Troubleshooting Common PE Blown Film Machine Faults

Troubleshooting for PE Blown Film Extruder

PE blown film extruders melt PE pellets into packaging films for food and agricultural use. Failures stem from raw material, operation and wear; four typical faults and solutions below.

1. Poor Plasticization (crystal spots & lumps on film)

Check barrel & die temperature (die:160–180℃, rising from feed to die); low heat causes incomplete melting.

Match screw speed with melt index; excessive speed shortens material dwell time.

Inspect damp/contaminated feedstock and clogged filter screen; replace raw material or screen.

Check worn screw if issues persist.

2. Unstable bubble (swing, twist, fluctuation)

Balance air ring airflow & wind pressure; clear blockage.

Stabilize inner bubble air pressure at 0.05–0.1MPa.

Fix uneven traction roller pressure or irregular haul-off speed.

Shield bubble from direct workshop airflow.

3. Uneven film thickness

Transverse: adjust die gap screws to keep clearance ≤0.02mm; fix faulty heating elements (circumferential die temp gap＜5℃); regulate air ring wind volume (more air for thick spots, less for thin).

Longitudinal: calibrate fluctuating haul-off speed.

4. Frequent film rupture

Remove hard impurities and dry moist raw stock; upgrade filtration.

Polish scratched/burred die inner surface.

Cut air ring airflow by 10%–15% to avoid over-quenched brittle film.

Lower haul-off speed to rationalize draw ratio.

General Tip

Troubleshoot from simple settings to equipment abrasion and feedstock. Routine cleaning of die/screen and calibration of heating/traction reduce breakdowns.