High-Speed Flexible Straw Forming

The EX-900WG is designed specifically for manufacturers producing flexible drinking straws at high production volumes. The machine automatically performs the major forming operations required to transform straight straws into bendable drinking straws.

After automatic feeding, the straight straw enters the forming section where the flexible portion is corrugated and shaped. The controlled forming process creates a compact flexible section while maintaining the required overall straw geometry. The finished product is then transferred toward the counting and discharge system.

With a rated working speed of approximately 800–1000 pieces per minute, the EX-900WG is suitable for large-scale straw manufacturing operations where production efficiency, repeatability and automatic handling are important.

PP and PLA Straw Compatibility

The EX-900WG can process suitable straight drinking straws manufactured from polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA). These materials are widely used for disposable and alternative-material drinking straw applications.

The supported straw inner diameter range is approximately 3.8–7.8 mm. Straight straw lengths can range from 180–260 mm, with wall thicknesses from approximately 0.15–0.18 mm.

Actual production performance depends on the dimensional consistency, stiffness, elasticity, surface characteristics and material formulation of the incoming straws. Properly controlled straw dimensions are important for reliable high-speed feeding and forming.

Fully Automatic Production Process

The EX-900WG integrates multiple operations into a single automated machine. This configuration minimizes manual handling and creates a continuous workflow from straight straw feeding to finished flexible straw collection.

1. Automatic feeding: Straight straws are supplied to the machine.
2. Straw positioning: The feeding system transfers the straws into the forming section.
3. Corrugation: The specified flexible section is formed through controlled corrugation.
4. Bending: The corrugated section is shaped to create the flexible drinking straw.
5. Counting: Finished products are automatically counted.
6. Conveying: Finished straws are transferred to the output conveyor.
7. Collection: Products can be collected for subsequent packaging or downstream operations.

Four-Sensor Jam Monitoring System

High-speed straw forming requires accurate material movement through every stage of the machine. The EX-900WG therefore incorporates a four-sensor monitoring system using Panasonic laser sensors.

The sensors monitor critical points in the feeding and forming process. If the system detects an abnormal condition such as a missing straw, misfeed or jam, the machine can automatically stop. This helps prevent continued operation under abnormal conditions and protects important mechanical components.

Sensor-based monitoring also helps operators identify production interruptions quickly. Combined with the automatic feeding and discharge systems, this provides a more controlled production environment for high-speed straw manufacturing.

Automatic Counting and Output Conveyor

After the flexible straw has been formed, the product is transferred toward the automatic counting and discharge section. The integrated counter provides production quantity control and simplifies product collection.

The output conveyor continuously transfers finished straws away from the forming area. This arrangement allows operators to collect products in an organized manner and facilitates integration with subsequent packing, inspection or material-handling operations.

For factories operating multiple production machines, automatic counting and controlled discharge can also simplify production monitoring and shift-based output management.

Enclosed Safety Design

The EX-900WG uses an enclosed machine structure with a stainless-steel safety cover and observation windows. The enclosure provides a physical barrier around moving mechanical components while allowing operators to observe the production process.

The enclosed configuration is particularly useful for high-speed production, where moving components operate continuously and access to the forming mechanism should be controlled during normal operation.

Operators can monitor feeding, forming and discharge through the observation areas while the machine enclosure helps maintain a cleaner and more organized production environment.

Applications

The EX-900WG is suitable for industrial production of flexible drinking straws used in beverage and food-service applications. Its high operating speed makes it particularly suitable for manufacturers requiring large quantities of finished flexible straws.

Production Parameters

The EX-900WG supports a range of straight straw dimensions suitable for flexible straw production. The following parameters define the principal production range of the machine.

Technical Specifications

Machine Configuration

EX-900WG Production Flow

Why Choose EXTRUTEX?

EXTRUTEX combines Austrian engineering and design with industrial manufacturing capabilities in China. The EX-900WG is developed around practical production requirements for modern plastic straw manufacturing, with emphasis on automatic operation, high production speed, controlled forming and reliable material handling.

EXTRUTEX products are designed in Austria and manufactured in Nanjing and Shanghai, China. This combination provides customers with European-oriented engineering and product development together with competitive industrial manufacturing capabilities.

For drinking straw manufacturers, the EX-900WG offers a compact and integrated solution for converting straight PP or PLA straws into flexible bendable products without requiring separate manual forming operations.

Engineering Advantages

• High production capacity: approximately 800–1000 pcs/min for high-volume flexible straw production.
• Automatic operation: feeding, forming, counting and discharge are integrated into one production system.
• Flexible material options: suitable for PP and PLA straight drinking straws within the specified range.
• Sensor monitoring: four Panasonic laser sensors monitor critical feeding and forming positions.
• Jam protection: abnormal feeding and movement conditions can trigger automatic machine stopping.
• Controlled product collection: automatic counting and output conveying simplify production management.
• Enclosed construction: stainless-steel safety cover and observation windows provide controlled access to moving components.
• Industrial construction: approximately 1200 kg machine weight provides a substantial production platform for high-speed operation.

Installation and Production Considerations

Before installation, the production site should provide sufficient space for the machine dimensions of approximately 1800 × 1600 × 1850 mm, together with additional working space for operators, material loading, finished-product collection and maintenance access.

The machine requires a 380 V, three-phase electrical supply with a rated power requirement of approximately 4 kW. Electrical installation should be completed according to local industrial regulations and the final machine configuration supplied to the customer.

Stable incoming straw dimensions are important for achieving reliable high-speed feeding and forming. Customers should ensure that straight straws are manufactured within the specified diameter, length and wall-thickness ranges before entering the EX-900WG production process.

Stable High-Speed Straw Production

At high production speeds, consistent straw geometry is essential. The EX-900WG combines automatic material handling with sensor monitoring to maintain a controlled forming process. The four-sensor monitoring system provides additional protection against abnormal feeding conditions, while automatic counting and discharge support continuous production.

The result is a production system designed for manufacturers seeking to increase flexible straw output while reducing repetitive manual handling. The machine architecture allows the forming process to remain organized from the initial feeding stage through final product collection.