Buying a blown film line is not like buying a single machine. The final price depends on your output target, film width, layer structure, automation level, and add-ons such as corona, IBC, gravimetric dosing, auto gauge control, and the winder package.
If you want a fast budget number before talking to suppliers, use this rule:
- Mono layer, basic automation → lowest entry range
- 2–3 layers, higher output, better winding → mid range
- High output + premium control packages → higher range
- Special films or very tight specs → top range
Typical blown film machine price ranges you’ll see online
Many buyer guides and AI Overviews show broad market ranges. The exact number changes by country, supplier scope, and included items, but for budgeting, you’ll commonly see reference bands like:
- Small/basic entry lines often start around US$20,000–30,000
- General production lines are often shown around US$50,000–200,000+
- High-output, multilayer, high-automation lines are usually quote-based because options dominate the cost
These are reference ranges, not a fixed offer. Two lines with the same “width” can differ massively once you change the winder type, die/cooling package, automation, and what the quote includes (installation, training, spares, shipping).
Typical blown film machine price bands by configuration
| Line type | Common configuration | What you get | Budget level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini, lab, pilot | small die, simple cooling, basic winder | sampling, R&D, small batch | Low |
| Entry mono layer line | 1 layer, manual or standard controls | shopping bags, simple liners | Low–Mid |
| Mid-range mono line | better cooling, stable winding | better output, fewer defects | Mid |
| 2-layer co-extrusion | AB, better structure control | better toughness, better process window | Mid–High |
| 3-layer co-extrusion | ABA or ABC, wider product range | wider specs, more stable films | High |
| High-output premium line | IBC + auto winder + dosing | stable gauge, premium converting readiness | High–Top |
Why you won’t see one fixed price
A “cheap” quote often looks cheap because it excludes key items. The most common missing scope items are:
- loaders and dosing systems
- corona treatment
- better winding package
- spares and wear parts kits
- installation and operator training
- shipping and local rigging requirements
To compare offers fairly, always ask suppliers to list Included vs Optional clearly.
What drives blown film line cost
1) Film width and die size
Wider film usually means a heavier frame, bigger die, stronger cooling, and larger haul-off and winder capability. It also impacts footprint and installation requirements.
2) Number of layers
More layers mean more extruders, more control loops, and higher commissioning complexity.
If you’re not sure you need 3 layers, a common approach is to start with AB for many bag and liner products, then move to 3-layer when you need better stiffness–toughness balance or downgauging.
3) Output target
Output is not just motor power. Higher output often forces upgrades in screw design, barrel heating, cooling capacity, and take-off and winding stability.
4) Cooling package, air ring, tower height, IBC
Cooling is where “good film” begins. If you plan higher speed, thin gauge, or stable haze and clarity, cooling and bubble stability upgrades matter.
5) Winding system
This is where many low-cost lines cut corners. Winder type affects roll hardness, telescoping risk, wrinkles, and downstream converting yield. If your customer laminates or prints, winding quality becomes part of “printing quality”.
6) Automation level and controls
Basic PLC versus closed-loop systems can change cost a lot. Typical upgrades include:
- auto thickness or gauge control
- gravimetric dosing
- recipe management and data logging
- auto winder packages (depending on your spec)
7) Surface treatment and handling
For printed film, upgrades like corona treatment, better web guiding, anti-static strategy, and stable tension control often pay back faster than “extra speed”.
8) Included auxiliaries
A quote can look cheap simply because it excludes:
- loader and hopper dryer when needed
- recycling or regrind system
- air compressor requirements
- spare parts kit and extra screens
- installation and training
Quick selection guide for bags and liners
If your main products are T-shirt bags, garbage bags, and liners, here is a practical selection logic.
HDPE bags and liners focus
If you care most about stiffness, easy opening, and downgauging, you typically need stable winding, good cooling, and consistent gauge.
LDPE film focus
If you care most about softness, clarity, and a wide sealing window, you typically need better temperature control, clean melt handling, and stable take-off.
LLDPE-heavy blends
If you care most about toughness and puncture resistance for heavy-duty bags, you typically need stronger cooling, better bubble stability, and consistent mixing or dosing.
You don’t need the most expensive line to make these products. You need the right stability package for your spec: cooling, winding, tension, and operator-friendly control.
Hidden costs buyers forget
Here’s a practical checklist for comparing supplier quotes fairly.
| Cost item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Shipping and local delivery | heavy equipment costs vary by route and crane access |
| Installation and commissioning | affects startup scrap rate and time-to-stable production |
| Power, air, utility upgrades | utilities can become the real project bottleneck |
| Spares and wear parts | screens, heaters, sensors, bearings, die care tools |
| Operator training | reduces quality losses and downtime early on |
| Quality measuring tools | thickness gauge, roll hardness checks, basic testing tools |
If you want accurate total project cost, ask each supplier to list what is included vs optional in the same format.
How to get a fast quote that is actually useful
Send these items to any supplier and you’ll get a much cleaner price range:
- Film width target (layflat)
- Thickness range
- Materials and typical blend ratio (HDPE, LDPE, LLDPE, regrind %)
- Layers needed now (1, 2, or 3)
- Output target (kg/h)
- Product types (T-shirt bag, liner, garbage bag, packaging film)
- Printed film required (yes or no)
- Roll OD and ID, winding preference
- Power supply and plant limitations (height, footprint)
- Must-have options (corona, IBC, dosing, auto winder)
Printing and converting equipment for film projects
If you’re building a full line, the equipment should match each other. Film blowing, bag making, printing, slitting, pelletizing should be selected as a system so web tension, winding, and converting stability don’t fight each other.
Looking for a printing and converting equipment manufacturer?
WilsonMachines supplies equipment across these categories:
- Film Blowing Machine
- Bag Making Machine
- Printing Machine
- Slitting Machine
- Pelletizing Machine
Tell us your product and volume target, and we’ll recommend a configuration that balances cost, stability, and upgrade space.
FAQ
What is a typical blown film machine price range
Prices vary widely by width, layers, output, and automation. A basic mono line can be far lower than a 3-layer high-output line with premium cooling and auto winding.
Why do two suppliers quote very different prices for “the same width”
Because width is only one variable. Cooling performance, winder design, control system, included auxiliaries, and even what’s excluded from the quote can change the real delivered price.
Is it cheaper to buy a used blown film line
It can be, but buyers often underestimate refurbishment, missing parts, electrical upgrades, and commissioning time. Used lines make sense when you have strong in-house maintenance and flexible delivery time.
Which option upgrades give the best ROI for bags and liners
For most buyers, better winding stability, reliable cooling, and consistent gauge control deliver faster payback than peak speed upgrades, because they reduce scrap and converting complaints.
What information do I need to get an accurate quote fast
Provide width, thickness range, materials and blend, layers, output target, product types, and whether you need printed film. These define the core configuration and reduce back-and-forth.
