A Vacuum Autoloader—also known as a vacuum loader, suction feeder, or 自动上料机—is a material handling device that automatically conveys plastic pellets or granules from storage containers (such as drying hoppers or inline bins) to processing machines like injection molders, extruders, or blow molders. The system uses vacuum pressure to draw material through a closed输送管道, eliminating the need for manual bag-feeding and dramatically reducing operator labor.
Vacuum Autoloaders are a cornerstone of modern plastic manufacturing automation. They integrate seamlessly with downstream equipment and can be paired with drying hoppers, mixing stations, and production management systems for fully automated material handling.
The autoloader creates a vacuum inside its separation chamber using a powerful vacuum pump or blower. When the vacuum reaches the set pressure, a suction probe inserted into the material container is activated. The pressure differential between the container atmosphere and the vacuum chamber forces plastic granules up through the suction hose and into the separation chamber. Once the material fills the chamber to the set weight or time, the suction stops, a slide valve opens, and the material discharges into the receiving hopper above the processing machine.
The entire cycle is controlled by a micro-processor or PLC. Most modern autoloaders offer adjustable suction time, material shortage alarms, and material detection sensors to prevent empty running.
Compact, single-operator units mounted on wheels. One loader serves one machine. Best for small shops with a few machines or for sampling/trial production runs. Typical capacity: 1-3 kg per load cycle.
A single large vacuum source (blower or pump) feeds multiple pickup points through a fixed pipeline network. Material is drawn from central storage silos or gaylord containers to multiple machines simultaneously. Best for large plants with many machines consuming the same material. Higher initial investment but lower per-machine cost for large operations.
An integrated unit that both conveys and dries the material in one compact system. The material is vacuum-transported directly into an attached drying hopper, minimizing material handling steps. Ideal for hygroscopic materials like PA, PC, PET, and ABS that require immediate drying after loading.
Match the autoloader's maximum throughput to the machine's material consumption rate. A loader that is too small creates material shortages and production interruptions. A loader that is too large wastes energy and may cause material degradation from excessive handling. As a rule of thumb, select a loader rated at 1.5-2x the machine's steady-state consumption rate to account for start-up surges.
Maximum conveying distance = horizontal distance + vertical lift. Most standard autoloaders handle up to 5-7 meters of horizontal distance and 3-5 meters of vertical lift. For longer distances, use a larger blower unit or a two-stage conveying system. The shorter the distance, the higher the throughput.
Standard granules, pellets, and regrind can be handled by most loaders. However, flaky or fiber-reinforced materials may require special suction probes and filters. Fine powders or dusty materials require larger filters and may need a separate de-dusting system.
For 1-5 machines with different material requirements, individual loaders per machine are practical. For 5+ machines sharing the same material, a central system is more cost-effective.
Zillion offers a complete range of vacuum autoloaders from compact 1.5 kW portable units to 5 kW high-capacity systems capable of conveying 600-1,200 kg/hr over distances up to 10 meters. All models feature micro-processor control with auto-tuning, stainless steel suction probes, and oversized cartridge filters for trouble-free operation with standard and regrind materials.
Zillion autoloaders integrate seamlessly with Zillion Hopper Dryers and Mixing Stations for complete material handling solutions. OEM and custom specifications are available.
Contact us for specifications and pricing:
Leika Li: +86 18520532504 | leika@gdzillion.cn
Hendrix Lee: +86 15602232700 | hendrix@gdzillion.cn
Our company's series of products are well-known in the plastic auxiliary machinery industry for their excellent performance and high cost performance.
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