A bubble tea cup and PET thermoforming packaging manufacturer in Thailand has commissioned a high-specification ABA PET Three-Layer Sheet Co-Extrusion Line from TZ Machinery. The line pairs an 85 mm parallel twin-screw extruder with a 75 mm single-screw extruder, and was selected to raise output of high-clarity PET sheet for beverage cups and food packaging.
Project Background
Our relationship with this valued Thai client began at the Thailand Plastics & Rubber Exhibition last year. As a well-established manufacturer of bubble tea cups and PET thermoforming packaging, they initially approached us to repair the screw of their existing sheet extruder.
Impressed by our technical expertise, quality of service, and the proven efficiency of our multi-layer PET co-extrusion technology, the customer chose to partner with us again this year to expand their production capacity. They ordered a high-specification Linha de coextrusão de chapas de três camadas ABA PET featuring an 85 parallel twin-screw plus 75 single-screw configuration.
[Image: ABA PET three-layer sheet co-extrusion line with 85 parallel twin-screw and 75 single-screw – TZ Machinery]
High-End Configuration & Key Features
To meet the client’s demanding standard for high-clarity, stable PET sheet production for beverage and packaging applications, the line was built with industry-leading components.
| System | Especificação |
|---|---|
| Line type | ABA three-layer co-extrusion |
| Screw configuration | 85 mm parallel twin-screw + 75 mm single-screw |
| Drive & control | Siemens main motors, Siemens servo motors, integrated Siemens PLC |
| Melt flow components | JC Times flow channels, melt metering pump, screen changer, feedblock, extrusion die |
| Enrolamento | Heavy-duty gantry-type dual-station winder |
| Target product | High-clarity PET sheet for bubble tea cups and thermoforming packaging |
Drive & Control System
The line is equipped with Siemens main motors, Siemens servo motors, and a fully integrated Siemens PLC control system. This combination ensures superior energy efficiency, precise torque management, and reliable automation across the whole line.
Extrusion Tooling & Melt Flow Systems
To guarantee immaculate melt homogeneity, continuous operation, and precise layer thickness control, we integrated premium components from JC Times, including the flow channels, melt metering pump, screen changer, feedblock, and extrusion die. The máquina de extrusão de chapas de PET com duplo parafuso paralelo section handles the core layer, while the vented single screw PET sheet extrusion line section delivers a stable outer layer.
Winding System
The line incorporates a heavy-duty gantry-type dual-station winder, allowing operators to handle large-diameter rolls effortlessly while maintaining uniform winding tension.
[Image: Heavy-duty gantry-type dual-station winder on the ABA PET co-extrusion line – TZ Machinery]
Results & Impact
By upgrading to our ABA PET sheet extrusion technology, the customer substantially reduced raw material costs by using recycled or core-layer materials in the B layer, while maintaining high visual and functional standards on the outer A layers.
The reliable Siemens automation and JC Times extrusion hardware ensure minimal downtime, high output, and consistent sheet quality required for high-speed thermoforming. Edge trim is returned to the line through a soundproof sheet edge scrap online crusher, which keeps the regrind stream clean and further supports the cost target.
This successful project reinforces our commitment to delivering tailored, high-end extrusion solutions to global packaging manufacturers.
FAQ
What is an ABA three-layer PET sheet co-extrusion line?
It is a line with two outer A layers and one core B layer extruded simultaneously. The A layers use virgin or premium PET for surface quality and food contact, while the B layer carries recycled flake or regrind, which cuts raw material cost without changing the outer appearance.
Why combine an 85 twin-screw with a 75 single-screw extruder?
The 85 mm parallel twin-screw provides strong mixing, devolatilization and throughput for the heavily loaded core layer, while the 75 mm single-screw delivers a stable, homogeneous melt for the outer layer. Together they balance output, melt quality and energy use.
What does the Siemens control system add to this line?
Siemens main motors, servo drives and an integrated PLC give precise torque and speed management across extruders, melt pump, screen changer and winder. Operators get repeatable layer ratios, faster start-up and fewer unplanned stops.
How much raw material cost can the ABA structure save?
The saving depends on the layer ratio and the price gap between virgin and recycled PET. Because the B layer typically holds the majority of the sheet thickness, replacing it with recycled flake or in-house regrind is where most of the material cost reduction comes from.
Why is a melt metering pump used on a PET sheet line?
The melt pump stabilises pressure and output at the die inlet, so sheet thickness and layer distribution stay constant even when extruder conditions drift. That stability is what makes thin, high-clarity PET sheet repeatable at production speed.
Can the line run recycled PET in the core layer?
Yes. The ABA structure is designed for it: recycled flakes or edge-trim regrind go into the B layer, while the A layers keep the surface clear and food-contact compliant. Vacuum degassing and melt filtration control volatiles and contamination.