EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series PP Blown Film Line

Downward Water-Cooled Polypropylene Film Extrusion Machine

The EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series PP Blown Film Line is a specialized monolayer extrusion system designed to process polypropylene (PP) into thin film with excellent visual clarity and a relatively stiff feel. Unlike conventional polyethylene blown film lines that typically form an upward-moving air-cooled bubble, this series uses a downward, water-cooled film extrusion process designed for polypropylene processing.

Available in five models—EX-PB45, EX-PB55, EX-PB65, EX-PB75, and EX-PB90—the series offers screw diameters from 45 mm to 90 mm, reference film layflat widths from 350 mm to 1,000 mm, and stated extrusion capacities from 40 kg/h to 140 kg/h. The reference film thickness range is 0.02–0.06 mm.

The EX-PB Series is designed for manufacturers producing polypropylene film for garment bags and other suitable applications requiring a combination of clarity, stiffness, and lightweight construction. Its downward water-cooling process makes it important to select the correct PP grade and coordinate extrusion, cooling, film handling, and winding conditions.

1. Product Overview

Polypropylene is widely used in packaging applications where transparency, stiffness, and low film weight are important. However, PP behaves differently from LDPE and LLDPE during extrusion. Its melting and crystallization characteristics require a suitable processing method to achieve stable film formation and the desired optical and mechanical properties.

The EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series uses a downward extrusion arrangement with water cooling. The molten polymer is delivered through a suitable die, and the emerging film is cooled through the configured water-cooling system. The film is then guided through the downstream handling system and wound into rolls for further processing.

The final film quality depends on the PP resin grade, melt temperature, die design, cooling conditions, film thickness, line speed, and winding settings. Selecting an appropriate material and optimizing the operating parameters are essential for producing film with consistent dimensions and appearance.

Key Features

• Specialized PP processing: Designed for polypropylene film extrusion using a downward, water-cooled process.
• Monolayer film production: Produces single-layer PP film for suitable packaging applications.
• Clear film appearance: The process is intended to support high visual clarity when matched with an appropriate resin grade and operating conditions.
• Relatively stiff film: Polypropylene offers a different stiffness and handling feel from many polyethylene films.
• Five model options: Screw diameters from 45 mm to 90 mm provide different nominal output levels and film widths.
• Thin-film capability: The supplied reference thickness range is 0.02–0.06 mm.
• Multiple production capacities: Stated outputs range from 40 kg/h to 140 kg/h across the five models.
• Garment packaging application: Designed for PP film used in garment bags and other suitable film products.

2. Technical Specifications

The following table presents the reference technical data for the EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series PP Blown Film Line.

Technical note: The specifications are reference values. Actual capacity and achievable film quality depend on the PP grade, formulation, die configuration, cooling conditions, film thickness, line speed, and operating parameters. The maximum output and the full thickness range may not be achievable simultaneously. Confirm the final machine configuration and performance requirements with EXTRUTEX before ordering.

3. Available Models

EX-PB45 PP Blown Film Line

The EX-PB45 is the entry model in the series, with a 45 mm screw diameter, a reference layflat width of 350 mm, and a stated output capacity of 40 kg/h. It can be considered for smaller-scale PP film production where a relatively narrow film format meets the product requirements.

EX-PB55 PP Blown Film Line

The EX-PB55 features a 55 mm screw diameter and a reference layflat width of 550 mm. Its stated extrusion capacity is 60 kg/h, making it an option for manufacturers who require greater output and a wider film format than the EX-PB45.

EX-PB65 PP Blown Film Line

The EX-PB65 uses a 65 mm screw and supports a reference layflat width of 700 mm, with a stated output capacity of 80 kg/h. It provides a mid-range option for customers planning to produce PP film at a higher rate while maintaining a relatively compact production setup.

EX-PB75 PP Blown Film Line

The EX-PB75 is equipped with a 75 mm screw diameter and a reference layflat width of 800 mm. With a stated output of 100 kg/h, it can be evaluated for production operations requiring a wider film format and increased throughput.

EX-PB90 PP Blown Film Line

The EX-PB90 is the largest model in the series, featuring a 90 mm screw diameter, a reference layflat width of 1,000 mm, and a stated extrusion capacity of 140 kg/h. It is designed for customers requiring the highest nominal output and widest film format in the EX-PB range.

4. Why Use Polypropylene Film?

Polypropylene offers a combination of physical properties that makes it useful for a variety of packaging products. Compared with many flexible polyethylene films, PP film can provide greater stiffness and a different surface and handling feel. These characteristics can be valuable when the finished packaging needs to maintain its shape or present a clear view of the packaged product.

Clarity and Appearance

Suitable polypropylene grades can produce film with high visual clarity. Optical performance depends on resin selection, crystallization behavior, cooling conditions, film thickness, and processing stability. The water-cooling process is designed to support the required PP film formation, but the actual clarity should be confirmed through material trials and product testing.

Stiffness and Handling

PP film can offer a relatively stiff feel, helping certain packaging products maintain their shape during handling. The required stiffness depends on film thickness, resin grade, and the intended product design. Film that is too stiff or too thin for its intended use may not deliver the desired handling performance, so material selection should reflect the final application.

Lightweight Packaging

Thin PP film can provide a lightweight packaging option when the product requirements are appropriately defined. The finished film's suitability depends on its strength, tear behavior, sealing characteristics, and the conditions under which it will be used.

5. Downward Water-Cooled Film Extrusion Process

The EX-PB Series uses a specialized downward, water-cooled process for PP film production. The process differs from conventional upward air-cooled blown film extrusion and requires the cooling and film-handling systems to be matched to the selected polypropylene material.

1. Material feeding: PP resin is supplied to the extruder hopper in accordance with the material manufacturer's recommendations.
2. Melting and plasticizing: The screw conveys, melts, and homogenizes the polymer within the heated barrel.
3. Melt delivery: The molten PP is conveyed through the extrusion system to the configured die.
4. Film formation: The die forms the molten polymer into a tubular film structure suitable for the machine's downward process.
5. Water cooling: The configured cooling system helps cool and stabilize the film as it moves through the production line.
6. Film handling: The film is guided through the downstream handling system to control its movement and dimensions.
7. Winding: The finished film is wound into rolls for storage or conversion into garment bags and other products.

Process conditions must be optimized for the chosen PP grade. Operators should monitor melt temperature, output, cooling conditions, film stability, thickness, and winding tension to help maintain consistent production.

6. Main Application: Garment Bags

The primary application of the EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series is polypropylene film for garment bags. Clear PP film can be used for suitable packaging designs where product visibility, relatively stiff handling, and a neat presentation are desirable.

Garment packaging requirements vary according to the type of clothing, bag dimensions, closure design, storage conditions, and downstream converting process. The selected film should provide appropriate protection and handling performance while remaining compatible with the bag-making equipment.

Potential Application Benefits

• Product visibility: Suitable PP film grades can provide a clear view of packaged garments.
• Shape retention: PP film's relative stiffness can help a bag maintain its form during handling.
• Lightweight construction: Thin film can reduce packaging material use when the required strength and durability are maintained.
• Roll-based production: Film can be wound into rolls for supply to compatible downstream bag-making equipment.
• Custom product dimensions: Film width and thickness should be matched to the intended bag size and manufacturing process.

Other applications may be evaluated according to the resin, film properties, and converting requirements. Suitability should be established through technical review and trials rather than assumed for every PP packaging application.

7. How to Select the Right EX-PB Model

Choosing the correct model requires more than comparing screw diameter or nominal output. Customers should evaluate the complete production target, including material, film width, thickness, optical quality, and downstream converting requirements.

• Required layflat width: Identify the width needed for the final film roll and garment bag design.
• Film thickness: Define the target thickness within the practical operating range of the selected configuration.
• PP resin grade: Confirm that the resin is suitable for the downward water-cooled process.
• Output target: Estimate required hourly production and compare it with the model's stated capacity.
• Film quality: Specify clarity, stiffness, surface appearance, and mechanical performance requirements.
• Downstream machinery: Confirm compatibility with the bag-making, cutting, sealing, and winding requirements.
• Factory conditions: Review installation space, power supply, cooling water arrangements, ventilation, and maintenance access.
• Future production plans: Consider whether the selected model will accommodate expected changes in demand or product dimensions.

EXTRUTEX recommends confirming the PP grade and target film properties before finalizing the equipment selection.

8. Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

Proper installation and regular maintenance help support stable production, film quality, and equipment reliability. Before commissioning, qualified personnel should check the foundation, electrical connections, grounding, heating systems, cooling-water arrangements, and machine safety devices.

During operation, monitor extrusion temperature, motor load, film stability, cooling performance, thickness, line speed, and winding tension. Changes in resin grade or target thickness may require adjustments to operating conditions. Operators should follow the machine operating instructions and resin supplier's processing recommendations.

Routine maintenance should include inspection of heating elements, temperature sensors, drive components, cooling systems, film-handling equipment, and winding assemblies. Cleaning should follow the manufacturer's procedures to protect precision components and avoid contamination. Maintenance must be carried out by trained personnel, with appropriate isolation procedures applied before work begins.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

What material does the EX-PB Series process?

The EX-PB Series is specified for polypropylene (PP). The selected resin grade must be suitable for the machine's downward, water-cooled extrusion process.

What is the main difference between this line and a conventional PE blown film line?

The EX-PB Series uses a downward, water-cooled process intended for PP film production. Conventional LDPE and LLDPE blown film lines commonly use an upward, air-cooled bubble arrangement. The processes are not automatically interchangeable.

What is the maximum stated output?

The EX-PB90 has a stated extrusion capacity of 140 kg/h. Actual output depends on resin grade, film thickness, film width, cooling conditions, and operating parameters.

What film thickness can the line produce?

The supplied reference range is 0.02–0.06 mm. The achievable range depends on material properties and the final machine configuration.

Can the EX-PB Series produce garment bag film?

Yes. Garment bag film is the stated primary application. Final suitability depends on the required film dimensions, clarity, stiffness, and downstream bag-making process.

How do I choose the correct model?

Provide your required film width, thickness, PP resin grade, target output, and garment bag specifications. EXTRUTEX can use these details to help determine a suitable configuration.

10. Request a Quotation

The EXTRUTEX EX-PB Series PP Blown Film Line offers five model options for manufacturers seeking specialized polypropylene film production using a downward water-cooled extrusion process.

To help determine the appropriate configuration, please provide:

• Preferred model: EX-PB45, EX-PB55, EX-PB65, EX-PB75, or EX-PB90
• PP resin grade and material specifications
• Required film layflat width
• Target film thickness
• Expected production capacity
• Garment bag dimensions and downstream converting requirements
• Factory location and electrical supply requirements

Contact EXTRUTEX to discuss your application, confirm the technical configuration, and request a quotation for the EX-PB Series PP Blown Film Line.

EXTRUTEX — Austrian design, with manufacturing in China and design, laboratory, and R&D capabilities in Austria.