Packaging Resource Center: The Latest in Tubes

Tube Fillers

A line of tube-filling and -closing machines for aluminum, polyethylene, laminate, and polyfoil tubes has an output range from 30 to more than 300 tubes/min. The CO.MA.DI.S product line, which is now handled by IMA Nova, can be changed over without tools to reconfigure the filler from plastic to metal tubes or for different tube sizes in about five minutes. The fillers can accommodate special applications such as multicolor products and explosion-proof requirements. The company also offers integrated cartoning machines for this line of tube fillers. IMA Nova Packaging Systems, Leominster, MA; 978/ 537-8534; www.imanova.com.

All-Plastic Tubes

A manufacturer of laminate and all-plastic tubes expanded its line to offer a 2-in. diam all-plastic tube. Tubes are offered in a variety of colors and can handle four-color process printing, spot-color printing, and hot-stamp foil. The company also manufactures aluminum and tin tubes, coated metered-dose inhaler cans, and plastic jars, bottles, and closures. IntraPac Group, Swedesboro, NJ; 856/467-0485; www.intrapacgroup.com.

Laminate Tubes

A packaging manufacturer offers laminate tubes designed to look like aluminum tubes. The SilverLine tubes are meant to increase product visibility with the visual impact of the metallic-looking package. The laminate tube features barrier protection properties and durability. These tubes are available in sizes ranging from 1/2 to 1 5/8 in. The company also offers a variety of head and closure styles. Alcan Packaging—Cebal, Norwalk, CT; 203/ 845-6300; www.alcan.com.

Tubes with Desiccants

A line of tubes featuring desiccant stoppers is designed to protect sensitive or delicate products from moisture and breakage. The tubes and stoppers are rigid containers made from a combination of rigid polypropylene and softer polyethylene materials. Integrating a desiccant into the design of the tube stopper eliminates the need for desiccant-insertion equipment. Using the tubes and stoppers with an automated, high-speed filling line can further increase efficiency. All tubes can be printed with customized six-color graphics. The standard fill for the desiccant stoppers is silica gel, but the company can provide other desiccant fills upon request. Tamper-evident and extended-lip stoppers are available also. Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging Inc., Belen, NM; 505/864-6691; www.s-cpp.com.

Paratubing

Fluoroplastic paratubing consists of two to four tubes longitudinally thermally welded to create one conduit of multiple, individual tubes. Paratubing is designed to run several fluid lines as one entity and then split them up for branching to different connectors. The tubing is available in Texfluor FEP and PFA. The materials offer a nonstick surface, are chemically inert and nonleaching, and have a low refractive index that allows for visual inspection. Different colors are available to make the different lines distinguishable. TexLoc Inc., Ft. Worth, TX; 800/ 423-6551; www.texloc.com.