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LM-K3-55 Medium Speed Paper Barrel Machine
LM-K3-55 medium speed paper barrel machine: 85-170 oz, 45-55 pcs/min, 18 kW, 7,300 kg, one size per machine.
Quick Answer: What Is The LM-K3-55?
The LM-K3-55 is a medium speed paper barrel machine that forms large rectangular paper barrels and food tubs at 45-55 pcs/min. It is powered by 380 V 50 Hz / 18 kW, needs 0.4 m³/min of compressed air, and ships in 30-35 working days. It is built for fried chicken, popcorn and bulk takeaway food packers.
The LM-K3-55 makes large round paper barrels from 85 oz to 170 oz, the format used for popcorn buckets, family ice cream tubs and large fast food barrels. Each machine is built for one barrel size, chosen when you order.
It runs at 45-55 pcs/min and is the machine type supplied to KFC China suppliers for the large bucket format.
What Is A Medium Speed Paper Barrel Machine?
A medium speed paper barrel machine is an automatic forming machine that turns pre-printed, die-cut paper blanks into finished paper barrels and tubs in one continuous cycle: the blank is fed, the body is formed and side-sealed, a bottom disc is inserted and heat-sealed, the rim is curled, and finished pieces are counted and stacked.
Unlike semi-automatic equipment, which moves cups between stations by hand, a fully automatic machine such as the LM-K3-55 keeps every station in mechanical phase. That is why it can hold 45-55 pcs/min with a single operator, and why output stays consistent across long shifts for fried chicken, popcorn and bulk takeaway food packers.
Feature:
- 85-170 oz barrels – popcorn, ice cream and fast food sizes
- 45-55 pcs/min – practical speed on a very large format
- One size per machine – machine is built to your barrel drawing
- PE 18 + 170 g/m² board or 320 g/m² + PE 26 g/m²
- Medium speed platform – integral mould and robot arm take-out
- 7,300 kg frame – rigid enough for tall barrels
Application:
The LM-K3-55 is used by:
- Popcorn producers and cinema suppliers
- Ice cream producers for family packs
- Fast food packaging suppliers for large barrels
- Converters serving international bucket programmes
The barrel is chosen at order stage, so the tooling is made exactly for your drawing instead of being adapted on site.
Machine Parameters:
| Item | Specification |
| Model | LM-K3-55 |
| Barrel Size | 85-170 oz (one size per machine) |
| Production Speed | 45-55 pcs/min |
| Raw Paper | PE 18 g/m² + board 170 g/m², or 320 g/m² + PE 26 g/m² |
| Power Supply | 380 V 50 Hz / 18 kW |
| Air Consumption | 0.4 m³/min |
| Net Weight | 7,300 kg |
| Dimension | L3250 × W2000 × H1700 mm |
How Does The LM-K3-55 Work?
The LM-K3-55 runs a continuous, fully automatic cycle. One operator loads material and monitors the panel; the stations below run in sequence:
- Blank feeding: Pre-printed, die-cut fan-shaped blanks are loaded into the magazine and fed one by one.
- Body forming: The blank wraps around the mandrel and the side seam is sealed with heat.
- Bottom insertion: A bottom disc is punched from the paper roll and placed into the body.
- Bottom sealing: The bottom heater bonds and knurls the base so the container is leak-proof.
- Rim curling: The top rim is rolled outward for a smooth drinking edge and a tight lid fit.
- Counting and stacking: Finished pieces are counted automatically and stacked into sleeves.
Main Machine Features:
- Size Built To Order: the machine is configured for one barrel size from 85 to 170 oz, so output is optimised for that format.
- Heavy 7,300 kg Body: tall barrels need a rigid frame to keep the wall seam straight over the full height.
- Two Board Options: light PE 18 + 170 gsm board for snacks, heavier 320 gsm plus PE 26 for frozen and greasy contents.
- Robot Arm Take-Out: large barrels are removed mechanically to protect the rim.
- 45-55 pcs/min: a realistic sustained speed for barrels of this size.
What Can The LM-K3-55 Produce?
| Product | Typical Size | End Use |
| Popcorn barrel | 85-130 oz | Cinemas, snack brands |
| Family ice cream tub | 100-170 oz | Ice cream producers |
| Fast food bucket | 85-170 oz | Quick service chains |
| Large snack barrel | 120-170 oz | Retail snack packs |
Output Planning: What Can You Expect Per Shift?
Use these numbers to size the machine against your order book:
| Production Window | Running Time | Output At Rated Speed |
| Per hour | 60 min | 3,300 tubs |
| Per 10-hour shift | 10 h | 33,000 tubs |
| Per day (2 shifts) | 20 h | 66,000 tubs |
| Per month (26 days, 2 shifts) | 520 h | 1,716,000 tubs |
Figures are calculated at the rated top speed of 45-55 pcs/min and assume steady material supply and normal changeover time. Running smaller sizes or heavier board will sit at the lower end of the range.
Is The LM-K3-55 The Right Machine For Your Factory?
Choose the LM-K3-55 if:
- You need 45-55 pcs/min of steady output and want one machine to cover 85-170 oz (one size range per machine).
- You supply fried chicken, popcorn and bulk takeaway food packers and need consistent, leak-proof quality on every batch.
- You want a medium speed platform with mechanical cam drive rather than chain drive, to keep maintenance predictable.
- You plan to run two shifts and need the machine to hold tolerance over years, not weeks.
Consider a different model if:
- Your orders are still small and seasonal: a lower-output model keeps your capital cost down.
- You only need one fixed size today: a dedicated single-size machine is cheaper than a wide size window.
- Your main problem is defect rate rather than speed: add an inspection machine before buying more forming capacity.
Send us your container sizes, board specification and target output per month. Our engineers will size the right model and confirm the tooling before you order.
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FAQs:
How many barrel sizes can one LM-K3-55 produce?
One machine is built for one barrel size between 85 and 170 oz, chosen when you order, so the tooling matches your drawing exactly.
What output does the LM-K3-55 give?
It runs at 45-55 barrels per minute, about 27,000-33,000 large barrels in a 10-hour shift.
What board can the LM-K3-55 use?
It runs PE 18 g/m2 plus 170 g/m2 board or 320 g/m2 board with PE 26 g/m2, with 380 V / 18 kW power and 0.4 cubic metres per minute of compressed air.
What is the lead time and how is the LM-K3-55 shipped?
Standard lead time is 30 to 35 working days after the deposit. The machine is packed in a fumigated export wooden case with moisture protection, shipped by sea as a full container or groupage, and delivered with a full spare parts kit, tooling set and English manuals.
Do you provide installation, training and after-sales service for the LM-K3-55?
Yes. Every machine is tested with your container size before shipment, and we provide installation guidance, operator training videos and remote commissioning support. Engineers can be dispatched for on-site commissioning, and wearing parts are stocked for long-term supply.
Can the LM-K3-55 be customised for special sizes, board or voltage?
Yes. The tooling set is made for your target size range, and the electrical system can be built for the local voltage and frequency of your country. Optional units such as online inspection, paper blank feeders and embossing can be added at the time of order.
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