How Plastic Tube Are Made
20 August 2024Packaging plays a critical role in protecting and showcasing your product in the constantly evolving cosmetic industry. Plastic cosmetic tubes, comprising polyethene (PE) materials, have become the preferred choice for skincare, makeup, and fragrance packaging. Their versatility, durability, and cost-effectiveness make them suitable for a wide range of applications.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the entire manufacturing process of plastic cosmetic tubes, highlighting their key features, benefits, and potential customization options to set your brand apart.
Plastic cosmetic tube manufacturers typically use polyethene (PE) materials due to their recyclability, eco-friendliness, and compatibility with various cosmetic products. Different PE densities and layering options—such as mono-layer, two-layer, and multi-layer tubes—allow manufacturers to cater to specific product requirements and enhance product shelf-life.
The first stage in the manufacturing process is extrusion, where a mixture of resin and the colour concentrate is fed into an extruder hopper. The extruder, which is temperature-controlled, gradually heats and melts the materials while ensuring consistent quality.
The molten plastic is then passed through a set of sizing dies encapsulated within a right-angle cross-section attached to the extruder. During this process, the sleeve attains its shape and size, followed by water-cooling and cutting to the desired length. The plastic tubes are then ready for the heading process.
There are three primary methods to attach the tube's head or cap:
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'Downs Process': This compression molding method involves feeding the sleeve onto a conveyor, which carries it to the heading operation. Here, the head is attached to the sleeve, and threading is formed simultaneously. The sleeve is placed on a mandrel before transferring to the slug pick-up station, where the head is securely fused.
- Injection Molding: This method involves injecting molten plastic directly into the mold station to attach the head to the sleeve.
- Additional Compression Molding: This process utilizes a molten donut of resin material dropped into the mold station, offering an alternative to the traditional hot melt strip or slug.
Once the tube and head are connected, the product undergoes decorating to showcase the brand's artwork, logo, or design elements. Decorating methods include offset printing, flexographic, silk screening, and cold foil printing. Surface treatment is performed using corona, plasma, or flame treatments to prepare the tube for ink adhesion. UV light or heat cures the ink to ensure durability and high-quality visuals.
The tube's cap is essential for maintaining the product's freshness and protecting it from external contaminants. Caps come in various shapes, sizes, and designs according to customer requirements. Once the caps are applied and torqued to desired specifications, the cosmetic tubes are ready for packaging.
Finally, the completed plastic cosmetic tubes are placed onto a conveyor that carries them to a tray for packing. The trays are then packed into cartons, sealed, and shipped to the respective cosmetic brands.
In conclusion, plastic cosmetic tubes offer a reliable, cost-effective, and versatile packaging solution for the cosmetic industry. By understanding the manufacturing process, you can make informed decisions when selecting the ideal packaging partner. At RES PACKAGING, we pride ourselves on offering professional and customizable plastic cosmetic tube manufacturing services to cater to your unique needs. Contact us today to launch your innovative cosmetic product with industry-leading packaging solutions.