How the SHW-360 All-in-One Pulp Molding Machine Helps R&D Laboratories

The SHW-360 all-in-one pulp molding machine is increasingly becoming a preferred choice for universities, research institutes, and enterprise R&D laboratories exploring sustainable packaging materials. As industries accelerate the shift toward biodegradable solutions, labs require compact, flexible, and reliable equipment to support sample making, prototyping, and small-batch production. The SHW-360 is engineered precisely for these needs.

This article explains why the SHW-360 is ideal for R&D labs, how it improves workflow efficiency, and what unique advantages it offers compared with traditional industrial pulp molding equipment.

1. Tailored for R&D, Testing, and Small-Batch Innovation

Large industrial pulp molding lines are designed for high-volume, single-product production. In contrast, research teams must frequently develop new shapes, new materials, new structural strengths, and new end-use applications. This requires a machine that is:

• Small enough to fit in a lab

• Quick to change molds

• Flexible with raw material types

• Easy to operate and maintain

• Capable of producing stable, repeatable samples

The SHW-360 is engineered precisely for this purpose. Its compact footprint, integrated subsystems, and modular design make it ideal for:

• Material formulation R&D

• Packaging sample development

• Bio-based fiber testing

• University coursework and research

• Early-stage product prototyping

• Customer sample proofing

2. Compact, Integrated Production Process

Despite its small size, SHW-360 integrates the core processes of a full pulp molding line:

Pulping System

Allows researchers to test various fibers and recipes including:

• Sugarcane bagasse pulp

• Wood pulp

• Bamboo fiber

• Recycled paper pulp

• Custom hybrid fiber blends

This helps labs evaluate strength, texture, density, and surface quality of different material formulations.

 Forming System

The forming machine uses vacuum filtration to shape the fiber slurry into the mold design.

Labs can experiment with:

• Product wall thickness

• Fiber distribution

• Water drainage performance

• Mold design and vent layout

The forming efficiency—up to 5 cycles per minute—is ideal for producing consistent test samples.

 Drying Options

R&D customers can choose:

1. Small electric oven

2. Small drying line

3. No drying (if using thin samples)

This flexibility fits different lab spaces and product requirements.

Hot-Pressing (Optional)

Many high-end products require hot-press reshaping for:

• Surface smoothing

• Strength improvement

• Dimensional precision

• Water and oil resistance coating curing

SHW-360 can be equipped with an integrated hot-press, or labs can choose a separate small hot-press machine depending on workflow needs.

3. Highly Compatible With Different Raw Materials

For R&D labs, raw material flexibility is crucial. SHW-360 supports all standard pulp molding grades:

• Bagasse pulp board

• Wood pulp (bleached/unbleached)

• Bamboo pulp

• Recycled paper pulp

This enables researchers to test:

• Alternative fiber sources

• New additives (waterproofing, strength enhancer, dye)

• Different pulp refining levels

• End-product performance variation

This makes SHW-360 a powerful tool for material science research.

4. Cost-Effective and Low Risk for Early-Stage Development

R&D labs often operate under limited budget, yet they still need industrial-grade reliability. SHW-360 was created to meet this balance:

• Low energy consumption

• Minimal water usage (closed-loop circulation)

• Compact footprint

• Simple installation—no special infrastructure needed

• Easy maintenance

• Low-cost mold customization

This makes it an excellent choice for labs developing:

• New packaging prototypes

• Eco-friendly tableware concepts

• High-precision cosmetic trays

• Small electronic product trays

• Agricultural products like seedling pots

• Egg trays and industrial support trays

5. Fast Mold Customization for R&D Purposes

Research teams frequently change product concepts. SHM supports fast mold development with:

• 2D/3D design assistance

• Rapid prototyping

• Customized forming molds

• Optional hot-press molds

This ensures SHW-360 can respond to rapid testing cycles, which is crucial for innovation-driven work.

6. Ideal for Universities & Technical Education

SHW-360 is widely used by:

• Agricultural universities

• Packaging schools

• Product design institutes

• Materials science programs

It is especially suitable for teaching:

• Sustainable materials engineering

• Packaging design

• Industrial processing

• Mold engineering

• Circular economy practices

Institutions appreciate that SHW-360 is safe, easy to operate, and visually intuitive for students.

7. Supported by SHM’s 30+ Years of Industry Experience

SHM (Hunan ShuangHuan Fiber Molding Machinery Co., Ltd.) has been focusing on pulp molding since 1986, with 30+ years of continuous technological development.

We have delivered equipment to:

• Sabert Group

• Molpack Group

• Baramist Group

• SHENGQUAN Group

• KOCEL Group

• China Agricultural University

• Maejo University

• …and many more.

Our engineering team understands the needs of R&D labs and provides technical guidance, mold design assistance, and long-term support.

Conclusion: SHW-360 Empowers Laboratory Innovation

The SHW-360 all-in-one pulp molding machine is a compact, flexible, and powerful solution designed specifically for the unique demands of research and development environments. Its integrated design, raw-material compatibility, low running cost, and mold customization capabilities make it ideal for:

• New product development

• Fiber research

• Prototype manufacturing

• University teaching

• Small-batch production

• Sustainable packaging exploration

As global markets move toward biodegradable materials, SHW-360 equips R&D teams with the tools they need to innovate, test, and lead the transition to greener packaging.