PE foam tube coating machine,PE foam tube film coating machine

The PE foam tube coating machine（PE foam tube film coating machine） is a device that employs an extrusion casting process to directly and uniformly apply molten plastic (typically polyethylene PE) in film form onto the surface of a PE foam tube moving at a constant speed. The film is instantly cooled and set by a cooling roller, forming a dense, durable plastic protective layer on the PE foam tube.

Coating technology, renowned for its exceptional performance, is primarily employed in applications demanding the highest levels of protection:

The coated film adheres tightly to foam tubes, delivering superior waterproofing and moisture resistance—the core advantage of coated tubes. Ideal for:

Premium furniture export packaging: Protects against moisture absorption by foam tubes during maritime transport, preventing protective failure and furniture damage.

Precision instrument and electronics packaging: Demands packaging materials with minimal moisture release and superior moisture resistance.

Cold chain logistics packaging: Used in scenarios requiring cold insulation and condensation prevention.

Exceptional abrasion resistance and surface strength: The dense laminated layer effectively prevents foam shedding during friction and enhances surface scratch resistance.

Aesthetic Appeal and Premium Texture: The laminated surface boasts a mirror-like gloss, significantly elevating the product's visual quality.

Enhanced Sealing and Cushioning Retention: The coating seals the open-cell structure of the foam, enabling faster rebound after prolonged compression and maintaining consistent cushioning performance.

PE Foam Tube Coating Machine Working Principle and Process Flow:

Feeding and Conveying: PE foam tubes are automatically or manually arranged in orderly rows and conveyed at a constant speed into the coating zone via a conveyor belt.

Preheating (Optional): Some equipment employs infrared preheating to slightly melt the tube surface, enhancing adhesion with the coating layer.

Plastic Extrusion and Casting: This is the core process.

Plastic pellets (e.g., LDPE) are fed into the extruder, where they undergo heating, melting, compression, and homogenization.

The molten plastic flows through a cylindrical die, coating the PE foam tube surface. Coating thickness is determined by extruder speed.

Embossing and Forming: If a patterned surface is required, the coated tube immediately passes through one or more cooling embossing rollers (chrome-plated mirror rollers) with engraved patterns. Roller pressure imprints the pattern onto the surface, curing and setting the plastic layer. Embossing rollers are omitted if no surface pattern is needed.

Cooling and Setting: The tube undergoes further thorough cooling through a circulating water system.

Take-up: The finished product is conveyed via a conveyor belt for automatic cutting or collection at predetermined lengths.

PE Foam Tube Coating Machine Main Components:

A complete coating machine integrates an extruder with a specialized coating forming unit, featuring higher technical complexity:

Plastic Extrusion System: Includes hopper, screw extruder, heating temperature control system, and circular extrusion die head.

Substrate Conveying: Precision variable-speed conveyor belt.

Cast Coating Die: Precision-adjusted circular extrusion die ensuring uniform melt curtain formation.

Cooling and Setting System: Embossed cooling rollers, cooling water circulation unit.

Tensioning and Take-up System: Motor-driven rollers, fixed-length cutting device, winding system.

Advanced Control System: Industrial PLC integrating control of extrusion temperature, screw speed, conveyor speed, cooling temperature, etc., ensuring process stability.

PE Foam Tube Coating Machine Selection and Considerations

Coating machines involve significantly higher investment and operational costs than laminating machines; selection requires careful consideration:

Production Capacity and Tube Diameter Range: Clearly define production speed and the range of tube diameters and lengths that can be processed.

Extruder Specifications: Screw diameter and length-to-diameter ratio determine plastic plasticization capability and maximum output.

Coating Thickness Control: Assess whether the equipment's precision can consistently regulate the thickness of the applied coating layer.

Energy Consumption: Extruders and associated systems consume substantial power, resulting in high electricity usage.

Raw Material Requirements: Specific PE, PVC, EVA, or other coating-grade pellets must be used, determined by the substrate material being coated.

Process Complexity: Operators require knowledge of plastic extrusion techniques and must adjust parameters (temperature, speed, pressure) during setup.

Summary:

The PE foam tube lamination machine produces high-end waterproof PE foam tubes, designed as a solution for extreme environments or demanding protection requirements. If your customers demand exceptional moisture resistance, sealing performance, and aesthetics, and can accommodate higher costs and more complex processes, lamination is the ideal choice. Conversely, for basic dustproofing and visual appeal, a coating machine offers a more economical and practical solution.

Simply put: Lamination is like “putting on clothes,” while coating is like “applying a layer of skin.” Make your choice based on your product positioning and market demands.