Pulp molding technology is an environmentally friendly and versatile manufacturing method, and dry pressing and wet pressing are two common molded pulp processes. However, to determine which process is better, it is necessary to evaluate it according to specific needs. Let Lvxin pulp packaging manufacturer compare dry pressing and wet pressing of pulp molding in different aspects to help you make a choice.
1. Process
●Dry pressing process:
The dry pressing process of molded pulp requires dehydration of the pulp blank, and then pressure shaping or non-shaping under the dry conditions of the pulp molding blank. This process is relatively simple and low-cost, but it requires additional dehydration steps. Generally, the blank dehydration methods include natural drying, sun room drying, drying tunnel drying, hanging basket production line drying and combined drying.
●Wet pressing process:
The pulp blanks in the wet pressing process of pulp molding contain high moisture and do not require additional dehydration steps. They need to be placed in the mold, and in the mold, under appropriate pressure and temperature conditions, they are dehydrated and formed into the desired shape. The surface accuracy and density of wet pressed products are relatively good.
2. Product characteristics
●Dry pressed products:
Pulp molded dry pressed products usually have relatively low density, good buffering capacity, and certain compressive strength. Due to the dehydration treatment, they have a low water content and are easy to maintain the elasticity of the fiber itself during shaping. This makes dry pressed products show strong buffering performance in application scenarios that need to withstand greater pressure or impact.
●Wet pressed products:
In contrast, molded pulp products manufactured by wet pressing process usually have higher density and smooth surface characteristics. Due to the high water content, they are easier to form complex shapes and textures, because the water is removed during the shaping (setting) process, the fiber density is easy to compact, and the surface quality is better. Wet pressed products are more common in some application scenarios that focus on appearance and tactile experience.
3. Application fields
●Dry pressed products:
Pulp molded products manufactured by dry pressing process are often used in the packaging field, such as making sturdy paper boxes, protective lining materials, etc. At the same time, its low density and compressive strength also make it suitable for application scenarios that require higher buffering capacity.
● Wet-pressed products:
Pulp molded products made by wet-pressing are usually used in home decoration, tableware, fine packaging, daily household products, and cultural and creative industries, artworks and other fields. It is light and has a variety of shapes and textures, suitable for creating personalized and elegant products.
The choice of dry-pressing or wet-pressing process for pulp molding depends on specific needs. If you need to make durable products that can withstand greater pressure or buffer, then the dry-pressing process may be more suitable. The cost of dry-pressed products is also relatively low, and the mold cost is relatively low. In areas where the appearance of product packaging is not strictly required, try to choose dry-pressing. Dry-pressing is also the most common application.
If you pursue the beauty and tactile experience of the product appearance, and need to shape complex shapes and textures under the characteristics of lightness, then wet-pressing technology may be more suitable. The cost of wet-pressing is relatively high, but because there is no drying process affected by weather, etc., the molded pulp wet-pressing product process is stable and the surface quality is high. It is also more popular with customers in the fields of electronics, cosmetics, fast-moving consumer goods, and medical and health care.