How to choose when buying a paper cup machine?

In our daily lives, paper cups are ubiquitous for drinking purposes, offering a practical solution for environmental conservation compared to plastic alternatives.

The paper used in manufacturing these cups is typically PE coated paper, a composite material coated with plastic particles like PE (polyethylene) on its surface. This coating provides essential properties such as oil resistance, water resistance, and facilitates hot bonding.

The process of forming paper cups involves heating the PE coated paper, causing the PE to melt and allowing the paper to adhere together, forming the cup body. Two common methods for heating the paper are through ultrasonic heaters or copper heaters.

While both ultrasonic and copper heaters serve the same purpose, they differ in several aspects:

Cost: Ultrasonic heaters are typically $1200 more expensive than copper heaters.

Paper Types and Weight: Copper heaters are compatible with 140 to 230 gsm (grams per square meter) single PE coated paper, suitable for producing cups primarily intended for hot drinks. In contrast, ultrasonic heaters can handle 140 to 350 gsm single or double PE coated paper, allowing for the production of cups suitable for both hot and cold beverages.

Visual Appearance: Cups produced using copper heaters may exhibit noticeable pressing lines and appear less aesthetically pleasing due to the traditional resistance heating method, which can lead to uneven heating. Conversely, cups made with ultrasonic heaters tend to have smoother surfaces and a more visually appealing finish, thanks to the high-frequency vibration employed in the heating process.

In conclusion

When selecting between copper and ultrasonic heaters for your paper cup machine, factors such as market preferences, cost considerations, and intended uses of the cups should be carefully evaluated to make the optimal choice.