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Bag Making · 2026-08-08

T-Shirt Bag Machine vs Flat Bag Machine: Which Line Do You Need?

T-shirt and flat bags use different machines: handles, sealing style and volume decide which line fits.

T-Shirt Bag Machine vs Flat Bag Machine: Which Line Do You Need?

What Each Machine Makes

T-shirt bag machines are specifically designed to produce bags equipped with carry handles. During the production cycle, these machines punch the handles and automatically stack the finished bags for easy collection and packaging. In contrast, flat bag machines focus on sealing the bottom or the side of the bag without any handle punching mechanism. If you need to know about specific bag shapes, gussets, or custom handle designs beyond these standard operations, confirm with our engineers.

Output and Lane Count

Output capacity and lane configurations vary significantly between the different machine models available. The GFQ series operates at base speeds of (60–120) x2, scaling up to x4 or x6 bags per minute depending on the specific configuration. For smaller formats, the DFR-400x2 delivers a cutting speed of 100–300 bags per minute across 2 lanes. Side-seal machines offer entry-level speeds of 30–120 bags per minute, while the DRW series reaches 40–180 bags per minute. If your production requires higher lane counts or specific speeds not listed here, confirm with our engineers.

Film and Sealing Differences

The sealing method and compatible film thicknesses define the core operational differences between the production lines. The GFQ series utilizes a hot-air cold-cut method, processing HDPE and LDPE films ranging from 0.01 to 0.15 mm thick. The DFR-400x2 uses a hot-air hot-cut technique, handling thinner films from 0.01 to 0.05 mm. Side-seal machines, including the DRW series, process BOPP, OPP, and PE films with thicknesses between 0.01 and 0.10 mm. For compatibility with other specialized film types or additives, confirm with our engineers.

How to Decide

Choosing the right production line depends heavily on your target bag dimensions and handle requirements. If you need large bags with handles, the GFQ series produces widths of 550–1150 mm and lengths of 700–1800 mm. For smaller, high-speed flat bags, the DFR-400x2 handles max widths of 180–320 mm x2 and lengths of 280–650 mm x2. Side-seal machines cover a broad range of flat bag widths from 10 to 950 mm. Evaluating these specifications ensures you select the most efficient line for your facility. If your required dimensions or thicknesses fall outside these parameters, confirm with our engineers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the main functional difference between a t-shirt bag machine and a flat bag machine?

T-shirt bag machines punch carry handles and automatically stack the bags, whereas flat bag machines seal the bottom or side without any handle punching.

Which machine series uses a hot-air cold-cut sealing method?

The GFQ series uses a hot-air cold-cut method for processing HDPE and LDPE films.

What is the maximum bag width for the DFR-400x2 model?

The DFR-400x2 model has a maximum bag width of 180–320 mm x2.

What film materials can the DRW series process?

The DRW series side-seal machines can process BOPP, OPP, and PE films with thicknesses ranging from 0.01 to 0.10 mm.

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