Basic moulded pulp manufacturing process

2023-06-02 14:08:22

1.Preparation of Pulp Mixture:

  The moulded pulp manufacturing process begins with the preparation of the pulp mixture. Recycled paper or other plant-based fiber board are typically used as the raw material.

  The fiber are first sorted, cleaned, and deinked to remove any impurities or contaminants.

  The fiber are then mixed with water and additives, such as wet strength agents or dry strength additives, to improve the pulp's characteristics and enhance the final product's performance.

2.Pulp Molding:

  The prepared pulp mixture is transferred to a pulp molding machine, where the actual forming process takes place.

  The machine consists of a series of net molds or tooling, which are often made of metal or aluminum, and are shaped according to the desired product design.

  The net molds can vary in size and shape to accommodate different product types, such as fruit trays, food containers, or packaging inserts.

  The pulp mixture is evenly distributed onto the net molds, and a vacuum is applied to draw out excess water, causing the fibers to form a wet paper base.

  The fibers become entangled and interlock with each other through hydrogen bonding, creating a solid structure that conforms to the shape of the net mold.

3.Water Removal and Shaping:

   After the wet paper base is formed on the net mold, the next step is to remove the remaining water and further shape the product.

   Various methods can be used for water removal, such as air drying, heat drying, or pressing.

   Air drying involves allowing the wet paper base to naturally dry in ambient air, while heat drying uses controlled heat sources to accelerate the drying process.

   Pressing can be employed to remove excess moisture by applying pressure to the formed product.

   The specific method used depends on factors such as product requirements, production capacity, and available equipment.

4.Finishing and Packaging:

  Once the moulded fibre products have been dried and shaped, they undergo finishing processes to enhance their quality and functionality.

  Trimming, cutting, or punching may be performed to remove excess material or create openings for handles or other features.

  Additional treatments, such as spraying agents, dipping agents, or applying PLA films, can be applied at this stage to provide water-proofing, oil-proofing, or decorative elements.

  The finished products are then inspected for quality control purposes, ensuring they meet the required specifications and standards.

  Finally, the pulp molded products are packaged and prepared for distribution and use.

SHM, as a provider of fine pulp molding machines and expertise in pulp molding technology, can offer comprehensive solutions for pulp molding production lines. Their experience in molded pulp packaging machinery ensures efficient and high-quality production processes, meeting the needs of various industries.