1. What Are Air Column Bags?
Air column bags are made from multiple parallel tubes (columns) of air sealed in film.
They're inflated on-site before use (using an inflation machine or manually via a valve).
Once inflated, the columns provide cushioning to protect items during shipping.
The valve is a one-way inflation valve (or sometimes a check valve) that prevents air from escaping after inflation.
2. Film Structure & Material
Air column bag film is usually a co-extruded multilayer plastic film, often with:
Outer layer: Nylon (PA) or PET for strength and puncture resistance.
Sealant layer: PE (Polyethylene) or CPP for good heat sealability.
Sometimes includes EVOH or metallized layer for better gas retention (to prevent slow air leakage).
Typical structure: PA/PE, PET/PE, or PA/EVOH/PE.
Important properties:
High tensile strength
Good gas barrier to keep air in for weeks/months
Puncture and abrasion resistance
Easy to heat-seal into columns and valve areas
3. Valve Types for Air Column Bags
Flap valve (self-sealing valve)
A small plastic or film flap inside a channel.
Air enters during inflation, flap opens; when inflation stops, air pressure closes the flap.
Common in manual inflation designs.
Mushroom valve / Duckbill valve
Used more in automated inflation systems.
Allows high-speed inflation and seals automatically.
Check valve with filter
Prevents dust/debris from blocking valve.
Used when inflation is via pump/nozzle.
The valve is usually heat-sealed between the film layers during bag manufacturing.
4. Manufacturing Process
Film extrusion (co-extrusion of barrier layers).
Printing (if needed for branding).
Bag making:
Film is folded and heat-sealed to form columns (longitudinal seals).
Transverse seals separate individual bags.
Valve inserted at one end during sealing.
Perforation between bags for easy tear-off (roll format).
5. Key Industry Applications
E-commerce shipping (Amazon, etc.)
Electronics (phones, tablets, laptops)
Glass bottles, cosmetics
Pharmaceuticals (temperature cushioning, but less common)
Industrial parts protection
6. Technical Requirements for Valve Film
Air retention: Bags must stay inflated ≥3-6 months (depending on customer needs).
Burst strength: Each column can withstand certain pressure (e.g., 30-50 kPa).
Valge bond strength: Valve-to-film seal must withstand inflation pressure without leaking.
Eco-friendly option: Some use mono-material films (all PE) for recyclability, but barrier is lower.
1.Do you offer custom air column bags with branding?
Yes, we offer custom branding options. You can print your logo, brand name, or other graphics directly on the air column bags.Custom printing helps promote your brand while providing functional packaging.
2.Can you provide samples before I place a bulk order?
Yes, we provide free samples for most of our air column bags. This allows you to test the quality and fit for your specific product needs. Shipping costs for samples will be the responsibility of the customer, but we can help you arrange that.
3.What is the minimum order quantity (MOQ) for air column bags?
Our minimum order quantity (MOQ) varies depending on the type and customization options of the air column bags. For standard products, the MOQ is generally 1,000 units, while for custom designs, it may be higher. Please contact us for specific details on your order.
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