The Ultimate Guide to Cups, Sealing Film, Sealing Machines, and Where to Buy Them
Running a drink shop means balancing efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction—every detail matters, including the cups you use. If you’re investing in a sealing film machine, choosing the right cups is critical for performance. But what cups are compatible and where do you buy them?
This guide will break down everything you need to know about cups for sealing film machines, the details of the sealing machine itself, and types of sealing film.
Types of Cups
Before diving into machines, let’s cover the cups themselves. The right cup ensures a perfect seal and durability.
| Cup Type | Diameter | Best For | Sealing Film Compatibility |
| PET Plastic Cup | 98mm | Cold Drinks | PET ES Film |
| PP Plastic Cup | 95mm | Cold & Warm Drinks | PP Plastic Film, PET ES Film, PE Paper Film, Aluminum Film |
| Premium PP Injection Plastic Cup | 90mm | Cold & Warm Drinks, Any Drinks with Toppings/Add-Ons |
PP Plastic Film, PE Paper Film, Aluminum Fil |
| Paper Cups | 90mm | Hot Drinks | PE Paper Film, PET ES Film, Aluminum Film |
Sealing Machines
Automatic Sealing Machine
An automatic sealing machine feeds cups onto a conveyor, applies pre-cut or roll film, heats and presses the film onto the cup’s rim, and cuts excess film, all in one seamless motion. It requires minimal setup, and ensures consistent, leak-proof seals with little operator effort. Ideal for high-volume shops needing efficiency and uniformity.
Manual Sealing Machine
A manual sealing machine requires the operator to place the cup, align the film, lower the heated sealing bar (or roller) by hand, and hold it for 2-5 seconds to seal. The operator then trims excess film and removes the sealed cup.
Branding
Higher-end sealing machines allow you to place your logo directly on the machine.
UL Certification
A UL certification is required for machines used in commercial facilities. This certification proves the machine meets local and federal environmental and safety regulations.
Sealing Film
Certain types of sealing film are only compatible with certain types of cups so it's important to pay attention to the types of cups and film you’re buying.
| Film Type | Roll vs. Die-Cut | Compatibility |
| PP Plastic Film | Roll | PP Plastic Cups, Premium PP Injection Plastic Cups |
| PET ES Film | Roll | PET Plastic Cups, PP Plastic Cups, PE Paper Cups, PLA Plastic Cups |
| PE Paper Film | Roll | PP Plastic Cups, Premium PP Injection Plastic Cups, PE Paper Cups |
| Aluminum Film | Roll & Die-Cut | PP Plastic Cups, Premium PP Injection Plastic Cups, PE Paper Cups |
Where to Buy
For a seamless experience, Custom Cup Factory is a great one-stop shop. They offer all three cup types, ensuring compatibility with the sealing machine and sealing film you purchase. They’re machine is also customizable so you can switch between automatic and manual mode depending on the situation. They also offer different types of sealing film and roll or die-cut, which is guaranteed to work with their cups.