Cup Sealing Machine: The Complete Buying Guide In 2024

1. What Is A Cup Sealing Machine?

A cup sealing machine seals the top of plastic cups with plastic films or foils. Cup sealing machines are compatible with cups of various sizes and shapes. Most commonly semi-automatic and fully automatic cup sealing machines are used so that hundreds of cups can be sealed in a minor interval of time.

2. What Kind Of Cups Can Be Sealed By Cup Sealing Machines?

Cup sealing machines are designed in a way that it can seal cups of various types and materials. The sizes of sealing cups also vary according to the material that is to be filled in it.

A cup sealing machine usually seals cups that are made of both plastic and paper material.  The size of cups can range from 8 ounce 32 ounce depending upon the need. Some of these materials are

Polypropylene (PP)

A polypropylene cup has high clarity and also has good barrier properties against moisture, gases, odors and etc. They are light weighted and can provide resistant from the impact of heat and chemicals.

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Polyethylene terephthalate is a heat resistant material and can withstand high temperatures. They are also resistive towards moisture, gases, and odors and can also be recycled easily.

Polystyrene (PS)

PS material has good insulation properties that make it suitable for hot and cold drinks. These materials are also light in weight and can easily be sealed using a cup sealing machine. The cups are fragile and can crack easily this is the only reason they are somehow prohibited due to application of high pressure.

Paperboard

The most eco-friendly and biodegradable type of cup material that can be sealed using a cup sealing machine is paperboard.  It is sturdy and can hold liquids without leaking. The product and marketing description can be printed with custom designs and branding on this paperboard cups but is not be suitable for long term storage or transport.

4. What Are The Films Applied To Seal Cups By Cup Sealing Machines?

The films applied to cup sealing machines ensure material safety and prevent any type of leakage. The films are typically made up of plastic materials. Some of the most common types of films used for sealing in cup sealing machines are

Polyethylene Film

Polyethylene films are clear and flexible films that are commonly used for sealing cups that contain cold drinks or desserts. These are used almost in every part of world and are also an economical solution for sealing of cups using a cup sealing machine.

Polypropylene Film

For rigid film solutions, polypropylene films are the best choice for sealing of cups. It is often used for sealing cups that contain hot drinks like coffee or tea and reduces the chances of material deformation.

Polystyrene Film

Polystyrene films are the brittle type of film that is sometimes used for sealing cups that contain both either the cold or hot beverages material in it. It can provide a hard and tamper evident covering to the cup with efficient sealing.

PET Film

This is a clear and strong film that is often used for sealing cups that contain carbonated drinks or other beverages that require a higher level of protection.

5. What Are The Applications Of A Cup Sealing Machine?

There is wide range of application of a cup sealing machine.  Some of the most common applications of a cup sealing machine are

Beverage Industry

Cup sealing machines are commonly used in the food and beverage industry to seal cups or containers for products like juice, smoothies, bubble tea, yogurt, ice cream and other similar items.

Furthermore, some of the most common areas in food industry that are applying cup sealing machine for sealing of their packaging cups are bubble tea shops, juice bars, coffee shops, and dessert shops.

Dairy Industry

Dairy industry uses a cup sealing machine to seal cups with cheese, yogurt, milk and etc. The industry uses plastic and aluminum sealing films for sealing of products and to ensure product quality for a longer period.

6. What Are The Advantages Of A Cup Sealing Machine?

Some of the advantages that are obtained using a cup sealing machine are

Increased Efficiency

Cup sealing machines can seal cups quickly and more important efficiently. The machine allows a business to serve customers faster with greater consistency and accuracy.

Product Freshness

Sealing cups with a cup sealing machine can help to keep food and beverages fresh for longer periods of time by creating an airtight seal.

Product Appearance

Cup sealing machines can be used to apply custom seals or logos to cups. This enhances the appearance of a product and creates more professional image of a business.

Waste Reduction

Businesses can reduce waste with the help of a cup sealing machine from spills or leakage during transportation.

Hygienic Product

Cup sealing machines can help to improve hygiene and reduce the risk of contamination by creating a tamper-evident seal on the cup.

Adjustable Sealing Parameters

Cup sealing machines typically allow for the adjustment of parameters such as temperature, sealing time, and pressure. These parameters are adjusted to accommodate different cup sizes and types of film in a single machine.

Multiple Cup Sizes

A range of cup sizes can be accommodate in a cup sealing machine from small condiment cups to large bubble tea cups.

Easy Cleaning

Many cup sealing machines have removable parts that are easy to clean. This feature also reduces the risk of contamination and ensuring hygiene standards are met.

7. What Is The Working Principle Of Cup Sealing Machine?

The operation of a cup sealing machine works in following way

• Initially all the working parameters of machine including cup holder, film roller, temperature and other are checked properly before operating the machine.
• After that the operator loads cups filled with food or beverage onto the machines cup tray. It holds the cup properly and allows uniform sealing at the top.
• Once the cup is placed, the operator places appropriate film on the cup and ensures that it is centered and positioned correctly. In some of the cup sealing machine the film is also placed by the machine itself once the cup enters its sealing area.
• The operator than activates the machine either by pressing a button or using a foot pedal.
• During this activation, the cup sealing machine heats the film using a heating element, melts the film and creates an airtight seal on the cup. The sealing process may take a few seconds to complete and completely depends on the sealing parameters.
• Lastly, when the sealing process is completed the cup sealing machine ejects the sealed cup onto a receiving tray and the operator repeats this process for each cup afterwards.

8. What Are The Main Components In Cup Sealing Machine?

Main Components Of A Cup Sealing Machine

Spool Clamp

Spool clamp holds the film spool in place during the cup sealing process. It prevents the spool from unraveling and causing jams.

Waste Film Reel

This is where the used film is collected after being cut off from the sealed cup. It helps to keep the work area clean and organized.

Temperature Ready Indicator

A temperature ready indicator light tells the operator when the machine has reached the desired sealing temperature and is ready to seal cups.

Power Switch

Power switch is used to turn the machine on and off. It allows the operator to control the power supply to the machine.

Warning Label

The warning label on the machine warns the operator about potential hazards associated with operating the machine. These hazards include such as electrical shock, burns and other dangers.

Cup Holder

This is the component that holds the cup in place during the sealing process.

Cup Tray

The tray that holds the cups before they are sealed is called as the cup tray. Cups after being sealed are also received from the cup try.

Reel Washer

Reel washer in a semi-automatic cup sealing machine helps to keep the film spool clean and free from debris. It also ensures that the film feeds smoothly through the machine.

Film Reel

A film reel is the spool of film that is used to seal the cups in a cup sealing machine.

Temperature Knob

This is a controlling knob that allows the operator to adjust the temperature of the sealing element.

Film Roller

Film roller helps to feed the film through the machine and ensure that it is properly aligned with the cup.

9. Why Is Heat Important For Sealing Using A Cup Sealing Machine?

The most essential and crucial parameter of sealing used in a cup sealing machine is its “Heat”. Few of the reasons for applying heat during cup sealing process are

Adjusting Heating Parameters

Heating temperature and its duration is an important to be noticed in a cup sealing machine. As it directly depends on the type of film and cup used, it may vary for different materials. Some of the films require high sealing temperature and some require long sealing duration. It is always important to notice all these heating factors in a cup sealing machine.

Melting Of Sealed Films

Heat is an essential factor of a cup sealing machine because it is used to melt the film and seal onto the top of a cup. It creates an airtight seal and prevents leakage. If proper heat is not applied on the film, it would not be able to resists the cup and could not be able to provide a barrier to entrance of environmental factors like bacteria, germs, moisture, dust and etc.

Material Safety

Lastly, heat is also responsible for ensuring material and product safety. The airtight sealing due to proper heat can help to reduce the risk of contamination and allows the material to remain safe for a longer period.

10. What Are The Types Of Cup Sealing Machines Available Globally?

Some of the commonly used cups sealing machines are

Manual Cup Sealing Machine

A manual cup sealing machine completely depends upon the efforts applied by the operator. The operator places the cup onto the tray and applied the film on its top. It allows the cup to enter the sealing area and then initiates the operation. By this the process of sealing is carried out.

Semi-Automatic Cup Sealing Machine

Both manual and automatic influence is present in a semi-automatic cup sealing machine. The feeding roller is fed with the sealing film and the operator places the cup on the tray. As the operation starts, the cup enters the sealing area and an automatic sealing film is applied on its top. Then the operator removes the cups once the process of sealing gets completed.

Fully Automatic Cup Sealing Machine

A cup sealing machine is automatically fed into the machine via conveyors belts or processing lines. The material is filled in the cup automatically once the system senses its presence. After filling of material the sealing of film is done on its top and the sealed cup is removed from the system via same conveying system.

11. What Are The Differences Between Cup Sealing Machine And A Tray Sealing Machine?

Cup sealing and tray sealing machines are two different types of sealing techniques that are distinguished on the basis of sealing material.

Sealing Products

Different types of juices, bubble tea products, condiments, smoothies and desserts are the materials that are sealed using a cup sealing machine.

Mostly ready to eat meals, frozen meals, meat, colors, and other products are sealed using these tray sealers.

Applications

Cup sealing machines are mostly used in food industry for sealing of beverages, bubble tea and coffee products.

While a tray sealing machine has a wide range of application in food, medical and packaging industry.

Conclusion

Varieties of cup sealing machines are available to seal cups of different sizes and shapes. Industries are now moving forward to maximum from technology and increase their productivity. Allpack is now providing numerous options for sealing of cups and is one of the leading manufacturers in designing automated systems. Feel free to talk to our customer service centers that are available 24/7 for your assistance or visit our website http://www.allpackchina.com/ for any query.