Quick answer: The Fischbein Empress Model 101 tape sewing head is a pedestal-mount bag closer that sews crepe tape over the top of paper, woven polypropylene and jute bags. Compared with plain sewing, a tape-sewn closure looks cleaner and leaks less. It sews a Federal Type 401 two-thread chain stitch at 35–55 ft/min, handles material up to 0.3" (8 mm), uses crepe tape 1.25–2.5" wide, and runs on compressed air at 90 PSI minimum and 10–12 SCFM.
If your plain-sewn bags look rough on a pallet, or product works its way out of the stitch line, a tape sewing head is often the fix. Here's how the Model 101 works and when it's worth it.
Empress Model 101 specifications
| Closure | Tape sew (crepe tape) |
| Stitch | Federal Type 401, single-needle, double-thread chain stitch |
| Stitches per inch | 2 to 3.5 (2.5 standard) |
| Speed | 35–55 linear ft/min |
| Max material thickness | 0.3" (8 mm) |
| Crepe tape width | 1.25–2.5" (3.2–6.4 cm), scissors-style cutter |
| Air | 90 PSI minimum; 10–12 SCFM |
| Weight | 62 lb (28 kg) net; 65 lb (29 kg) shipping |
| Lubrication | Patented pressurized self-lubricating system |
| Thread | Polyester sewing thread recommended |
| Bag materials | Paper, woven polypropylene, jute |
What crepe tape does for a sewn bag
A plain-sewn closure is ideal for products that won't leak between stitches. When that's not enough, tape sewing helps. The crepe tape folds over the bag top and is sewn through along with the bag, which:
- Enhances appearance. The top looks finished instead of raw-stitched.
- Further reduces leakage compared with plain sewing.
- Makes a durable closure for paper, woven polypropylene and jute bags.
For extra protection, needle holes can be filled with filler cord, and self-adhesive crepe tape helps prevent moisture infiltration.
Who needs a Model 101
- Conveyor lines that have outgrown plain sewing because of leaks or appearance
- Bags headed to retail or distribution, where a finished top matters
- Operations that want better closure quality without switching to pinch bottom bags and a pinch closer
Building a Model 101 station
Like the Model 100, the Model 101 is a sewing head that integrates into a bag-closing line. Available accessories include mounting pedestals, power infeed systems, conveyors, bag-top folders, thread and tape-break detectors and photoelectric controls. Plan for compressed air at 90 PSI minimum and 10–12 SCFM.
Model 101 vs. Model 100 vs. PBC 6000
| Model 100 | Model 101 | PBC 6000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Closure | Plain sew | Crepe tape sew | Hot-air pinch seal, no stitching |
| Bags | Paper, woven PP, jute | Paper, woven PP, jute | Pre-glued multi-wall paper pinch bottom only |
| Speed | 35–55 ft/min (up to 80) | 35–55 ft/min | 30–75 ft/min standard |
| Best for | Products that won't leak between stitches | Cleaner, less leak-prone sewn closure | Fine powders needing a sift-resistant seal |
Maintenance basics
The pressurized self-lubricating system cuts routine maintenance. The Model 100/101 manual adds: check oil level and seals before startup, change the oil and filter every 500 working hours, keep the head free of dust, keep optical sensors clean, and lock out air and power before maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
What is a tape sewing head?
A tape sewing head sews a strip of crepe tape over the top of a bag as it stitches it closed. Tape sew systems use crepe paper to enhance the appearance of the closure and further reduce leakage compared with plain sewing.
What is the Fischbein Empress Model 101?
The Empress Model 101 is a pedestal-mount tape sewing head that closes paper, woven polypropylene and jute bags with a crepe-tape sewn closure. It sews a single-needle, double-thread Federal Type 401 chain stitch at 35–55 feet per minute.
What width crepe tape does the Model 101 use?
The Model 101 uses crepe tape 1.25 to 2.5 inches (3.2 to 6.4 cm) wide and cuts it with a scissors-style cutter.
What air does the Model 101 need?
The Model 101 is pneumatic and needs a minimum of 90 PSI at 10 to 12 SCFM.
How thick a bag can the Model 101 sew?
The Model 101 handles material up to 0.3 inches (8 mm) thick.
Is the Model 101 self-lubricating?
Yes. The Model 101 has a patented pressurized self-lubricating system designed for dependable production use with less routine maintenance.
What thread does the Model 101 use?
Polyester sewing thread is recommended.
Should I buy a Model 100 or a Model 101?
Choose the Model 100 plain sewing head if your product won't leak between stitches and appearance isn't a priority. Choose the Model 101 tape sewing head if you want a cleaner-looking closure and less leakage without switching to pinch bottom bags.
Is tape sewing right for your bags?
Tell us your bag material, product and how many bags you close a day, and we'll recommend the right closer. Call 866-888-6327 (Mon–Fri, 8am–5pm CST), email sales@clevelandequipment.com, or browse all bag sewers.