Selecting the Right Packaging Tube

Packaging tubes are the perfect option for conveniently and easily shipping industrial, commercial, and residential items. They can adapt to the requirements of any application and provide protection for fragile or delicate products. The wide use of packaging tubes is due to their low cost and compact design. Items slip easily into one end of the tubing and are tightly and securely sealed to prevent shifting and exposure to the elements.

The generic term packaging tube encompasses a wide range of products, each of which fits a particular application or product. Included in packaging tubing is mailing tubes, paper tubes, Sonotubes® or concrete tubes, paper cores, and tape and label cores. These various types are solidly formed protective cylinders that can withstand the stress and handling of shipping.

The Importance of Proper Tube Selection

Although the selection of a packaging tube may seem to be a simple matter of looking at the available tubes and choosing the one you like. There is far more to the process than making a simple choice. A properly chosen packaging tube offers a perfect fit for items to be shipped and ensures that items arrive at their destination safely.

Protection

Protection is the key feature of packaging tubes. They are made of tightly wound craft paper that is layered, glued, and wound on a mandrel. The multiple layers form a protective wall against impacts and punctures. Although the thicknesses of packaging tubes vary in accordance with the items to be shipped, all forms have a cylindrical structure that is strong, durable, and highly resilient. The production process is carefully monitored to create exceptionally reliable packaging materials.

Cost

The cost of packaging tubes is affected by their size with small tubes of 12” costing $5 up to $15 while tubes over 24” can cost as much as $35. In addition, shipping companies charge based on size and weight with smaller tubes taking up less room and weighing less. As with all business decisions, the cost of shipping materials has a direct effect on the bottom line. This aspect of tube selection has to be considered carefully. Western Container works closely with their clients to produce a shipping tube that meets the needs of the item to be shipped and does not drastically influence the bottom line.

Dimensions

The width and length of the item to be shipped is a major determining factor in regard to the selection of a shipping tube. To prevent shipped items from shifting during transport, it is best to select a tube that provides a tight fit. Movement during shipping can damage items and be disappointing upon arrival. Western Container works with clients in the measuring process providing guidelines and procedures to optimize shipping and ensure successful delivery.

The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) in the organization’s ISO 216 has established standard paper sizes for packaging tubes. The sizes are divided into classifications A and B. A series tubes are smaller with dimensions from 10” up to 47”. B series tubes are large, more durable, have thicker walls, and made from wider paper. The dimensions of B series vary from 19.7” up to 55.7”. The diameters of A and B series tubes can differ from 2” up to 3” or larger depending on the size of the items to be shipped.

Tube Sizes – A0 to A3:

Tube Sizes – B0 to B2:

Tube Material

Western Container manufactures packaging tubes from Kraft paper, which is the industry standard and is the most durable tube material. Although Kraft paper is the most common type of material, it is not the only material used. The variations are in accordance with how a tube is to be used. A growing industrial practice is the use of recycled paper, the use of which is part of environmental protection efforts. White paper, coated paper, and foil laminated paper are some of the alternatives to Kraft paper. The most highly valued form of Kraft paper is virgin paper that is engineered from wood pulp and valued for its exceptional strength, rigidity, and unequalled performance.

Tube Wall Thickness

The wall thickness of a packaging tube is determined by the difference between the inside diameter (ID) and the outside diameter (OD). The wall thickness of Western Container packaging tubes is between 0.024” and 0.75”. Thicker walls provide greater protection and less chance of damage to shipped goods. The experts at Western Container work with our clients to choose a packaging tube that meets the demands of their products. In essence, more fragile items require more protection and thicker tube walls.

Packaging Tube Types

The many forms of packaging tubes are designed to serve different functions in compliance with shipping needs. The traditional packaging tube is an elongated cylindrical tube capable of handling rolled flat sheets, cylindrical items, and other forms of round items. Aside from tubes designed for shipping, there are tubes that serve as cores for tape and concrete tubes for forming footings, columns, and piers for construction. Each form performs a special function, is exceptionally sturdy, and long lasting.

For over 100 years, packaging tubes have been used for shipping and mailing various items. Their popularity is due to their rigid durable structure that guarantees that shipped materials are protected. Over the years, the manufacturing process for packaging tubes has developed and improved with technical advancements and innovative engineering.

Mailing Tubes

Mailing tubes are one of the most common forms of packaging tubes. They are formed from Kraft paper or other types of materials. Due to the nature of their function, mailing tubes have to be structurally sound and durable enough to withstand the stress of constant handling. As with all forms of packaging tubes, mailing tubes come in a wide variety of sizes in order to provide options for an assortment of items. The standard shipping tube is a cylindrical shape with a seal on one end and a cap or plug on their other end.

Regardless of their durability, there are aspects of mailing tubes that are a cause for concern. Many of these concerns can be avoided during the selection process, which ensures that the chosen tube matches the requirements of the items to be shipped. The first failure of note is structural failure when the material of a tube is not strong enough to withstand shipping and handling. In this scenario, tubes can be crushed or collapse. A common problem with shipping tubes is seal failure where the contents of the tube is exposed to the elements. In certain instances, the tube chosen for shipping is placed in an environment it is not designed to withstand. In addition, a failure can occur when the tube chosen is not appropriate for the items to be shipped, which can cause leaks, spills, and breakage.

Packaging tubes have an advantage over boxes in that they are engineered to provide protection for long, rolled, or delicate items, a factor that boxes cannot provide. They have exceptional structural strength that prevents crushing, bending, and creasing. The cylindrical shape is resistant to the effects of pressure, which reduces the cost of shipping. Items to be shipped are tightly fitted to the interior of a packaging tube, keeping items from shifting and moving.

Paper Packaging Tubes

The key to the strength of shipping tubes is the process by which they are manufactured. The process relies on controlled web slitting, continuous winding, and adhesive lamination. The precision engineered process transforms long sheets of flat paper into rigid paper tubes and cores. Central to the process is the application of multiple layers, or plies, of paper that are spiral wound or convolutely wound around a steel mandrel. Industrial grade adhesives are applied to each layer to create a strong structural bond with dimensional stability and compression strength.

The quality of paper tubes is determined by the quality of its paper, the type of adhesive, ply thickness, area of overlap, and the tension used during the winding. Plies may be single dense sheets or laminated multiple layers that enhance rigidity and crush resistance. The variation in paper tube structure allows engineers to offer versatile and cost-effective paper tubes for a wide range of industries.

A common differentiation between paper tubes is ones for commercial use and ones for industrial use. As can be surmised, paper tubes for industrial use are more resilient, durable, and thicker. With commercial paper tubes, there is more emphasis on appearance, since most commercial tubes have custom printed logos that include the identification or description of a product. The nature of the functions of industrial tubes necessitates that they be built for high stress conditions, such as supporting loads, stacking, and resistance to impact.

Concrete Tubes

Concrete tubes are engineered for pouring concrete to form columns, post, pillars, and supports. They are designed to be filled with wet concrete and hold it in place until it sets, cures, or dries. The result is firm concrete pillars with a uniform shape and diameter. Once the concrete cures, the tubes are cut away and removed. The use of concrete tubes increases the efficiency of construction making it faster and easier. Concrete tubes can have a wax liner for easy removal, can be custom produced, and come in diameter sizes of 6” up to 20”.

The popularity of concrete tubes, aside from their ease of use, is their ability to form rigid concrete pillars that shape, contain, and protect the concrete during curing. They ensure the maintenance of the design and shape of a column and ensure structural integrity by preventing bowing or spreading under the high-pressure of wet concrete. The spiral winding of the paper enables the tubes to withstand the downward and outward pressure, which makes it possible for the tubing to maintain its shape. Wax liners reduce adhesion between the concrete and the walls of the tube and helps produce a smooth surface finish. In addition, the liner serves as a moisture barrier that prevents water loss, which can lead to weak brittle pillars.

Additional Tube Packaging

Although wound tubes are the most common form of shipping and packaging tube, there are other forms that are widely used. Combination tubes are made from paperboard and plastic, which gives the tubes additional strength, resilience, and durability. They are used for shipping heavy and fragile items that require extra attention.

Triangular shipping tubes serve the same function has cylindrical shipping tubes but have the shape of a triangular prism. Materials are placed in the tube on one side of the tube that opens like a box with a lid. Once items are inserted, the open side closes. Other versions of triangular tubes have an opening at one end with the opposite end being tightly sealed. Triangular shipping tubes are generally made of cardboard.

Telescopic mailing tubes expand and lengthen to handle different sized documents. They are paper wound shipping tubes with the additional feature of being able to adjust their length. Snap seal mailing tubes, known as crimped end tubes, have open ends that are forced inward for sealing. They don’t have the same security as closed end shipping tubes but are a less expensive alternative.

Plastic shipping tubes are another form and come in many shapes and sizes. They are available in a wide assort of sizes and can be clear or have a solid color. Plastic shipping tubes are known for their strength and resilience. They are commonly used as commercial tubes for the shipment of products.

On a basic comparison, plastic shipping tubes are less expensive and more durable than paper wound shipping tubes. They last longer and are less susceptible to the effects of weather and harsh conditions. Paper shipping tubes, when purchased in bulk, can cost less but can be damaged by chemicals and moisture.

Problems Related to Choosing the Wrong Shipping Tube

Due the importance of packaging tubes, it is essential that they be chosen carefully due to the negative consequences of choosing the wrong packaging tube for an application. The most obvious problem is damage to the contents of a shipping tube, by crushing, impact, and bursting. On the financial side, surcharges and fees may be billed for weight and the inability to process a shipping tube. Returned tubes can delay the delivery of important items, which also can lead to additional fees.

What to Ask Before Selecting a Shipping Tube

Prior to selecting a packaging tube, it is important to develop a check list of the necessary conditions and parameters for a shipping tube. The specifications should include factors that apply to the protection of the contents and how the contents fit into the tube.

• Diameter – The diameter, ID minus OD, should be large enough but not too large such that the contents can shift.
• Wall Thickness – The strength of a shipping tube is determined by the thickness of its walls. Single thickness walls are suitable for light weight items while double and triple thick walls are for heavier or fragile items
• Closure Type – End caps or plugs provide a tighter seal and ensure the security of the contents while snap or tucked ends are less secure and can easily open. In essence, the level of security for items to be shipped determines the type of closure.
• International Shipping – Shipping tubes can be used for oversees shipping. If there is concern regarding water damage, tubes come with an outer coating for extra protection.
• Multiple Items – It is possible to place several different items in a shipping tube. Care must be given to separate the items using tissue or Kraft paper.
• Storage – Shipping tubes should be stored horizontally on a flat even surface to prevent warping. They should not be stacked very high or have other items placed on them in order to maintain their round shape.
• Labeling and Branding – Shipping tubes can have all sorts of printing applied to their exterior, including identification of the contents, part numbers, and the logo of a company.

In addition to the above factors, there are practical concerns that should be addressed with the packaging tube manufacturer. Customization is a normal topic since each client wants a shipping tube that represents their organization. In critical situations, lead times can be a concern that plays a part in the selection of a supplier. In conjunction with lead times is the minimum order quantity. Large producers stipulate the minimum amount that is profitable for them to produce. Again, this is matter of discussion with a supplier and can be a determining factor in the selection process.

A concern that should be at the heart of all buyers is the methods used by a producer to ensure the quality of their products. In many cases, producers walk clients through the manufacturing process to give them a first-hand account of how shipping tubes are made, from the type of tube material to the final inspection.

Selecting Your Paper Tube

As is indicated by the information presented here in, the selection of a packaging tube is far more complicated and complex than may be assumed. Every shipping tube is an investment in the integrity and dependability of an organization. It requires careful consideration and close attention to details. Although the diameter of a tube or the adhesive used to assemble it may seem unimportant, each of these factors is critical to the safety and protection of items that are being shipped.

Choosing the right tube with the proper wall thickness, diameter, length, and closure is essential for the successful arrival of a product or information. Carefully considering each of the factors that influence a tube can lead to continued success and establish a reputation for excellence. Contacting Westerning Container today can help get you started on the selection process.

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