Production Equipment: Plastic Cup Making Machine
90% of factories producing disposable ice cream cups choose plastic cup-making machines. These machines process rolls of thermoplastic sheet material into cups using a continuous, automated forming process.The machine integrates several operations into one seamless workflow: sheet feeding, heating, forming, in-mold cutting, and stacking. A fully automatic ice cream plastic cup machine can complete the entire cycle in one continuous operation
Step-by-Step Manufacturing Process
1.Sheet Loading – A roll of plastic sheet (PP, PS, PET, or PLA) is mounted on the machine and fed into the forming section. Sheet widths typically range from 500mm to 750mm, with thicknesses between 0.2mm and 2.0mm .
2.Heating – The sheet passes through a heating station equipped with ceramic infrared heaters. The heating zone brings the plastic to a pliable state, allowing it to be shaped without melting . A typical machine uses 15+ heating zones with precise PID temperature control .
3.Forming – The softened sheet is pressed into the mold using compressed air at 0.6-0.8 MPa. The maximum forming depth for ice cream cups is typically 130mm to 220mm, depending on the machine model . Hydraulic and servo systems work together to ensure uniform material distribution .
4.In-Mold Cutting – The formed cups are trimmed from the sheet web directly within the mold station. This eliminates a separate downstream cutting operation and improves efficiency .
5.Stacking – Finished cups are automatically counted and stacked, ready for packaging. Depending on the product, two stacking methods are available: a robotic arm or an automatic cup-organizing machine.
Production Capacity – How Many Cups Per Hour?
Production capacity depends on cup size, mold cavity count, and cycle speed. Here’s how the numbers work out:
With a mold size of 750 × 420mm, you can typically fit 18-24 cavities for standard ice cream cup sizes
At 28 cycles per minute with 20 cavities:
28 × 20 = 560 cups per minute
560 × 60 = 33,600 cups per hour
Over a 24-hour operation: approximately 800,000+ cups per day
These figures are based on theoretical data for standard ice cream cups and serve only as a reference; the number of cavities per mold layout depends on the specific model and design. Achieving a higher number of cavities and faster cycle times requires a machine with higher-end specifications.
Ice Cream Plastic Cup Making Machine - Working Principle
What materials are used to make ice cream cups?
PP (Polypropylene) – Lightweight, cost-effective, highly durable, and offers good heat resistance. The most common choice for ice cream cups.
PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) – Transparent and fully recyclable, ideal for food-grade applications. Great for premium ice cream packaging.
PS (Polystyrene) – Offers a glossy finish and good insulation properties.
PLA (Polylactic Acid) – Biodegradable and environmentally friendly, increasingly popular for sustainable packaging.
Advantages of a Plastic Cup Making Machine for Ice Cream Cups
1.High-Speed Production
Thermoforming is the fastest method for producing thin-walled disposable cups. Cycle speeds of 15-35 cycles per minute with multi-cavity molds make the plastic cup making machine the dominant choice for high-volume ice cream cup manufacturing .
2.In-Mold Cutting Efficiency
Modern machines like the HY-750 integrate cutting directly into the forming station, eliminating a separate downstream operation. This reduces labor costs and improves production efficiency .
3.Lower Tooling Costs
Compared to injection molding, thermoforming molds are considerably cheaper. Made from aluminum rather than hardened steel, the initial investment is significantly lower—typically 50-70% less than injection molding tooling.
4.Wide Material Compatibility
One machine can switch between PP, PET, PS, HIPS, PVC, and PLA with different molds. This flexibility allows manufacturers to respond to changing market demands and material availability .
5.One-Step Full Automation
The machine integrates sheet feeding, heating, forming, in-mold cutting, and stacking into one continuous process. With PLC and touch screen control, the operation is highly automated and requires minimal operator intervention .
6.Compact Footprint
Despite its high output, a typical machine measures approximately 4.3 × 2.3 × 2.5 meters, making it suitable for facilities with limited floor space
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is an ice cream plastic cup machine?
A: An ice cream plastic cup machine is a thermoforming machine designed to produce disposable plastic cups for ice cream and frozen desserts. It converts thermoplastic sheet rolls into finished cups through a continuous process of heating, forming, in-mold cutting, and stacking .
Q: How fast can a plastic cup making machine produce ice cream cups?
A: Production speed depends on cup size and mold configuration. Typical speeds range from 15 to 35 cycles per minute. With an 18-24 cavity mold, this translates to approximately 30,000+ cups per hour at optimal conditions .
Q: What materials can an ice cream plastic cup machine process?
A: Most machines can process PP, PS, PET, and biodegradable PLA. PP is the most common choice for ice cream cups due to its durability and cost-effectiveness .
Q: What is the maximum forming depth for an ice cream cup machine?
A: Typical maximum forming depth ranges from 130mm to 220mm, depending on the model. The SWT-750, for example, offers forming depths up to 220mm .
Q: How much does a plastic cup making machine cost for ice cream cups?
A: Entry-level machines start around $25,000-$50,000, mid-range automatic machines range $48,000-$80,000, and high-capacity servo-driven systems can cost $100,000-$180,000+
