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A 2000–3000 PCs/hr egg tray making machine is also called a multi-face rotary drum machine. It refers to a machine with multiple forming surfaces that can produce pulp egg trays quickly and efficiently, with an hourly output of 2,000–3,000 pieces.

Shuliy offers this type of egg tray making machine in two models: SL-3*4 and SL-4*4. The SL-3*4 model has an output of 2,000–2,500 pieces per hour, while the SL-4*4 model produces 2,500–3,000 pieces per hour. Like many pulp egg tray machines, this 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr egg tray machine uses paper pulp to produce egg trays.

This medium-capacity egg tray making machine is suitable for small or medium egg tray factories. If large-scale production is required, a 4,000–8,000 PCs/hr egg tray making machine can be selected.

Shuliy’s popular 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr egg tray forming machine attracts customers from more than 50 countries and regions, including Brazil, the United States, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, thanks to its durability and high output of high-quality egg trays.

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Why is the 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr Egg Tray Machine Called A Multi-side Rotary Drum Machine?

A multi-face rotary drum machine refers to an egg tray making machine with a rotating drum design in the forming section. The drum is the core component of a multi-face egg tray machine and is usually a cylindrical or polygonal rotating structure.

“Multi-side” means the drum has multiple transfer surfaces, each with several egg tray forming molds. The drum rotates continuously to achieve high-speed production. The 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr egg tray making machine has four forming surfaces.

Common multi-face egg tray machines have four or eight surfaces. Compared with the 8-sided machine, the four-surface machine has a moderate output, compact structure, lower cost, and simpler operation, making it suitable for small and medium-sized factories.

Sl-4×8 egg carton machine
SL-4×8 egg carton machine

What Can This Egg Tray Machine Produce?

The 2,000–3,000 pcs/hr egg tray making machine is not limited to standard egg trays. By changing the forming and transfer molds, the same rotary forming system produces a wide range of molded pulp packaging. This flexibility allows medium-sized factories to serve multiple markets without buying separate machines.

Product CategoryExamplesTypical Applications
Egg packaging12-cell, 20-cell, 30-cell egg trays;
flip-top egg cartons; quail egg trays
Poultry farms, supermarkets,
retail packaging
Fruit traysApple trays, orange trays, berry trays,
avocado trays
Fruit exporters, fresh produce packaging
Beverage carriers2-cup, 4-cup, 6-cup coffee cup carriersCoffee shops, takeaway delivery
Bottle packagingWine bottle trays, liquor bottle traysWinery and spirits distribution
Industrial packagingElectronic component trays, hardware
trays
Electronics factories, appliance
manufacturers
Agricultural traysSeedling trays, nursery cups, flower potsHorticulture, nurseries, farming
Consumer goodsShoe inserts, cosmetic trays,
gift packaging
Footwear, cosmetics, retail gift boxes

The most common output for the SL-3×4 and SL-4×4 models is the standard 30-cell egg tray. This format is widely used in Africa, Asia, and South America. For operators targeting supermarkets or export markets, flip-top egg cartons and colored trays offer higher margins. Fruit tray molds are popular in agricultural regions where farmers need protective packaging for export crops.

What Raw Materials Can Be Used?

The most common raw materials are waste paper and water. Other materials can include kraft paper, corrugated paper, and cardboard, all of which contain fibers.

Some customers use industrial residues from paper mills, and some use one-sided coated waste paper. All materials need to be mixed with water and pulped before production. The typical ratio of waste paper to water is 1:10. Egg trays made from this waste paper are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and durable.

Raw material
Raw Material

How Does an Egg Tray Making Machine Work?

A 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr egg tray making machine usually uses the multi-face rotary drum forming principle. During operation, pulp is pumped into the forming molds, which shape the egg trays on the rotating drum in sequence. The trays then go through dewatering, pressing, and drying, and are finally automatically discharged by the conveyor. The whole process is continuous and efficient, requiring no manual intervention, making it suitable for small and medium-sized egg tray production.

Metal egg tray drying line process flow diagram
Metal Egg Tray Drying Line Process Flow Diagram

2,000–3,000 Pcs/Hr Egg Tray Machine Models

Type 1: SL-3*4

The SL-3*4 has 4 rotating surfaces and one transfer surface. Each rotating surface has three forming molds. The transfer surface delivers the pulp, and the three molds shape wet trays simultaneously. Each cycle produces 12 egg trays.

Sl-3x4 egg tray making machine for sale
SL-3X4 Egg Tray Making Machine for Sale

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Output per hour2,500 pcs
Power55 kW
Power Supply380V 50Hz
Weight4,000 kg
Machine Size (L×W×H)2,900×1,800×1,800 mm
Paper Consumption/hour200 kg
Water Consumption/hour400 kg
Drying MethodBrick kiln or multi-layer

Type 2: SL-4*4

The SL-4*4 has 4 rotating surfaces and one transfer surface. Each rotating surface has four forming molds. The four molds shape wet trays simultaneously, producing 16 egg trays per cycle.

Sl-4x4 side egg tray machine
SL-4X4 Side Egg Tray Machine

Technical Specifications

ParameterSpecification
Output per hour3,000 pcs
Power60 kW
Power Supply380V 50Hz
Weight4,800 kg
Machine Size (L×W×H)3,250×1,800×1,800 mm
Paper Consumption/hour240 kg
Water Consumption/hour480 kg
Drying MethodBrick kiln or multi-layer

SL-3×4 vs. SL-4×4: Which One Should You Choose?

ParameterSL-3*4SL-4*4Difference/Notes
Output per hour2,500 pcs3,000 pcsSL-4*4 has higher output,
about 500 pcs/hr more
Power55 kW60 kWSL-4*4 uses slightly more power
to meet higher output
Power Supply380V 50Hz380V 50HzSame
Weight4,000 kg4,800 kgSL-4*4 is heavier,
more stable
Machine Size (L×W×H)2,900×1,800×1,800 mm3,250×1,800×1,800 mmSL-4*4 is longer, occupies
slightly more space
Paper Consumption/hour200 kg240 kgSL-4*4 consumes
more paper,
matching higher output
Water Consumption/hour400 kg480 kgSL-4*4 consumes
more water
Drying MethodBrick kiln or multi-layerBrick kiln or multi-layerSame
High efficiency 4 side egg tray machine
High Efficiency 4 Side Egg Tray Machine

Egg Tray Drying Methods for 2,000–3,000 Pcs/Hr Production

At 2,000–3,000 pieces per hour, wet tray output exceeds what natural sun drying can reliably handle. Shuliy offers two practical drying configurations for this capacity level.

Option 1: Multi-Layer Drying Room

The drying room is a batch-type dryer with stacked carts or shelves. Wet trays are loaded onto carts and wheeled into the heated chamber. Hot air circulates through the room at 60–120°C until moisture drops below 12%.

ParameterSpecification
Capacity match2,000–3,000 pcs/hr forming output
Heating sourceElectricity, natural gas, diesel, or coal
Drying cycle45–90 minutes per batch
Labor requirement1-2 workers for loading and unloading
Floor space50–100 m² depending on tray volume
Best forHumid climates, limited initial investment

The drying room is the most common pairing for the SL-3×4 in regions with unpredictable weather. It protects trays from rain and dust. The lower initial cost makes it attractive for first-time investors.

Large capacity egg tray drying machine
Large Capacity Egg Tray Drying Machine

Option 2: Continuous Mesh Belt Dryer

The mesh belt dryer transports trays through a heated tunnel on a moving conveyor. This creates a continuous flow from forming to packaging.

ParameterSpecification
Capacity match2,500–7,000 pcs/hr
Heating sourceNatural gas, diesel, coal, or LPG
Drying time15–25 minutes
Labor requirementMinimal, mostly monitoring
Floor spaceLonger but narrower than drying room
Best forHigh output, limited labor, consistent production

The mesh belt dryer raises equipment cost but reduces labor and cycle time. It is ideal for factories planning to run two shifts or expand toward the higher end of the SL-4×4 capacity.

Automatic egg tray mesh belt drying machine
Automatic Egg Tray Mesh Belt Drying Machine

Drying Method Selection Guide

Your SituationRecommended Dryer
Limited budget, humid climateMulti-layer drying room
Plan to expand to 4,000+ pcs/hrMesh belt dryer
Unreliable electricityDrying room with coal or gas burner
Need minimal laborMesh belt dryer
Limited factory lengthDrying room

What Does a Complete Egg Tray Production Line Include?

A 2,000–3,000 pcs/hr egg tray production line includes more than the forming machine. Shuliy supplies a coordinated system where each module is sized to match the forming output.

Pulping System

ComponentSL-3×4 ConfigurationSL-4×4 Configuration
Hydropulper2 m³, 11 kW2 m³, 11 kW
Agitator3 kW3 kW
Supply pump4 kW4 kW
Sewage pump1.5 kW1.5 kW

The pulping system processes waste paper into 2–3% consistency slurry. A typical batch takes 15–20 minutes. The 2 m³ pulper keeps pace with both models.

Pulping machine
Pulping Machine

2. Forming System

Forming System

ComponentSL-3×4SL-4×4
Forming machineFour-side rotaryFour-side rotary
Forming molds12 pcs (3 per side)16 pcs (4 per side)
Transfer mold4 pcs4 pcs
Cycle speed10–15 strokes/min10–15 strokes/min
Vacuum pump18.5 kW18.5 kW
Air compressor11 kW11 kW

The forming system is the production core. Vacuum suction draws pulp onto the molds. Compressed air transfers wet trays to the dryer conveyor.

4 side egg tray machine mold
4 Side Egg Tray Machine Mold

Drying System

The drying module is selected based on climate and budget. Either the multi-layer drying room or the mesh belt dryer can be paired with the SL-3×4 and SL-4×4.

Packaging System

ComponentFunction
Automatic tray stackerCounts and stacks dried trays
Pneumatic baling machineCompresses trays into bundles
Conveyor beltsMoves trays between stations

The packaging system reduces finished product volume by 30–40%. This lowers transport costs and simplifies warehouse storage.

Packaging machine
Packaging Machine

How to Choose the Right Egg Tray Machine Capacity?

Selecting the correct capacity prevents over-investment and production bottlenecks. Match the machine to your current needs with room for growth.

Your Daily TargetRecommended ModelReasoning
20,000–30,000 trays/daySL-3×4 (2,500 pcs/hr)Lower investment, enough for local supply
30,000–50,000 trays/daySL-4×4 (3,000 pcs/hr)Matches medium factory output
50,000+ trays/daySL-4×8 or largerHigher capacity for commercial scale

Consider these factors when deciding:

  • Market demand: How many trays can you sell daily?
  • Operating hours: Will you run one or two shifts?
  • Raw material supply: Can you source enough waste paper?
  • Facility size: Do you have space for the dryer and raw material storage?
  • Budget: Can you afford the mesh belt dryer, or should you start with a drying room?

A common mistake is buying the largest machine possible. If your daily sales are 25,000 trays, the SL-3×4 is the rational choice. You can upgrade later when demand grows.

Rotary 4 side egg tray machine
Rotary 4 Side Egg Tray Machine

How Much Does a 2,000–3,000 Pcs/Hr Egg Tray Machine Cost?

The price of a 2,000–3,000 pcs/hr paper egg tray machine depends on configuration, drying method, and shipping destination. Several factors affect the final quotation:

  • Forming machine model: SL-3×4 or SL-4×4
  • Drying system: Drying room or mesh belt dryer
  • Heat source: Electricity, gas, diesel, coal, or LPG
  • Automation level: Standard controls or PLC touchscreen
  • Voltage requirement: 380V/50Hz standard, other voltages available
  • Spare parts package: Basic kit or extended kit
  • Shipping terms: FOB, CIF, or door-to-door delivery

To receive an accurate quotation, provide these details to the supplier:

  1. Your target daily output
  2. Preferred drying method
  3. Available fuel type
  4. Facility dimensions
  5. Destination country and port

Advantages of the 2,000–3,000 PCs/hr Egg Tray Making Machine

Stable Medium-to-High Capacity Configuration

  • SL-3*4: 2,500 pieces/hr
  • SL-4*4: 3,000 pieces/hr
    Covers mainstream capacity needs for medium to medium-large egg tray factories.

Better Unit Output Efficiency

  • SL-3*4: 55 kW
  • SL-4*4: 60 kW
    With about a 20% increase in output, power only increases by 5 kW, keeping energy consumption growth manageable.

Heavier Machine Body for More Stable Operation

  • Total weight: 4,000 kg (SL-3*4) and 4,800 kg (SL-4*4)
    Reduces vibration at high speeds, ensuring consistent egg tray forming.

High-Strength Steel Frame

  • The main machine is welded with high-strength steel, fatigue-resistant and corrosion-resistant, suitable for long-term continuous production.

Compact Structure with High Space Utilization

  • Dimensions: 2,900×1,800×1,800 mm (SL-3*4) and 3,250×1,800×1,800 mm (SL-4*4)
    Achieves higher capacity with minimal additional floor space.

Raw Material Consumption Matches Output Linearly

  • SL-3*4: 200 kg paper/hr, 400 kg water/hr
  • SL-4*4: 240 kg paper/hr, 480 kg water/hr
    Allows clear and controllable cost calculation.

High-Efficiency Multi-Face Rotary Drum Forming

  • Continuous forming, dewatering, and transfer
  • Improves production efficiency and reduces manual labor.

Flexible Drying Options

  • Formed egg trays can be paired with brick kilns or multi-layer drying systems
  • Configurable according to local energy conditions and investment budget.
4 side egg tray machine factory
4 Side Egg Tray Machine Factory

2,000–3,000 Pcs/Hr Egg Tray Machine Project Cases

Tanzania: SL-4×4 Brick Dryer Production Line

A poultry packaging entrepreneur in Tanzania installed an SL-4×4 egg tray manufacturing machine with a brick dryer near Dar es Salaam. The line produces approximately 3,000 trays per hour. Shuliy dispatched an engineer to supervise installation and train local operators. The customer now supplies egg trays to poultry farms across the region. The brick dryer was chosen because it supports both natural gas and coal firing, giving the customer flexibility as local fuel prices change.

Sl-4×4 egg tray forming machine
SL-4×4 Egg Tray Forming Machine

Tanzania: Poultry Farm Self-Use Project

In October 2025, a Tanzanian poultry farm with 2,000 cubic meters of production space ordered an SL-4×4 waste paper egg tray machine. The customer needed trays for internal use and planned to sell the surplus. The system was configured with coal-fired brick drying to match local energy availability. Shuliy provided site layout planning, refractory bricks shipped with the equipment, and a complete spare parts list. The machine was loaded into containers and shipped with installation support arranged.

Loading the egg tray machine
Loading the egg tray machine

Sierra Leone: 2,500 Pcs/Hr Food Packaging Project

In August 2025, Shuliy completed installation and commissioning of an SL-2500-3×4 automatic egg tray making machine for a customer in Sierra Leone. The customer operates in food packaging and wants to convert waste paper into eco-friendly egg trays. The production line included pulping, forming, drying, and packaging modules. Shuliy engineers provided on-site installation guidance and operator training. The machine now runs in normal production, turning waste paper into a sellable packaging product.

Egg tray machine loading
Egg tray machine loading

Why Choose Shuliy?

Shuliy provides one-stop services, including:

  • Solution design
  • Operation training
  • Technical support and spare parts during production
  • On-site or remote installation and commissioning
  • After-sales maintenance
  • Mold customization and product upgrades
  • One-year warranty

Complete Factory Certifications:

  • CE
  • ISO9001
  • SGS
  • TUV
  • BV
  • NGV
Certifications
Certifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can one machine produce both egg trays and egg cartons?

Yes. The same forming machine produces both by changing the molds. Egg cartons require deeper molds and a lid-forming die. Mold changeover takes 30–60 minutes.

How much waste paper is needed per 1,000 trays?

Approximately 100–120 kg of dry waste paper is needed per 1,000 standard 30-cell egg trays. The SL-3×4 consumes 200 kg/hour and the SL-4×4 consumes 240 kg/hour.

What is the typical payback period?

Most medium-scale operators recover their investment within 12–24 months. Payback depends on local tray prices, fuel costs, labor rates, and daily operating hours.

Can the machine run on generator power?

Yes. The SL-3×4 needs 55 kW installed power and the SL-4×4 needs 60 kW. A generator with 20–30% spare capacity is recommended for stable operation.

How many workers are needed per shift?

A complete automatic line needs 3–5 workers per shift: one feeding waste paper, one monitoring the forming machine, one managing the dryer, and one handling finished tray stacking.

What voltage does the machine use?

Standard voltage is 380V / 50Hz three-phase. Other voltages such as 220V, 415V, or 60Hz can be customized.

How long does delivery take?

Production time is typically 25–40 days. Sea freight adds 20–40 days depending on the destination port. Total lead time is usually 45–80 days.

Does Shuliy provide installation support?

Yes. Shuliy provides installation drawings, video guidance, and on-site engineer support. On-site service covers assembly, commissioning, and operator training.

Can the machine produce colored trays?

Yes. Pigments can be added to the pulp to produce yellow, purple, green, blue, or other colors. This is useful for branding and retail packaging.

What is the machine warranty?

Shuliy provides a 12-month warranty on mechanical and electrical components. Spare parts and lifetime technical support are available after the warranty period.