How To Choose Between Single-Layer And Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion Blown Film Machines?
In the packaging and Film Manufacturing industry, selecting the right blown film machine is one of the most important decisions affecting production efficiency, material performance, and product quality. The choice between a single-layer and a multi-layer co-extrusion blown film machine depends on your film application, barrier requirements, and cost considerations.
This article explains the differences between single-layer and multi-layer blown film machines, how each affects film properties, and how to make the right decision for your factory’s needs. We’ll also introduce advanced film machinery from Jingwei Machinery, a leading manufacturer of extrusion and film equipment solutions.
1. Understanding Blown Film Technology
Blown film extrusion is a process where melted polymer is extruded through a circular die to form a thin film tube. The tube is inflated with air, stretched, and cooled before being flattened into rolls.
The number of extruders determines whether the machine produces a single-layer or a multi-layer film.
| Machine Type | Extruders | Film Layers | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Layer Blown Film Machine | 1 | 1 | General-purpose films, shopping bags, garbage bags |
| Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion Machine | 2–7 | 2–7 | High-barrier films, food packaging, industrial wrapping |
2. What Is a Single-Layer Blown Film Machine?
A single-layer blown film machine uses one extruder to produce films made from a single type of polymer, such as LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, or PP.
Advantages
Lower investment cost: Simple structure, fewer extruders, and easy to maintain.
Ease of operation: Ideal for beginners or smaller factories.
Stable production: Fewer parameters to control, ensuring consistency.
Wide applicability: Suitable for common products such as agricultural film, packaging bags, and liners.
Limitations
Limited to one material property per film.
Cannot achieve high barrier or special functional layers (like oxygen resistance or moisture control).
Film performance depends solely on the chosen resin.
Best for: General packaging, agricultural use, daily plastic bags, and liners where high-performance properties are not required.
3. What Is a Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion Blown Film Machine?
A multi-layer co-extrusion blown film machine combines two or more extruders, each feeding a different polymer melt into a single die head. The result is a composite film with multiple functional layers.
Structure Example
A 3-layer co-extrusion machine (A/B/A or A/B/C) typically includes:
Outer Layer (A): Provides mechanical strength and printability.
Middle Layer (B): Acts as a barrier to oxygen, moisture, or light.
Inner Layer (C): Ensures sealing and product compatibility.
Advantages
Enhanced barrier properties: Perfect for food, pharmaceutical, and medical packaging.
Customizable film performance: Different materials can be combined for strength, flexibility, and protection.
Material efficiency: Recycled or low-cost materials can be used in non-critical layers.
Greater design flexibility: Producers can adjust formulas for different market needs.
Limitations
Higher investment cost: Multiple extruders and control systems increase equipment price.
Requires skilled operation: Temperature, flow rate, and layer ratios must be precisely controlled.
Best for: High-barrier packaging, vacuum bags, stretch films, and laminated base films used in food, medical, or industrial sectors.
4. Performance Comparison
| Feature | Single-Layer | Multi-Layer Co-Extrusion |
|---|---|---|
| Barrier Performance | Low | High (up to 10× better) |
| Tensile Strength | Moderate | Enhanced through layer synergy |
| Transparency | Excellent | Adjustable (can include matte or gloss layers) |
| Production Cost | Low | Moderate to High |
| Material Flexibility | Limited to one resin | Multiple polymers combined |
| Application Range | Simple packaging | Functional & specialty packaging |
5. How to Decide Which Machine Is Right for You
When choosing between single-layer and multi-layer machines, evaluate the following factors:
1. Product Application
For basic films (garbage bags, protective covers, liners): single-layer is sufficient.
For functional packaging (food storage, pharmaceutical wraps, laminates): multi-layer is essential.
2. Material Requirements
If you need UV resistance, oxygen barrier, or moisture control, choose a multi-layer system where specific materials like EVOH, PA, or Metallocene PE can be combined.
3. Budget and Production Scale
Single-layer: Best for startups or small manufacturers.
Multi-layer: Suitable for large-scale operations aiming for diverse product portfolios.
4. Future Market Expansion
If your business plans to expand into high-barrier or eco-friendly packaging, investing in a multi-layer line offers greater long-term flexibility.
6. Material Combinations for Multi-Layer Films
| Film Type | Material Composition | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3-Layer A/B/A Film | Outer & inner PE + middle recycled PE | Shopping bags, industrial packaging |
| 3-Layer A/B/C Film | LLDPE + EVOH + LDPE | Food preservation, vacuum packaging |
| 5-Layer Co-Extrusion | PA + EVOH + PE + adhesive + sealing layer | Meat, cheese, or medical packaging |
These combinations help balance cost, mechanical performance, and barrier quality.
7. Why Choose Jingwei Machinery
Jingwei Machinery, based in Foshan City, Guangdong Province, is a professional manufacturer of film extrusion and processing equipment, including single-layer and multi-layer co-extrusion blown film machines.
Key Features of Jingwei’s Equipment:
Precision temperature control ensuring stable melt flow and consistent film quality.
Modular co-extrusion design supporting 1–7 layers for flexible customization.
Energy-efficient heating systems reducing operating costs.
Advanced die-head technology guaranteeing uniform layer distribution.
Automatic winding and tension control systems for improved production efficiency.
CE-certified safety standards for international markets.
Jingwei’s machines are widely used for packaging film, breathable film, and barrier film manufacturing — providing film producers with equipment that combines performance, reliability, and low maintenance cost.
8. Example Decision Scenarios
| Scenario | Recommended Machine |
|---|---|
| Small manufacturer producing standard PE bags | Single-layer machine |
| Film supplier targeting food or industrial clients | 3-layer co-extrusion machine |
| Flexible packaging company needing oxygen barrier | 5-layer co-extrusion machine |
| R&D or pilot plant | 2- or 3-layer lab-scale co-extrusion line |
Choosing the correct configuration ensures you achieve the optimal balance between performance and cost-efficiency.
9. Conclusion
The choice between single-layer and multi-layer co-extrusion blown film machines depends on your product requirements, target market, and investment capability.
A single-layer machine is ideal for economical, general-purpose film production.
A multi-layer co-extrusion machine offers superior barrier performance, durability, and flexibility — essential for advanced packaging applications.
For manufacturers seeking high-quality, energy-efficient, and customizable film extrusion solutions, Jingwei Machinery provides both single-layer and multi-layer blown film systems engineered for precision, stability, and long-term performance — helping your production achieve professional-grade film quality and higher market competitiveness.