Vacuum tray former YG series

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Overview
Industrial pulp-molding equipment for converting waste paper into molded pulp trays. The YG series covers models from compact flip-plate units to high-capacity rotary systems, with nominal outputs from 1,000 to 7,000 pcs/h. Selection depends on required capacity, available space and drying method.

What it is and how it works
The production line typically comprises four stages: pulping, mixing, vacuum molding and drying, followed by packaging. Waste paper is pulped and screened, the slurry density is adjusted, pulp is transferred to forming molds by vacuum suction, and wet trays are dried using one of several drying solutions.

• Pulping system: Hydrapulper mixes waste paper and water (approx. 1:10); mixing pool allows additives (pigments, water repellents); slurry pumps set pulp density around 3%–5%.
• Molding system: Vacuum molds draw pulp onto forming molds; vacuum removes excess water to shape wet trays for transfer to drying.
• Drying system: Options range from sun drying to brick ovens, civil-engineering tunnels or multi-layer metal drying lines depending on investment and space.

Process flow
[Paper + Water (1:10)] => [Pulping & Mixing (3%–5% density)] => [Vacuum Molding] => [Drying System] => [Final Packaging]

Machine parameters (manufacturer data)
Model: YG-1*3 | YG-1*4 | YG-3*4 | YG-4*4 | YG-4*8 | YG-5*8 | YG-6*8
Capacity (pcs/h): 1000 | 1500 | 2500 | 3500 | 4500 | 5500 | 7000
Forming mould qty: 3 | 4 | 12 | 16 | 32 | 40 | 48
Total power (kW): 40 | 40 | 50 | 60 | 130 | 140 | 186
Electricity consumption (kW/h): 28 | 29 | 35 | 42 | 91 | 98 | 130
Worker requirement: 3–5 | 4–6 | 4–6 | 4–6 | 4–6 | 5–7 | 6–8

Machine types and positioning

• Flip-Plate machine — Capacity 1,000–1,500 pcs/h — Compact layout, suitable for small plants producing egg trays, coffee cup holders and small cartons.
• Rotary machine — Capacity 2,500–7,000 pcs/h — Mid-to-high output for standard egg trays and boxes; suitable for continuous operations.
• Reciprocating machine — Capacity 1,000–2,000 pcs/h — Designed for specific industrial inserts and special tray formats.

Drying systems (options and trade-offs)

• Sun drying: Low capital cost; requires many racks (100–200) and large outdoor area; weather-dependent.
• Brick oven drying: Carts moved into heated rooms (~30 minutes); reliable in varying weather, more manual handling.
• Civil-engineered drying tunnel: Long conveyor tunnel (40–70 m) at 180–200°C for ~15 minutes; steady high-output solution using gas, diesel or wood fuel.
• Multi-layer metal drying: Automated multi-tier channels (e.g., 6 layers); compact footprint and long-term energy efficiency; higher initial investment.

Applications beyond egg trays

• Custom packaging: coffee cup holders, fruit trays (apple/peach) to prevent bruising.
• Agricultural products: biodegradable seedling pots for nurseries.
• Medical & catering disposables: single-use pulp plates, lunch boxes, water-resistant items.
• Industrial cushioning: protective inserts for electronics, glassware and bottles.

Selected FAQ

• How long to recover the cost? Typical payback ranges 6–12 months depending on raw paper cost, selling price and daily output.
• What raw materials can be used? Waste paper such as newspapers, corrugated cardboard, old books, kraft paper and mill scraps.
• Can one machine produce different sizes? Yes — by swapping forming molds the same base machine can run egg tray molds, carton molds, cup holders and fruit trays.

Technical specifications

• Models: YG-1*3, YG-1*4, YG-3*4, YG-4*4, YG-4*8, YG-5*8, YG-6*8
• Capacity range: 1,000 to 7,000 pcs/h (model dependent)
• Forming mould quantity: 3; 4; 12; 16; 32; 40; 48 respectively
• Total power (kW): 40; 40; 50; 60; 130; 140; 186 respectively
• Electricity consumption (kW/h): 28; 29; 35; 42; 91; 98; 130 respectively
• Typical workforce: 3–8 operators depending on model and drying method