What Is a Folder Gluer Machine?
A folder gluer machine is a specialized piece of equipment used in paper bag manufacturing that folds flat paper blanks and applies adhesive to create sealed bag bodies. In cement bag production, folder gluers handle the side-seaming and folding operations that turn printed paper sheets into three-dimensional bag structures.
Unlike tuber-bottomer systems that create valve sacks, folder gluers are primarily used for open-mouth paper bags and SOS (Self-Opening Sack) style bags. They are essential for factories producing non-valve cement bags or multi-purpose industrial bags.
Folder Gluer Process Flow
Types of Folder Gluer Machines
By Application
| Type | Seal Style | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Side-Seam Folder Gluer | 3-side or 4-side seal | 60–100 bags/min | Open-mouth cement bags |
| SOS Bag Folder Gluer | Square bottom, open top | 40–80 bags/min | Self-opening sack bags |
| Multi-Function | Adjustable configurations | 50–100 bags/min | Versatile production |
By Automation Level
- Manual-Feed — Operator feeds sheets, machine folds and glues ($8,000–$15,000)
- Semi-Automatic — Auto feeding with manual stacking ($15,000–$30,000)
- Fully Automatic — Complete automation from sheet to finished bag ($35,000–$65,000)
Key Specifications
- Production Speed — 40–100 bags/min depending on model and bag complexity
- Glue System — Hot melt, cold glue (PVA), or dual system
- Fold Types — Single fold, double fold, crash-lock bottom
- Paper Weight Range — 70–150 GSM kraft paper
- Bag Width Range — 200–700mm
- Bag Length Range — 300–1200mm
- Seal Options — 3-side seal, 4-side seal, combination
- Registration — Photoelectric or mechanical registration systems
- Servo Drive — Servo motors for precise fold positioning
Top Folder Gluer Machines Compared
TECON TC-FG200
- Speed: 60–100 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Seal: 3-side and 4-side options
- Features: PLC control, servo motor, auto alignment, integrated glue system
- Price: $35,000–$65,000
- Best for: Paper bag factories needing multi-seal flexibility
Entry-Level Manual Models
- Speed: 20–40 bags/min
- Layers: 1–2
- Price: $8,000–$15,000
- Best for: Small workshops, startup operations
Premium Servo-Driven Models
- Speed: 80–120 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Features: Full servo drive, vision inspection, auto reject
- Price: $55,000–$100,000
- Best for: High-volume production with strict quality requirements
Pricing Guide
| Category | Price Range (USD) | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Feed | $8,000–$15,000 | 20–40 bags/min |
| Semi-Automatic | $15,000–$30,000 | 40–60 bags/min |
| Fully Automatic | $35,000–$65,000 | 60–100 bags/min |
| Premium Servo | $55,000–$100,000 | 80–120 bags/min |
What Affects Price
- Fold complexity: Crash-lock bottom increases cost by 20–30%
- Glue system: Dual hot/cold glue adds $5,000–$10,000
- Servo motors: Full servo vs standard drive costs 25–40% more
- Registration: Vision registration costs $8,000–$15,000 more than photoelectric
Folder Gluer vs Tuber-Bottomer Systems
| Feature | Folder Gluer | Tuber-Bottomer |
|---|---|---|
| Bag Type | Open-mouth, SOS bags | Valve sacks |
| Complexity | Single machine | Two machines required |
| Investment | $35,000–$100,000 | $85,000–$470,000 |
| Speed | 40–120 bags/min | 60–300 bags/min |
| Best For | Non-valve bags, multi-purpose | Cement valve sacks |
How to Choose
Step 1: Determine Your Bag Style
- Valve sacks → You need a tuber-bottomer, not a folder gluer
- Open-mouth bags → Folder gluer is the right choice
- SOS bags → Specialized SOS folder gluer
Step 2: Assess Volume Requirements
- Under 500,000 bags/month → Semi-automatic is sufficient
- 500,000–1,500,000 bags/month → Fully automatic recommended
- Over 1,500,000 bags/month → Premium servo-driven model
Step 3: Match to Materials
- Single-layer kraft → Any folder gluer works
- Multi-layer (2–4 ply) → Ensure machine handles multi-ply feeding
- Coated/laminated paper → Check compatibility with glue system
Maintenance Tips
- Daily: Clean glue applicators, inspect fold plates for paper dust, check belt tension
- Weekly: Deep clean glue system, lubricate fold mechanisms, inspect registration sensors
- Monthly: Replace glue nozzles, calibrate fold precision, inspect bearings
- Quarterly: Full machine calibration, replace wear parts, glue system overhaul
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a folder gluer make valve sack bags? No. Folder gluers create open-mouth and SOS bags. For valve sacks, you need a tuber-bottomer combination.
What glue type is better — hot melt or cold? Hot melt is faster-setting and better for high-speed lines. Cold glue (PVA) creates a stronger permanent bond and is better for bags stored in humid conditions. Many premium machines offer dual systems.
How much floor space does a folder gluer need? Typically 8–15 meters in length by 2–3 meters wide, depending on the model. Allow additional space for paper feeding and bag stacking areas.
Can I use a folder gluer for materials other than paper? Primarily designed for paper, but some models can process light PP/PE laminated paper sheets. Check with the manufacturer for specific material compatibility.
Need help selecting between folder gluers and production lines? Visit our Machine Selector Tool or browse the complete machine directory.