium factories pairing with TC-T100 tuber
TECON TC-B300 (Premium)
- Speed: 100–300 bags/min
- Layers: 2–5
- Valve: All types
- Features: AI vision detection, chemical adhesive, internal/external reinforcement, 2-color printing
- Price: $100,000–$220,000
- Best for: Large factories, export-oriented production
YOUNIKER HD8916 (Both-End-Pasted)
- Speed: 80–120 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Features: Both-end pasting, quick spec changeover, PLC control
- Price: $55,000–$100,000
- Best for: Multi-product factories needing quick changeover
YOUNIKER FM2018 (One-End-Pasted)
- Speed: 80–120 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Features: One-end pasting, servo motor, quick changeover
- Price: $45,000–$85,000
- Best for: Standard valve sack production
Nanjiang HD-400
- Speed: 70–120 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Valve: Flake valve + external valve options
- Price: $50,000–$95,000
- Best for: Cost-conscious buyers needing dual valve options
Pricing Guide
| Speed Class | Price Range (USD) | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Auto (20–40 bags/min) | $15,000–$30,000 | Manual-feed models |
| Entry (60–100 bags/min) | $40,000–$75,000 | TECON TC-B100 |
| Mid-Range (80–120 bags/min) | $45,000–$100,000 | YOUNIKER HD8916, Nanjiang HD-400 |
| Premium (100–300 bags/min) | $100,000–$220,000 | TECON TC-B300 |
Price Factors
- Adhesive system: Chemical adhesive models cost 15–25% more than hot melt only
- Reinforcement: Adding reinforcement modules increases price by $10,000–$30,000
- AI detection: Vision systems add $15,000–$50,000
- Printing: Integrated 2-color printing adds $8,000–$20,000
How to Choose the Right Bottomer
Step 1: Match to Your Tuber
Your bottomer must run at the same speed or faster than your tuber. If your tuber produces 100 bags/min, choose a bottomer rated for 100+ bags/min.
Step 2: Select Valve Type
- Flake valve — Standard for most cement bags, lower cost
- External valve — Better for dusty environments, premium bags
- Both options — Choose a machine like the Nanjiang HD-400 for flexibility
Step 3: Determine Adhesive Needs
- Standard bags → Hot melt adhesive (faster, cheaper)
- Export/heavy-duty bags → Chemical adhesive (stronger, more durable)
- Premium production → Combination system
Step 4: Consider Reinforcement
- Standard 50kg bags → No reinforcement needed
- Heavy-duty or export markets → Internal reinforcement recommended
- Premium/high-drop environments → Both internal and external reinforcement
Maintenance Tips
- Daily: Clean adhesive nozzles, inspect bottom folding arms, check valve insertion alignment
- Weekly: Lubricate cam mechanisms, inspect glue tank levels and temperature, clean photoelectric sensors
- Monthly: Replace adhesive filters, inspect folding blades for wear, calibrate valve positioning
- Annually: Full overhaul of folding mechanisms, adhesive system deep clean, bearing replacement as needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bottomer from a different brand than my tuber? Yes, but matching brands is recommended. TECON tubers pair best with TECON bottomers, and the same applies for YOUNIKER. Cross-brand setups may require additional integration work and custom belt conveyors.
What’s the difference between one-end and both-end pasting? One-end pasted bottomers seal one end and leave the other open with a valve for filling. Both-end pasted models seal both ends with a valve inserted on one side. Both-end pasting provides a stronger, more secure bag.
How often do I need to replace consumable parts? Folding blades typically last 6–12 months. Adhesive nozzles should be replaced every 3–6 months. Photoelectric sensors rarely need replacement but should be cleaned weekly.
What is the lead time for a bottomer machine? Typically 30–90 days from order, depending on customization. Stock models may be available in 15–30 days.
Looking to pair a bottomer with a tuber? Check our Complete Production Lines guide or use the Equipment Comparison Tool.