Description
The debaler machine is the first piece of machinery in our standard PET washing line. Generally, PET bottles will arrive at washing plants in baled form, compacted bundles of plastic bottles tied together by metal wires. These bales must first be “busted” so the bottles can flow freely onto the belt conveyor where it is transmitted onto the next piece of equipment.
How It Works
If a debaler machine is not commissioned, the PET bottles bales must be manually opened and placed onto the conveyor. This option, which requires the addition of 1-2 employees is suitable for countries where manual labor is relatively cheap. For countries where the cost of manual is a concern, our debaler machine can break entire bales of PET bottles using slow moving hooks that grapple onto wires used tie the bales together. Entire bales of plastic bottles can be dropped directly into the debaler’s vertical feeder using a fork lift or similar machinery.
Models & Specifications
| Feeder Dimensions: | 1450mm x 1650mm |
| Main Motor Power: | 5.5 KW |
| Conveyor Motor Power: | 7.5 KW |
Additional Images
Place An Order
The general lead time for all single-piece, standard equipment orders is 30 days. For custom orders or complete washing lines, the lead time is between 60 – 90 days. The actual lead time will depend heavily on the complexity of the project as well as the amount of machinery we have in queue at the time of your order.
Contact us to discuss pricing and ordering details. Here is a brief summary of our ordering procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a debaler machine do?
The debaler is the first machine in a PET washing line. Bottles arrive compacted into wire-tied bales, and the debaler breaks those bales open so individual bottles flow freely onto the belt conveyor. From there they move to the next processing stage. Without it, bales must be opened by hand — typically one or two workers per shift cutting wires and spreading bottles.
What bale sizes can the debaler handle?
The vertical feeder measures 1450 x 1650 mm, and whole bales are dropped in from the top with a forklift. It is built around standard PET bottle bales as delivered by suppliers and recycling plants. If your bales are unusually large or dense, compare them against the feeder opening before ordering to make sure they will not bridge at the inlet.
When does a debaler pay for itself versus manual bale opening?
Manual opening suits regions with very low labor costs, but where wages are significant the math favors automation quickly. The debaler eliminates dedicated wire-cutting labor, feeds the line at a steady rate instead of in bursts, and removes the injury risk of manual wire cutting. Plants running multiple shifts typically see the fastest payback.
What are the power and installation requirements?
This model uses a 5.5 kW main motor plus a 7.5 kW conveyor motor on three-phase industrial power. Plan a clear area for forklift bale placement at the vertical feeder, a belt conveyor run from the discharge to your next machine, and a level foundation rated for the dynamic load. Discharge height can be adapted to your existing conveyor layout.
What maintenance does the debaler need?
The slow-moving hook mechanism keeps wear low. Inspect hooks and wire-grappling parts regularly, lubricate moving components on schedule, and check belt conveyor alignment and tension. Daily visual checks catch wire buildup early. Because it is the first machine in the line, keeping it running reliably protects the throughput of everything downstream.
How does the debaler connect to the rest of the washing line?
Opened bottles discharge onto a belt conveyor feeding the next stage — typically a pre-washer, label remover, or granulator — then on through washing, rinsing, and drying. As the line’s entry point, the debaler sets the pace: a steady, automated feed keeps downstream machines running at capacity instead of starving between manual bale changes.