Quick answer: The Model 100 plain sewing head is a pedestal-mount bag closer for conveyor lines. It sews a single-needle, two-thread Federal Type 401 double-locked chain stitch at 35–55 ft/min (up to 80 ft/min) through open-mouth paper, woven polypropylene and jute bags up to 8.0 mm thick. It's self-lubricating, weighs 57 lb, and runs on 120 VAC with air at 50 PSI and 2–3 CFM. The pedestal is sold separately.
When handheld closing can't keep up with your filler, the Model 100 is the usual next step. Bags ride a conveyor past the head and sew closed as they go. Here's what it does and how to decide if it fits your line.
Model 100 specifications
| Type | Pedestal-mount plain sewing head |
| Stitch | Federal Type 401 double-locked chain stitch; single needle, two threads |
| Stitches per inch | 2.5 standard, adjustable 2–4 |
| Speed | 35–55 ft/min standard; up to 80 ft/min |
| Max material thickness | 8.0 mm |
| Bag materials | Open-mouth paper, woven polypropylene, jute |
| Power / air | 120 VAC; 50 PSI at 2–3 CFM |
| Weight | 57 lb (26 kg) |
| Lubrication | Self-lubricating |
| Pedestal | Sold separately |
Who needs a Model 100
- Feed, seed, fertilizer, grain and other operations closing a steady volume of open-mouth bags
- Lines where handheld closing has become the bottleneck
- Products coarse enough that they won't leak between stitches, which is what plain sewing is ideal for
- Plants that want a more secure two-thread stitch than a single-thread handheld closer
How it fits on your line
The Model 100 is a sewing head, not a stand-alone machine. It mounts on a pedestal over a conveyor. Filled bags travel upright down the conveyor, and the head sews across each bag top as it passes. Available accessories let you build out the station:
- Mounting pedestals
- Power infeed systems
- Conveyors
- Bag-top folders
- Thread and tape-break detectors
Maintenance
The Model 100 is self-lubricating, which reduces routine maintenance. From the Model 100/101 manual:
- Before startup: check the oil level in the oil window and check seals for leaks.
- Every 500 working hours: replace the oil and the oil filter, using the oil the manual specifies.
- Daily: keep the head free of dust, clean with compressed air through an OSHA-approved nozzle or with a vacuum, manually lubricate knife blades and presser foot hinges, keep optical sensors clean, and check for loose fasteners.
- Always: let the machine do the work, don't pull the bag, and lock out air and power before maintenance.
Plain sew or tape sew?
Plain sewing is ideal for products that won't leak between stitches. A fold-over at the bag top minimizes major leaks. If you need a cleaner-looking top or less leakage, the Empress Model 101 tape sewing head sews crepe tape over the top at the same 35–55 ft/min. For fine powders that must not sift, look at pinch bottom bags on the PBC 6000.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Model 100 plain sewing head?
The Model 100 is a pedestal-mount sewing head for closing open-mouth paper, woven polypropylene and jute bags on a conveyor line. It sews a single-needle, two-thread Federal Type 401 double-locked chain stitch at 35–55 feet per minute, with capability up to 80 feet per minute.
What stitch does the Model 100 produce?
The Model 100 produces a Federal Type 401 double-locked chain stitch using a single needle and two threads, at 2 to 4 stitches per inch (2.5 standard).
How fast is the Model 100?
Standard operating speed is 35–55 feet per minute, with a maximum capability of up to 80 feet per minute.
Is the Model 100 self-lubricating?
Yes. The Model 100 sewing head is self-lubricating, which reduces routine maintenance. The manual calls for changing the oil and oil filter every 500 working hours.
What power and air does the Model 100 need?
The Model 100 lists 120 VAC power and compressed air at 50 PSI and 2–3 CFM.
Does the Model 100 come with a pedestal?
No. The pedestal is sold separately. Accessories include mounting pedestals, power infeed systems, conveyors, bag-top folders, and thread and tape-break detectors.
How thick a bag can the Model 100 sew?
The Model 100 has a maximum material thickness capacity of 8.0 mm.
What's the difference between the Model 100 and the Model 101?
The Model 100 is a plain sewing head that stitches the bag top closed. The Empress Model 101 is a tape sewing head that sews crepe tape over the bag top for a cleaner look and less leakage. Both sew a Federal Type 401 chain stitch at 35–55 feet per minute.
Planning a Model 100 sewing station?
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.