What Is a Tuber Machine?
A tuber machine is the first major piece of equipment in a paper cement bag production line. Its primary function is to form flat paper sheets into tubes — the cylindrical body of a cement bag. The tubes are then passed to a bottomer machine for sealing and valve installation.
Tuber machines are critical for producing valve sack bags, the industry standard for cement packaging worldwide. They handle kraft paper, multi-layer paper, and combined paper-PE film substrates.
Tuber Machine Production Flow
Types of Tuber Machines
By Automation Level
| Type | Speed | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Automatic | 20–40 bags/min | $12,000–$25,000 | Small factories, startups |
| Fully Automatic | 80–300 bags/min | $45,000–$250,000 | Medium to large factories |
| AI-Integrated | 150–300 bags/min | $120,000–$250,000 | Premium producers, export markets |
By Material Capability
- Paper-Only Tubers — Process kraft paper in 2–4 layers
- Paper + PE Film Tubers — Add polyethylene film layer for moisture barrier
- Multi-Substrate Tubers — Handle paper, PE, and PP combinations (up to 5–6 layers)
Key Specifications to Consider
When evaluating tuber machines, focus on these critical specs:
- Production Speed — Measured in bags per minute. Range: 20–300 bags/min
- Layer Capability — How many paper layers can the machine process (2, 3, 4, or 5+)
- Bag Width Range — Minimum and maximum width in mm (typically 300–750mm)
- Bag Length Range — Minimum and maximum length in mm (typically 410–1650mm)
- Printing Integration — Number of inline printing colors (0, 4, 6, or 8)
- Power Consumption — Total kW rating affects operating costs
- Automation Features — PLC control, servo motors, auto correction, AI detection
Top Tuber Machines Compared
TECON TC-T100 (Entry Level)
- Speed: 80–120 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Price: $45,000–$85,000
- Best for: Medium factories starting valve sack production
YOUNIKER ZT1962S (Mid-Range)
- Speed: 100–150 bags/min
- Layers: 2–4
- Price: $65,000–$120,000
- Best for: Growing businesses needing digital precision
TECON TC-T300 (Premium)
- Speed: 150–300 bags/min
- Layers: 2–5
- Price: $120,000–$250,000
- Best for: Large factories, export-oriented production
Joyda JY-T500 (5-Layer Specialist)
- Speed: 100–140 bags/min
- Layers: 2–5
- Price: $75,000–$150,000
- Best for: Moisture-sensitive markets, PE film bags
Pricing Guide
Tuber machine prices vary based on:
- Speed class: Higher speed = higher price
- Layer capability: 5-layer machines cost 30–50% more than 4-layer
- Brand: European/Taiwanese brands premium over Chinese brands
- Features: AI detection, integrated printing add $20,000–$80,000
- Region: FOB China prices shown; add 10–30% for CIF pricing to your port
Price by Speed Class
| Speed Class | Price Range (USD) | Example Models |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (20–50 bags/min) | $12,000–$25,000 | Semi-automatic models |
| Standard (80–120 bags/min) | $45,000–$85,000 | TECON TC-T100 |
| Mid-Range (100–150 bags/min) | $65,000–$150,000 | YOUNIKER ZT1962S, Joyda JY-T500 |
| Premium (150–300 bags/min) | $120,000–$250,000 | TECON TC-T300 |
How to Choose the Right Tuber
Step 1: Define Your Output Needs
Calculate your required bags per month. Working 8 hours/day, 26 days/month:
- 80 bags/min × 480 min/day × 26 days = 998,400 bags/month
- 150 bags/min → 1,872,000 bags/month
Step 2: Select Material Type
- Standard cement bags → Paper-only tuber
- Moisture-sensitive markets → Paper + PE film tuber
- Export/premium markets → Multi-substrate tuber
Step 3: Set Your Budget
Include not just the machine cost, but also:
- Bottomer machine (required to complete the line)
- Printer (if not integrated)
- Installation and commissioning
- First year’s spare parts and maintenance
Step 4: Evaluate Brands
Visit our brands page to compare TECON, YOUNIKER, and other manufacturers.
Maintenance Tips
- Daily: Clean paper dust, check glue system, inspect drive belts
- Weekly: Lubricate bearings, check servo motor alignment, clean sensors
- Monthly: Full inspection of cutting blades, replace wear parts as needed
- Annually: Professional service, calibration of all systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the lifespan of a tuber machine? With proper maintenance, 10–15 years. Premium models from established brands can last 20+ years.
Can a tuber machine work without a bottomer? No. The tuber creates tubes, and the bottomer seals the bottom and installs the valve. Both are required for complete bag production.
What is the lead time for delivery? Typically 30–90 days from order to delivery, depending on the manufacturer and customization requirements.
Do I need a separate printer? Some tuber machines (like the TECON TC-T300) include integrated 8-color printing. Otherwise, a separate flexographic printer is needed.
Looking to compare specific tuber machines? Use our Equipment Comparison Tool or browse the complete machine directory.