Application and development of plasticine extruder and packaging machine in stationery industry

As core equipment in the stationery production automation chain, plasticine extruders and packaging machines have seen significant progress in recent years in terms of technological upgrades, efficiency improvements, and functional integration, significantly promoting the standardization and large-scale production of products such as plasticine and erasers. The following comprehensive analysis focuses on four aspects: application characteristics, technological developments, typical cases, and future trends:

I. Plasticine Extruders: From Quantity Control to Integrated Forming
Extruders are primarily responsible for the precise metering, forming, and initial slitting of raw materials. Their technological evolution focuses on precision and automation:

1. High-Precision Quantity Extrusion Technology

A servo motor controls the rack-and-pinion transmission system, combined with infrared sensors and PLC programming, to precisely control the displacement of the extrusion ring, ensuring consistent extrusion volume every time (error ≤1%). For example, the patented technology utilizes a dual "spring stop plate + extrusion shaft" structure to continue pushing residual material after the extrusion ring hits bottom, eliminating excess material waste.

2. Modular Forming Design

Equipped with interchangeable molds, it adapts to forming plasticine blocks of varying weights. The finished product is automatically ejected by a motorized pusher, eliminating manual intervention. 3. Optimized Material Adaptability
The hopper and screw structure, welded together from 304/316 stainless steel, is corrosion-resistant and easy to clean, meeting food-grade safety standards and suitable for a variety of materials, including colored clay and flour paste.

II. Packaging Machine: Intelligent and Multifunctional Integration
The packaging process focuses on high speed, flexibility, and vision control. Technical features include:

1. Dual-Frequency/Triple-Servo Control System

The dual-frequency system: enables instant bag length setting and cutting, eliminating idle adjustments. Combined with PID temperature control technology, it adapts to different film materials (such as OPP and PET), achieving packaging speeds of 30–230 bags/minute.

Three-Servo Customization (Optional Four-Servo Customization): High-end models can be equipped with an optional three-servo system to further improve positioning accuracy (such as ±0.5mm color mark tracking), making it suitable for multi-packaging of special-shaped erasers.

2. Multifunctional Add-on Module

Integrates an inkjet printer, a bag-packing device (such as triple-packing), an exhaust/gassing system (nitrogen preservation), and a patterned knife seal to enhance product aesthetics and shelf life. Equipped with a touchscreen human-machine interface, it supports one-touch parameter setting and fault self-diagnosis, lowering the operational barrier to entry.
3. Wide Applicability
In addition to plasticine/erasers, the machine can also package regular objects such as pencil cases, industrial parts, and food (chocolate, mooncakes), demonstrating its versatility.

III. Industry Application Case: Automated Production Line Integration

Wenzhou Liner Machinery Co., Ltd.: Provides customized solutions from extrusion to packaging (such as three-servo and four-servo models), serving a wide range of industries, including food, stationery, and daily chemicals.

IV. Development Trend: Intelligent and Green
1. Popularization of Servo Systems
Traditional mechanical cams are gradually being replaced by servo motors, enabling flexible production changeovers (minute-by-minute adjustments) and meeting small-batch customization needs.
2. Integrated Visual Quality Inspection
Machine vision technology is used for printed pattern inspection and sealant line monitoring, combined with AI algorithms to improve defect detection (such as missing or contaminated items).
3. Green Production Orientation
Energy-Saving Design: Utilizes high-efficiency motors and variable frequency technology to reduce energy consumption. Environmentally friendly adaptation: Supports biodegradable film materials (such as PLA) and thinner carton packaging, reducing plastic use.
4. Cloud Platform Management
Equipment operating data (OEE, failure rate) is uploaded to the cloud, enabling remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime.

Summary
Plasticine extrusion and packaging equipment is evolving from stand-alone automation to intelligent production lines. Extruders prioritize precision and hygienic design to address quantitative residue issues; packaging machines leverage servo control and modular expansion to enhance versatility. In the future, as demand for small-batch customization grows in the stationery industry, flexible production line integration (such as extrusion, printing, cutting, and packaging machines) and green manufacturing will become key competitive areas. Companies should select suitable models based on product characteristics (such as weight and shape) and consider the upgrade potential of modules such as servo systems and visual quality inspection.