Caution in Investing in Wet Wipes Machine:How to Avoid Hidden Traps of Entry-Level Wet Wipes Machine

Caution in Investing in Wet Wipes Machine: How to Avoid the ‘Hidden Traps’ of Entry-Level Wet Wipes Making Machines

Investing in a wet wipes machine is a significant decision for many businesses looking to expand their product lines. However, due to the technical complexity of wet wipes making machines, selecting the right equipment is not straightforward. For factories entering this industry for the first time, entry-level wet tissue machines often come with "hidden traps" that can lead to unexpected production issues. This article discusses a real-life case and provides insights on avoiding these pitfalls when investing in wet wipes machine.

Case Study: The Challenge of Producing 30GSM Nonwoven Wet Wipes

Recently, a wet wipes factory planned to produce wipes with a thickness of 30-35GSM. However, during production, they discovered that their current wet wipes making machine couldn’t handle 30GSM wipes effectively. The wipes would fall off when stacked, causing disruptions. To address this issue, the factory manager sought technical support from our company, hoping to find a solution that would ensure stable operation of their wet tissue machine.

Root Cause: Design Limitations of the Equipment

Upon inspection, our technical team identified the cause of the problem. The wet wipes machine was equipped with six folding plates, capable of folding up to six wipes at a time. When the stacking module collected clips from the discharge module, each clip contained a maximum of six wipes. For thicker materials of 45GSM or more, this setup posed no issues. However, when producing 30GSM wipes, the material’s lightness and reduced structural integrity caused problems. With only six wipes per clip, each clip lacked sufficient rigidity, leading to deformation and jams in the stacking module, which ultimately caused malfunctions in the wet wipes machine.

Solution: Increasing Folding Plates and Unwinding Stations

We recommended adding more folding plates and unwinding stations to the machine to address this issue. By upgrading from six rolls to sixteen, the problem could be fully resolved. For final products with 80 wipes per pack, each clip could contain 16 wipes, and five clips would complete the pack. Although 30GSM material is thin, the increased number of wipes per clip would provide the necessary rigidity, preventing deformation during stacking. The factory manager has since communicated with their wet wipes machine supplier to arrange the necessary upgrades.

Key Considerations When Buying Wet Wipes Machine

This case emphasizes that when investing in a wet tissue machine, it’s essential to look beyond just price or brand and consider whether the machine configuration can meet various production requirements. Here are a few tips for avoiding the “hidden traps” of entry-level wet wipes machines:

Inquire About Upgradability

When purchasing wet wipes equipment, ask the supplier if the wet wipes machine supports future upgrades, such as additional unwinding stations, folding plates, or stacking modules. While a machine might meet current needs, market demand or production requirements may change. Machines with flexible upgrade options can save significant replacement costs in the future.

Assess Compatibility with Different Material Thicknesses
Not all wet tissue machines can handle different thicknesses of wet wipes materials, especially lighter, thinner fabrics like 30GSM. Before purchasing, clarify whether the machine can produce wipes with a range of GSM values, particularly thinner materials. Also, choosing high-capacity equipment can help ensure smooth production across different specifications.

Conclusion

Investing in wet wipes equipment affects production efficiency, product quality, and cost management. Even minor missteps can lead to “hidden traps.” This case illustrates that when purchasing wet wipes making machines, it’s essential to consider current production needs and potential future upgrades. These factors can help manufacturers avoid costly redesigns or equipment replacement. We hope every wet wipes producer makes thoughtful investment choices, selecting wet tissue machines best suited to their needs to ensure long-term, stable production.