Have you ever scratched your head wondering what “10-column” or “7-column” air columns really mean? Many of our clients ask exactly this. Choosing the right number of columns can make or break your packaging performance.
PackBest is here to simplify the secret behind the protection. Let’s break it down.
What Are “Columns” in Air Column Bags?
Simply put, “columns” refer to the number of independent air chambers running side-by-side in a single air column bag. For example, a “10-column bag” contains 10 individual air tubes. Why does this matter? Because more columns mean stronger load distribution and better shock absorption. (Of course, this also depends on the specific dimensions of your product. Remember, only a snug-fitting package can provide just the right amount of protection.)
How Column Count Affects Your Packaging Performance
Whether you ship fragile electronics, premium wines, or heavy medical devices, column count isn’t just a number—it’s your first line of defense.
Lighter and Smaller Items (under 3kg): Go for 5–7 columns with 20mm or 30mm air tubes. Perfect for small gadgets, cosmetics, or accessories.
Medium-Load Items (3kg–10kg): We recommend 10–12 columns with 30mm to 50mm tubes. Ideal for tablets, small home appliances, or bottled products.
Heavy-Duty Packaging: For weights beyond 10kg, opt for wider columns (e.g., 60mm) or even double-layered columns design.
It is important to note that all air column widths listed above refer to dimensions before inflation. At PackBest, we offer air column widths ranging from 20mm to 200mm, providing more reliable packaging solutions for oversized and heavy products.
Real-World Applications: Where Column Design Makes the Difference
Electronics:
Taking the following mobile phone air column bag as an example, the image shows that this bag consists of six air columns. Additionally, we incorporated two customized features for the client: a black color scheme that exudes elegance while protecting privacy; and a non-inflatable header design allowing direct labeling of product specifications, complemented by double-sided adhesive tape for easier sealing and packaging.
Wine & Spirits: We reference the following two air column bag types:
- Single-bottle Q-bag, consisting of 7 air columns.
- Six-pack air column bag, consisting of 18 air columns, suitable for packing six wine bottles in a full case.
Furniture:
The U-shaped air column bag for office chairs below is provided for your reference: Composed of 12 air columns, it’s important to note that considering the weight and volume of office chairs, we specifically use 6cm air columns to ensure stronger cushioning and shock absorption. Additionally, this bag incorporates a thoughtful design feature: a separate, non-inflatable compartment on one side for securely packing the chair’s assembly accessories. This prevents items from being overlooked during shipping and facilitates easy installation upon delivery.
In summary, for air olumn bag packaging solutions, PackBest will select the optimal air cushion width and quantity based on your product specifications to ensure maximum protection. Building on this foundation, we can also customize the bags’ functionality according to your requirements, enabling you to complete your packing tasks more smoothly and effortlessly.
And if you’re still unsure—we’re just a message away. Let PackBest help you create safer, smarter, and sustainable packaging experiences.
