WENZHOU BOJING PLASTIC MOULD CO., LTD.
WENZHOU BOJING PLASTIC MOULD CO., LTD.

How to choose the right blown film die head to improve production efficiency?

Apr 14, 2025

Production inefficiencies cost time and money—often, the root problem lies in the die head.

To choose the right blown film die head, consider material compatibility, design precision, airflow control, and your film production needs. A well-matched die head boosts both quality and output.

If you're seeing poor film quality or frequent production stops, it may be your die head. But how do you make the right choice? Let's break it down together.

Why is the Blown Film Die Head Important for Production?

When film lines run slow or produce inconsistent film, the die head is often to blame.

The die head shapes the polymer melt into a bubble. Its performance directly impacts film clarity, thickness, and stability.

A blown film die head controls the extrusion and formation of the plastic film bubble. It has a direct impact on uniformity and strength of the film. Here's what it means in practice:

ElementImpact
Flow uniformityKeeps film thickness even across width
Temperature controlPrevents defects like melt fracture
Material flow pathAffects clarity and optical properties

At Bojing, we've worked with manufacturers who switched to our Blown Film Die Head and immediately saw fewer shutdowns and better film quality. That's because a well-designed die head minimizes shear stress, balances flow, and maintains heat levels—giving the film consistent structure.

What Key Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Blown Film Die Head?

Too many people choose based on price alone—and end up paying for it in downtime.

Consider your resin type, film structure, output requirements, and maintenance ability. These define the right die head for your system.

When I help customers choose die heads, I look at several things. Here’s a breakdown:

FactorWhy it matters
Material type (e.g. LDPE, HDPE)Different polymers flow differently
Film layer countSingle or multilayer needs change design
Output rateAffects die diameter and flow channels
Maintenance cyclesSome die heads are easier to clean and assemble

You also want to check if the supplier can customize based on your machine setup. At Bojing, we provide this service because no two lines are the same. A die head must match both the product and the process.

How Can the Right Die Head Design Improve Film Quality?

Film defects like lines, gels, and haze often come from inside the die head.

A well-engineered die head gives smooth polymer flow, reducing film thickness variation and improving transparency.

Design is about more than looks. It’s about internal geometry. Here's how it works:

  • The spiral flow channel ensures even melt distribution.

  • Polished surfaces inside prevent hang-ups and dead zones.

  • Balanced die lips give symmetrical film extrusion.

Our high-grade 42CrMo steel die heads are CNC machined and heat-treated. Customers have told me that after switching, they saw improvements in gloss, gauge control, and bubble stability. Design is the backbone of performance.

Which Material is Best for Your Blown Film Die Head?

Wrong material choices mean fast wear and tear, or worse—deformation under heat.

Choose die heads made from high-strength, heat-treated materials like 42CrMo to ensure long-term durability.

Here's a quick comparison of materials often used:

MaterialStrengthHeat ResistanceCostBest For
42CrMoHighExcellentMediumLong runs, thick films
AluminumLowPoorLowLightweight, short runs
Tool SteelHighGoodHighSpecialty films

At Bojing, we’ve stuck with 42CrMo for years. It holds its shape, even after long production cycles. We've tested cheaper options, but they didn’t meet the standards our clients expect.

How Can Airflow and Temperature Control Optimize Blown Film Die Head Performance?

If your bubble wobbles or collapses, your air and heat balance is likely off.

Proper airflow and temperature control inside the die head stabilize the film bubble and ensure consistent thickness.

A stable bubble depends on:

  • Even internal heating

  • Air ring design

  • Cooling air flow rate

We've found that integrating precision temperature control units in our die heads reduced scrap by up to 20% for one client. Air must cool uniformly around the bubble, and heat must stay stable in the melt zone. Our five-axis machining lets us optimize these channels.

What Common Mistakes Should You Avoid When Choosing a Blown Film Die Head?

Choosing the wrong die head can cripple production for months.

Don't overlook compatibility, maintenance needs, or supplier support. Rushing the decision can lead to costly consequences.

Here are some red flags:

MistakeResult
Buying on price aloneLower quality, shorter lifespan
Ignoring material specsPoor flow, clogging
No technical supportDowntime with no fix

I've helped clients who bought from generic suppliers. One saved a few hundred dollars but ended up halting production for three weeks due to internal blockages. Always think long-term.

How Can You Assess the Efficiency of Your Die Head After Installation?

Just installing a new die head doesn't mean you're done.

Check film quality, output speed, and maintenance frequency. These indicate how well your die head performs.

We recommend tracking these KPIs after install:

  • Film rejection rate

  • Hourly output

  • Downtime due to die head issues

  • Cleaning interval frequency

At Bojing, we often follow up with customers after a few weeks. This lets us optimize if needed. For example, a customer in Brazil found output gains of 12% just from swapping in a better-flowing model we suggested.

When Should You Consider Upgrading Your Blown Film Die Head?

Even good die heads wear out—or fall behind new technology.

If you're facing lower outputs, inconsistent films, or using outdated materials, it's time to upgrade.

Here's what to watch for:

SignCause
Film defects increasingWorn internal parts
Slower outputsNarrow flow channels
Can't process new materialsOutdated design

A client in South Asia used a die head from the early 2000s. After upgrading to a multilayer model from us, their downtime dropped by 60%. Sometimes, the cost of not upgrading is much higher than you think.

How Do You Balance Cost and Performance When Selecting a Die Head?

It's easy to chase the cheapest option—or the most advanced. Neither may be right.

Balance cost with expected output, film quality needs, and technical support. Look at total lifetime value, not just price.


FactorLow-Cost DieHigh-Quality Die
Initial priceLowMedium to High
LifespanShortLong
Output consistencyLowHigh
MaintenanceFrequentRare
Total valueLowHigh

One U.S. customer tried a cheaper alternative and came back after two months. Their output losses and maintenance costs wiped out the initial savings. Quality lasts—and pays off.

What's the Best Way to Ensure Long-Term Efficiency with the Right Die Head?

Even the best die head needs care to stay efficient.

Choose the right die, keep it clean, inspect regularly, and partner with a supplier that supports you long-term.

The right die head improves film quality, boosts output, and reduces downtime. Choose wisely—and your whole line runs better.

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