Baffled, Formstable, Q Bag – Why you should be using this type of FIBC

October 27, 2020

unnamed (3)There are 3 basic types of bulk bag constructions: U-Panel, 4-Panel, and Circular/Tubular. Baffles are an internal component that can be added to each construction to create a “baffled” bag. More specifically, baffles are fabric panels or strings sewn inside each of the bag’s four corners that allow a bag to maintain a square shape when filled. 

Baffled, Formstable, and Q Bag are all terms for the same type of square FIBC.  

Without baffles, a standard bulk bag can bulge or belly at the sides when filled. Baffled bags are ideal due to their stability and stackability. They also improve overall storage capacity. The most common type of baffled bag is a 4-Panel baffled bag. 

 

Baffled FIBC Applications:

unnamed (6)Baffled bags are ideal for dry free flowing products. 

  • Beans
  • Seeds
  • Wheat
  • Grains
  • Food Ingredients
  • Sand
  • Fumed Silica
  • Minerals
  • Resin 
  • Petrochemicals
  • Chemicals

Large bulky materials with limited flowability are not recommended for use in a baffled bag due to their tendency to get hung up in the internal baffles. These types of products will not fill out the corners of the bag which can lead to instability. 

 

Baffled Bulk Bag Features and Benefits:

unnamed (7)Specifications: 

  • Volume: 20-85 cubic feet
  • Standard Platform Range: 40x40 - 42x42
  • SWL: 2,000 - 4,000 lbs
  • Seams: Standard and Sift Proof
  • Clean Level: Industrial & Food Grades

Features & Benefits:

  • Forms square package
  • Improves storage capacity by 30%
  • Square footprint provides for efficient space utilization
  • Excellent stability and stackability
  • Increases overall capacity vs Tubular/U-Panel bags
  • UN PG II and UN PG III
  • Available in anti-static fabrics

 

Baffled Bag Subtypes:

4-Panel Baffle

The most common type of Baffled FIBC. 4-Panel bags are constructed with five main body components (4 side Panels + Base). When filled, a 4-Panel bag will hold its square shape similar to other construction types. Typically, 4-panel bags will hold their shape better than the U-panel bags, and U-panel bags will hold their shape better than a Circular bag. Due to the large amount of stitching required, a 4-Panel bag has greater opportunity to fail at the seams and is prone to sifting. Nevertheless, 4-panel bags are ideal for storage due to the way they hold their shape when filled. 

U-Panel Baffle

U-panel Baffled bags are constructed with three main body components – one that runs the full length of the bag forming the bottom and two sides (the “U”) and two additional pieces of fabric sewn between the U on two sides (the “Panel”). Generally, U-panel bags will maintain a square shape when filled, especially with the addition of internal baffles. Standard U-panel bags are extremely common. However, U-Panel Baffle bags are less common than 4-Panel Baffled and Tubular Baffled bags. 

Circular Baffle

unnamed (8)A unique type of Baffled FIBC. Circular Baffled bags are constructed with two main body components (Body tube + Base). The body tube is made with seamless tubular fabric that forms all sides of the bag allowing for stitching only for the top and base of the bag. Although the fabric is tubular, when filled the circular baffle bag will still resemble a square bag. With the addition of internal baffles, the bag will form a square profile with rounded corners. There is a common misconception with circular bags regarding their shape when filled. They are not truly circular; they are simply constructed with a single piece of fabric that forms all four sides of the bag. While they still resemble square/rectangular FIBCs, they will hold that shape the least of the construction types when filled. 

 

Baffle Types:

Standard Baffle

Coated woven polypropylene fabric sewn inside the bag for stabilization. Fabric is coated on both sides to prevent fraying and product contamination. Fabric resembles a ladder pattern with 4-6 pre-cut holes or “windows”. Hole size can be adjusted based on the customer’s requirements. 

String/Net Baffle

Polypropylene yarn sewn horizontally inside the bag for stabilization and increased material flow. High Tensile Strength yarn is designed to promote material flow through the “net” and into the corners of the bag. Net Baffles are beneficial for products with low bulk density products that lack fluidity (feed, chicken meal, perlite, cotton seeds, dust, etc.).


Baffled Liners: 

unnamed (9)Oftentimes a standard baffled FIBC is insufficient for ultra-clean applications. When the functionality of a baffled bag and film liner is required, a baffled liner is appropriate.  

Baffled liners allow a standard bulk bag to maintain a square shape. The liner is form fitted to the bag and utilizes internal baffles to prevent bulging that could result in a rounded footprint. The square shape promotes greater bag stability and stackability. Furthermore, the square shape greatly improves storage capacity. 

Features & Benefits

  • Eliminates dusting and leakage
  • Increased FIBC stackability
  • Increased stability
  • Can hold up to 30% more product in a given space
  • Custom formed spouts for efficient filling and discharge

 

Should You Choose an FIBC Baffle Bag?

Whether you must choose a Baffle Bag or opt for a regular FIBC Bulk Bag will depend entirely on your material and application. Typically, FIBC Q Bags work best for finer powders and find maximum use in the food, agricultural, and chemical industries. However, anyone in need of packing more material within limited space or looking to save costs in storage and transportation can take advantage of the structural and space-saving features of these bags. 

Their robust, reinforced structure makes them a great fit for applications where you need:

  • Better stacking and storage capabilities
  • Neater form factor
  • High structural integrity
  • More seamless storage and handling

 

New call-to-actionNeed Baffled Bags Now? 

Southern Packaging, LP stocks over 1,000,000 bulk bags available in hundreds of sizes and styles. Our Baffled, U-Panel, and Circular style bulk bags are suitable for nearly any industrial application.  

Our highly stable and superior-grade Baffle Bags are available in almost any size. Or, we can also build a custom size for your specific need. Contact our experienced sales team for more information. Baffled FIBCs

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