Choosing a Drawstring Bag Making Machine? Compare Draw Tape, Patch, Loop and Die-Cut Bags
The handle type determines which stations a bag making machine needs. A draw tape bag line typically includes hem forming, tape insertion and sealing, depending on the incoming film and machine configuration. A patch handle line attaches reinforcing film to the handle area and forms the handle opening; the operation sequence depends on the machine design. A soft loop handle line forms handles from a separate strip of film and heat-seals them to the bag opening.
Our SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 combines loop handle, die-cut handle, draw tape and patch handle bags on one side sealing machine. Draw tape bags also have garbage bag applications. If you are looking for a drawstring garbage bag making machine, the application section below explains what to check before selecting the F4.
Four Handle Types at a Glance
| Handle type | Common industry forming method | Extra material besides bag film | COSMO model that produces this bag type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draw tape | Tape enclosed in a hem at the bag opening, with openings that allow it to be pulled | Tape strip | SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 |
| Patch handle | Reinforcing patch bonded by heat or adhesive; handle opening formed according to the machine's operation sequence | Patch film (plus adhesive on glue-bonded lines) | SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 |
| Loop handle | Separate handle film formed into loops and heat-sealed to the opening | Handle strip | SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4; SH-1000DP |
| Die-cut handle | Handle hole punched through the bag film | None | SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 |
The table describes industry methods, not the standard equipment of each COSMO model. The listed models do not necessarily support every bonding method shown. Confirm the required forming and bonding equipment for your bag design.
Of these four handle types, a plain die-cut handle requires no separate handle material. Draw tape, patch and loop handles require additional material, so plan for its supply, storage and feeding.
How Draw Tape Bags Are Made
A draw tape bag has a tape enclosed in a hem at the opening, with openings that allow the tape to be pulled. Making this bag involves preparing the hem, inserting the tape, and sealing and cutting the bag film. The sequence and sealing equipment vary by machine design and incoming film.
Draw tape bag with a tape closure at the opening.
Before selecting a draw tape bag making machine, confirm:
- How is the tape roll fed, and what happens when it runs out?
- How is hem width kept consistent?
- How is each tape access opening aligned with the bag?
Drawstring or draw tape: is there a difference?
"Drawstring" is a broader term for a pull closure. In plastic garbage bags, it often refers to a flat tape running through a hem—the closure described as "draw tape" on our F4 product page. Specify the closure material and construction when comparing machines.
See also: Everything You Need to Know About Garbage Bag Making Machines: Types, Features, and Benefits
Patch Handle Bag Making Machine: What the Patch Adds
A patch handle bag making machine attaches reinforcing film to the handle area and forms the handle opening. The bonding method and operation sequence depend on the machine design. Common applications include clothing and shoe packaging.
Common patch bonding methods include:
- Heat sealing: Heat and pressure bond the reinforcing patch to the bag film.
- Adhesive bonding: Some machines use adhesive to attach the reinforcing patch.
Our SH-1000-F4 uses heat sealing to attach the reinforcing patch to the bag film. The SH-1000-F4 demo shows this patch handle operation.
A patch handle line needs reinforcing film, patch attachment equipment and a handle punching device. Confirm how the machine keeps the reinforcing patch and handle opening aligned.
Side seal bags with handle openings.
Loop Handle Bag Making Machine: A Separate Handle Strip
Soft loop handles are formed from a separate strip of film and heat-sealed to the bag. They are commonly used on shopping bags. The handle forming and attachment equipment varies by machine design.
A fully automatic loop handle bag making machine (often listed as a soft loop handle bag making machine) comes in side seal and bottom seal versions. Our SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 and SH-1000DP are side seal machines with loop handle capability.
Soft loop handle bag with separate film handles.
See also: Side Sealing Bag Making Machines
For Loop Handle Diaper Packaging: SH-1000DP
For diaper packaging bags with loop handles, our SH-1000DP is a fully automatic diaper bag making machine with a loop handle device. See the product page below for specifications.
Watch: SH-1000DP Diaper Bag Making Machine Demo Video
See also: Fully Automatic Diaper Bag Making Machine with Loop Handle Device
Die-Cut Handle Bags: A Handle Opening Without Added Material
A plain die-cut handle bag has a handle opening punched directly through the bag film. Unlike draw tape, patch handle or soft loop handle bags, it needs no separate handle material. Our SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 produces this bag type alongside the other three styles.
Confirm the handle opening shape, dimensions and position for your bag design. A bag with a reinforcing patch around the opening is classified here as a patch handle bag.
SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4: Four Bag Types on One Side Sealing Machine
Our SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 is a fully automatic 4-type high-speed side sealing bag making machine. It produces loop handle, die-cut handle, draw tape and patch handle bags on one machine.
Features
- Computer control over the entire process
- Standard servo motor for adjusting bag length and production speed
- Component self-test function
- Automatic film feeding
- Automatic stop when film runs out, the film feed is blocked or bags jam
Specifications (SH-800-F4)
| Item | SH-800-F4 |
|---|---|
| Bag Length | 250 – 650 mm (seal to seal) |
| Bag Width | 250 – 650 mm (max) |
| Film Thickness / Layer | 0.030 – 0.090 mm |
| Production Speed | 40 – 80 per minute |
| Film Roll Diameter | Ø 700 x 700 mm |
| Top Gusset | 70 – 75 mm |
| Bottom Gusset | max 85 mm |
| Power | 220V, 3 Phases, 50/60 Hz, 8.8 kVA |
| Heater | 2 kW |
| Dimension L x W x H | 5240 x 1370 x 2090 mm |
| Required Air Compressor | 10 HP (not included) |
These specifications apply to the SH-800-F4. For SH-1000-F4 specifications, contact us with your required bag dimensions and production requirements.
Watch: SH-1000-F4 Side Sealing Bag Making Machine Demo Video
Draw Tape Bags for Garbage Bag Applications
Draw tape closures are also used on garbage bags. If you are comparing a drawstring garbage bag machine or a draw tape garbage bag making machine, check the bag dimensions, film specification, target output and finished format, such as individual bags, folded bags or bags on a roll.
Our F4 machines produce draw tape bags, but this does not establish their suitability for every garbage bag design. The SH-800-F4 has ranges of 250–650 mm seal to seal, up to 650 mm wide, and 0.030–0.090 mm film thickness per layer. Send us your bag drawing and production requirements to confirm the configuration; folding and roll-winding capabilities should be checked separately.
Two more points before you compare quotes:
- Speed units differ: Suppliers quote pcs/min, bags/min, strokes/min or cycles/min. A multi-line machine's "per minute" figure may cover every line combined. Ask what the number counts.
- Actual production output may be lower than the rated speed: Output depends on the bag specification, machine configuration and operating conditions. Ask for a production trial using your bag specification.
Making garbage bags without a drawstring?
- Flat bottom-sealed bags. See also: How to Choose the Best Bottom Sealing Bag Machine
- Perforated bags on a roll. See also: Bags-on-Roll Machine Buyer's Guide: Specs & 18 Models Comparison
Making retail carry bags with a different handle style?
- Vest-style handles. See also: T-shirt Bag Making Machine: The Complete Selection Guide for Maximum Output & Cost Savings
- All shopping bag types. See also: Comprehensive Guide to Plastic Shopping Bag Making Machine
Questions to Ask Before You Order
- Does my target bag (length, width, gusset, gauge) fall inside the machine's published ranges?
- Where will I source tape, patch film or handle strip, and in what format does the machine accept it?
- How long does a changeover between handle types take? Ask for a timed demonstration on your own bag styles.
- If my bags are printed, how does the machine keep the print registered to each bag?
- Does the machine fold bags in line, if my packaging needs it?
- What power supply and air compressor does the machine need? The SH-800-F4 requires a 10 HP air compressor, which is not included. Confirm utility requirements for your selected model.
- What are the warranty terms and lead time for my configuration?
FAQ
What is a patch handle bag?
A patch handle bag is a plastic bag with an extra patch of film bonded to the handle area. The additional film reinforces the area around the handle opening.
What machine is used to make patch handle bags?
Our SH-800-F4 / SH-1000-F4 produces patch handle bags. The SH-1000-F4 attaches the reinforcing patch by heat sealing. Confirm the configuration for your bag design.
Can one machine make loop handle, patch handle, draw tape and die-cut handle bags?
Yes. Our F4 machines produce loop handle, patch handle, draw tape and die-cut handle bags. Changeover requirements depend on your bag designs.
Does the SH-800-F4 come with an air compressor?
No. It requires a 10 HP air compressor, which is not included.
Is a drawstring bag making machine the same as a drawstring garbage bag machine?
Both terms can refer to equipment that inserts a closure tape into a hem at the bag opening. They do not guarantee the same capabilities. Check bag dimensions, film thickness, closure construction, sealing method and whether the finished bags are stacked, folded or wound into rolls.
Choose the Handle Type First, Then the Machine
Choose your handle type, then check the required materials, bag dimensions and changeover needs against the machine configuration.
At COSMO, we have manufactured plastic bag making machines in Taiwan since 2001. Our F4 range offers four handle types on one line, with servo control for adjusting bag length and production speed. We can review your requirements to confirm the configuration for your application.
Request a quote or download our e-catalog to review the available machine specifications.