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How to Choose a Sheet-Making Machine? This Article Helps You Select Equipment Based on Production Capacity.
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For newcomers just starting out in the industry, one of the most common dilemmas when choosing a sheet extrusion machine is: Should they go for a small or medium-sized machine? If they choose too small a machine, they worry that production capacity won’t keep up with order demands; but if they opt for a larger machine, they’re concerned about high investment costs and wasted resources. In fact, the key to selecting the right equipment lies in “matching” it to your actual production needs. Today, we’ll provide a detailed analysis of the features of small and medium-sized sheet extrusion machines, helping you make the best choice for your situation.
1. First, clarify the core: What is your “actual production demand”?
Before selecting equipment, be sure to first carefully calculate your actual production requirements. Here, “production capacity” doesn’t refer to the “maximum ideal output,” but rather the average daily or monthly output under stable production conditions. For example, if you primarily handle small-batch orders with a daily output of no more than 500 kilograms, a small-sized machine might suffice. On the other hand, if your order volumes are larger and your daily output needs to range between 1,000 and 3,000 kilograms, a medium-sized machine would be more appropriate. Additionally, you should also take into account your development plans for the next one to two years. If you anticipate a significant increase in orders, it’s wise to reserve some extra capacity accordingly. However, don’t blindly pursue “large-scale equipment”—doing so could lead to unnecessary waste of capital and space.
II. Small Sheet-Making Machine: Suitable for small-batch, multi-category production
Small sheet machine's Production typically ranges from 100 to 500 kilograms per day. Its advantages are mainly reflected in the following aspects: First, the investment cost is low, which puts less financial pressure on beginners with limited budgets. Second, it occupies a small footprint and doesn't require a large production space, making it ideal for small-scale factories or home-based workshops. Third, it offers flexible operation—changing molds and raw materials takes relatively little time—making it well-suited for producing a wide variety of small-batch sheet products, such as customized food packaging sheets or small daily-use product sheets. However, small-scale equipment has limited output capacity; if order volumes suddenly increase, there could be a shortage of production capacity. Moreover, the per-unit production cost tends to be higher compared to medium-sized equipment.
3. Medium-sized sheet machine: Suitable for medium-volume, stable production.
of the medium-sized sheet machine The output typically ranges from 1,000 to 3,000 kilograms per day. It’s more suitable for newcomers who have stable orders and relatively high production demands. Its advantages include: ample production capacity, which can meet the needs of medium-volume orders and even handle short-term surges in demand; lower per-unit production costs, thanks to large-scale production that offers advantages in both raw material procurement and production efficiency; and a relatively high degree of automation in mid-sized equipment, making operation easier and ensuring more consistent quality of the finished sheets. However, mid-sized equipment comes with higher investment costs and requires a larger footprint, so it demands sufficient financial resources and adequate space. If your order volume is unstable or if you primarily handle small-batch custom orders, mid-sized equipment might end up underutilized, leading to wasted resources.
4. Large-Sheet Machinery: The “Capacity Champion” for Mass and Scalable Production
Large-sheet machine's Production typically exceeds 3,000 kilograms per day. (Some high-capacity models can reach 10–20 tons per day), primarily targeting enterprises engaged in large-scale production. Thanks to their exceptionally high productivity and a highly automated operating level, these devices have become the core production equipment for handling large-volume orders in fields such as automotive, construction, and high-end packaging. Their key advantages lie in “economies of scale” and “technological barriers”:
○ Ultimate production efficiency Equipped with large-diameter screws (65–120 mm) and high-power drive motors (33–110 kW), the extrusion capacity can reach 100–500 kg/h, enabling rapid processing of orders in the millions and meeting downstream industries' demand for continuous supply. For example, in an automotive interior sheet production line, a single large-scale piece of equipment can replace the output of 3–5 medium-sized machines per day, significantly shortening the delivery cycle.
○ Ultra-high-quality stability Equipped with a multi-zone precise temperature control system (temperature fluctuation ±1℃), a fully automatic PLC control system, and an online width measurement system (accuracy ±0.5mm), this machine enables closed-loop control throughout the entire process—from raw material plasticization to winding. The thickness tolerance of the sheet can be controlled within ±0.05mm, meeting the stringent requirements of high-end products such as PC anti-collision panels and PMMA light guide plates.
○ Optimal overall cost Large-scale production helps dilute unit energy consumption and labor costs, and raw material procurement benefits from bulk-buy discounts. Taking PP sheet production as an example, the unit energy consumption of large-scale equipment is 15% lower than that of medium-sized machines. Combined with energy-saving technologies such as constant-tension winding, annual cost savings can reach hundreds of thousands of yuan.
○ However, the threshold for large-scale equipment is extremely high: initial investments typically range from 500,000 to 1.5 million yuan (with some customized lines exceeding 2 million yuan), and they require standardized factory premises of over 1,000 square meters. Moreover, equipment commissioning takes a long time—usually 1 to 3 months—and product-changeover costs are high, making this type of equipment suitable only for large-scale, continuous production of a single product category or materials of the same type.
V. Summary: Match needs-based, avoid blind following of trends.
○ For businesses just starting out with small, scattered, and low-volume orders—choose small-scale equipment to gain hands-on experience, build up expertise, and reduce risks.
○ If you have stable mid-volume orders and sufficient funds and space—choose mid-sized equipment to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and steadily expand production.
○ Large-scale, continuous production and demand for high-end quality—choose large-scale equipment to seize scale advantages and capture the high-end market.
Finally, a reminder: In addition to output, you should also take into account other factors such as the material of the sheets being produced (e.g., PVC, PET, PP) and the thickness range. No matter which equipment you choose, it’s essential to conduct on-site trials and sign a comprehensive after-sales agreement—only then can you be sure to select the most “reliable” equipment.
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