What Is an ABA Blown Film Machine?
Introduction
You run a plastic film factory. You want to reduce material costs. But you also need strong, high-quality film for your customers.
Some producers buy three-extruder machines (ABC type). These cost more and use more electricity. Others buy single-extruder machines. These use cheaper film but cannot produce high-strength multi-layer structures.
In this guide, I explain what an ABA blown film machine is, how its three-layer co‑extrusion technology works, and how to choose between 700mm, 900mm, and 1300mm models.
What Is an ABA Blown Film Machine?
n ABA blown film machine is a co‑extrusion system that uses two extruders to create a three‑layer film with a sandwich‑like structure. The two outer layers (A) are made from one extruder, and the middle layer (B) comes from the other extruder.
The key innovation lies in the specially designed co‑extrusion die head, which splits the flow channels to form a three-layer composite . The machine runs continuously: melts PE pellets into a tube, inflates the tube into a bubble, flattens it, and winds it into rolls—all while maintaining the A‑B‑A layering.
How an ABA Machine Differs from a Standard Single‑Layer Machine
| Feature | Single‑Layer Machine | ABA Machine |
| Extruder count | 1 | 2 (A extruder + B extruder) |
| Film structure | Single material throughout | Three layers (A‑B‑A) |
| Production cost | Higher (virgin material for 100% of volume) | Lower (virgin material only for thin outer layers) |
| Mechanical properties | Standard strength | Superior tensile and impact strength |
| Recycled material usage | Limited to low percentages | Up to 75% in middle layer |
| Typical applications | General packaging | High‑performance bags, heavy‑duty sacks, export packaging |
How an ABA Blown Film Machine Works
The ABA blown film machine follows a continuous, automated process. Here is the step‑by‑step workflow.
Step 1: Material Feeding
Two extruders run side by side. The A extruder (smaller) feeds virgin resin, color masterbatch, or additives for the outer layers. The B extruder (larger) feeds recycled pellets, CaCO₃ compound, or lower‑cost filler for the middle layer. The middle layer can constitute 50–70% of the total film volume
Step 2: Melting and Homogenization
Each extruder melts its material independently, with separate temperature zones controlling melt uniformity. Advanced screw designs (barrier, mixing) ensure stable output and minimal temperature variation , consistent with industry standard screw diameters for common ABA configurations.
Step 3: Co‑extrusion Through the Die Head
The two molten streams enter a specially designed co‑extrusion die head. The internal flow channels distribute the A material to both the inner and outer flow paths of the die, while the B material goes to the middle channel. The streams merge inside the die, forming a single tubular melt with A‑B‑A layering.
Step 4: Bubble Inflation and Cooling
The tubular film exits the die and is inflated by internal air pressure, expanding into a bubble. The external air ring blows cooling air onto the bubble, solidifying the film at a controlled rate.
Step 5: Bubble Collapsing and Haul‑off
The collapsing frame (herringbone) flattens the bubble into a double‑layer web. The haul‑off unit (pinch rollers) pulls the flat film downward at speeds matching the production rate.
Step 6: Winding
The flattened film passes through guide rollers to the winder. The surface‑friction or gap‑type winder rolls the film into finished rolls for downstream bag‑making or printing processes.
Step 7: Finished Roll Removal
When a roll reaches the preset diameter, the operator removes the finished roll while the machine continues running. No downtime for roll changes.
Technical Specifications: 700/900/1300 Types
Use this decision matrix to select the model that fits your production needs
| Item | SJ50/50-700 ABA | SJ50/50-900 ABA | SJ55/55-1300 ABA |
| Model | SJ50/50-700 | SJ50/50-900 | SJ55/55-1300 |
| Film Structure | ABA Three-Layer | ABA Three-Layer | ABA Three-Layer |
| Screw Diameter | Φ50mm / Φ50mm | Φ50mm / Φ50mm | Φ55mm / Φ55mm |
| Screw L/D Ratio | 30:01:00 | 1900/1/1 6:01 | 32:01:00 |
| Screw Speed | 10–120 rpm | 10–100 rpm | 10–120 rpm |
| Film Thickness | 0.008–0.10 mm | 0.008–0.10 mm | 0.008–0.10 mm |
| Folded Width Range | 100–600 mm | 200–800 mm | 400–1200 mm |
| Max Output | Up to 80 kg/h | 60–80 kg/h | 80–120 kg/h |
| Main Motor Power | 11 kW × 2 | 15 kW × 2 | 18.5 kW × 2 |
| Total Power | Approx. 20 KW | ~63 KW | ~100 KW |
| Die Diameter | LD 120mm / HD 60mm | HD 80mm | LD 220mm / HD 120mm |
| Die Structure | Inner spiral, central feed | ABA spiral flow channel | ABA spiral flow channel |
| Cooling Air Ring | Aluminum alloy rotating | Dual‑lip aluminum alloy | Double-air duct aluminum alloy |
| Max Traction Speed | – | 60 m/min | 80 m/min |
| Winding Type | Friction single winding | Surface friction | Standard single winding |
| Max Winding Width | 700 mm | 800 mm | 1200 mm |
| Max Winding Diameter | – | Φ500 mm | Φ800 mm |
| Machine Dimensions | 5000×2200×4800 mm | 4200×2400×5200 mm | 5800×3100×6800 mm |
| Applicable Material | LDPE, HDPE, LLDPE | HDPE | LDPE, HDPE |
Explore More
Keep learning:
Enhance your operational efficiency and equipment knowledge with our complete series of professional guides:
Learn full operation steps in [How Does a 1300 PE Double Winding Blown Film Machine Work? ]
Extend service life with [How to Maintain an ABA Blown Film Machine for Longer Life | Daily, Weekly & Monthly Guide]
Compare technologies clearly in [1300 PE Double Winding vs. ABA Blown Film Machine: Which One Do You Need?]
Choose the best width model in [700 vs 900 vs 1300 ABA Blown Film Machine Comparison: Which Model Fits Your Production?]
Understand core fundamentals in [What Is a 1300 PE Double Winding Blown Film Machine?]
* If you need professional support for machine selection, operation, or maintenance, please contact our expert team for free technical consultation.
