Batch Type
1. EPS Pre-expander
- · Pre-foams raw EPS beads with steam to target density
- · Standard fish box density 16-22 kg/m³
- · High-strength fish box density 20-30 kg/m³
- · Ultra-light insulation box density 12-18 kg/m³
Turnkey Solution
EPS Fish Box Production Line — Complete Turnkey System
5 integrated subsystems — pre-expander, aging silo, shape molding machine, fish box molds, and utility systems (steam + cooling + compressed air + vacuum) — engineered for seafood boxes, fish boxes, ice-keeping boxes, fruit insulation boxes. Density range 12-30 kg/m³. Daily output 800 to 30,000+ pieces depending on machine count.
800-30,000+ pcs
Daily Output Range
12-30 kg/m³
Density Range
50-130s
Cycle Time
400-600 m²
Floor Area
What Is an EPS Fish Box Production Line?
An EPS fish box production line is a five-subsystem turnkey plant that turns raw EPS beads into finished insulated fish boxes: a pre-expander, 4-8 aging silos, an EPS shape molding machine, the fish box molds, and the utility set (steam, cooling water, compressed air, vacuum). Boxes are molded at 12-30 kg/m³ density on a 50-130 second cycle, and a line runs 800 to 30,000+ boxes per day depending on how many molding machines you install.
What This Line Produces
End products this turnkey line is engineered to manufacture.
Seafood insulation box
Salmon box
Shrimp box
Ice-keeping fresh box
Fruit insulation box
Medical cold-chain box
Fresh produce transport box
Export-grade seafood packaging box
Production Flow
From raw material to finished product — six stages, fully integrated.
Step 1
EPS Raw Material
Raw EPS resin beads delivered from supplier.
Step 2
Pre-expander
Beads expanded with steam to target density (12-30 kg/m³).
Step 3
Aging Silo
Pre-expanded beads age 6-24 hours for pressure balance.
Step 4
Automatic Conveying
Pneumatic transfer of aged beads to shape molding machine.
Step 5
Fish Box Shape Molding
Aluminum mold + steam + 50-130s cycle produces finished box.
Step 6
Cooling & Demolding
Vacuum cooling locks shape; auto demolding ejects box.
Step 7
Auto Stacking
Stacked onto pallet for warehouse transport.
Step 8
Packing & Warehouse
Final wrap + warehouse storage ready for shipment.
Line Composition
Production line subsystems
The full production line is composed of these core subsystems — each one engineered as a self-contained module.
AG-30 / AG-50
2. Aging Silo
- · Pre-expanded beads enter silo for aging, balancing internal pressure for improved molding quality
- · Typical configuration: 4-8 silos
- · Capacity 15-50 m³ per silo
- · Aging time 6-24 hours
SM-1000 / SM-1200 / SM-1400
3. EPS Fish Box Shape Molding Machine
- · SM-1000 — 1,000 × 800 mm platen, small fish boxes
- · SM-1200 — 1,200 × 1,000 mm platen, standard fish boxes
- · SM-1400 — 1,400 × 1,200 mm platen, large seafood boxes
- · Cycle time 50-130 seconds per cycle. PLC control + vacuum cooling + auto feed + auto demolding + hydraulic drive
Custom per spec
4. Fish Box Mold
- · Produces 20L / 30L / 40L / 60L fish boxes, lidded boxes, stackable boxes, export-grade boxes
- · Quick mold change enables one machine to produce multiple box sizes per day
- · Aluminum CNC-machined for durability and steam vent precision
- · Buyer-specified embossing for logo, capacity label, or handle ergonomics
Steam + Cooling + Air + Vacuum
5. Auxiliary Systems
- · Steam system: boiler, pressure reducing valve, steam piping
- · Cooling system: cooling tower + water pumps
- · Compressed air system: air compressor + air storage tank
- · Vacuum system + optional auto stacking system
Line Tier Options
Choose your production scale
Pick a tier that matches your daily output target — equipment scales accordingly.
Small Line
1 machine800-1,500 pcs/day
- Pre-expander 1
- Aging Silos 4
- Shape Molding Machine 1
- Molds 2-4 sets
- Boiler + Vacuum + Cooling + Air each 1 set
Most Common
Middle Line
2 machines2,000-4,000 pcs/day
- Pre-expander 1
- Aging Silos 6-8
- Shape Molding Machine 2-3
- Molds 4-8 sets
- Automatic Conveying 1 set
- Auto Stacking optional
Large Line
4 machines5,000-10,000 pcs/day
- Pre-expander 1-2
- Aging Silos 8-12
- Shape Molding Machine 4-8
- Molds 8-20 sets
- Auto Conveying full auto
- Auto Demolding + Stacking recommended
- Recycling System recommended
Full Equipment List
Complete configuration (20 items)
Every machine in the turnkey package — main equipment, auxiliary systems, and optional upgrades.
| No. | Equipment | Qty | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | EPS Pre-expander | 1 set | Pre-foam EPS, density control |
| 2 | Fluidized Bed Dryer | 1 set | Dry and cool pre-expanded beads |
| 3 | Aging Silo | 4-8 pcs | Aging beads, stabilize pressure |
| 4 | Automatic Conveying System | 1 set | Convey aged beads to molding machine |
| 5 | EPS Fish Box Shape Molding Machine | 1-4 sets | Core fish box forming equipment |
| 6 | Fish Box Mold | per spec | Produce different size boxes |
| 7 | Vacuum System | 1 set | Accelerate cooling, improve efficiency |
| 8 | Steam Boiler | 1 set | Supply forming steam |
| 9 | Steam Manifold | 1 set | Stable steam distribution |
| 10 | Cooling Tower | 1 set | Cool circulating water |
| 11 | Cooling Water Pump | 2 pcs | One running + one standby |
| 12 | Air Compressor | 1 set | Provide pneumatic control air |
| 13 | Air Storage Tank | 1 pc | Stabilize air pressure |
| 14 | EPS Raw Material Storage Tank | optional | Store EPS raw material |
| 15 | Auto Demolding Robot | optional | Auto pick finished box |
| 16 | Auto Stacker | optional | Auto stacking pallet |
| 17 | EPS Crusher / Recycling Machine | optional | Recycle edge waste |
| 18 | Dust Collection System | optional | Improve workshop environment |
| 19 | Central Control Cabinet | 1 set | Integrated line electrical management |
| 20 | Steam / Air / Water Pipeline | 1 set | Steam, water, air connections |
Workshop Requirements
Site preparation
Before equipment arrival, the buyer needs to prepare the following on-site infrastructure.
- Floor area
- 400-600 m²
- Ceiling height
- ≥ 6 m
- Electrical
- Three-phase 380V / 50Hz
- Steam supply
- Local boiler (recommended local purchase)
- Cooling water
- Local cooling system
- Compressed air
- Local air compressor
Why ChinaEps for This Solution
Engineering specifically tuned for this application — not a generic line.
Complete 5-Subsystem Integration
We design and supply all 5 subsystems (pre-expander + aging silo + shape molder + molds + auxiliary) in-house — single accountability chain, single PLC ecosystem, no multi-vendor finger-pointing on commissioning.
Density Range 12-30 kg/m³
Single line handles 3 box grades: ultra-light insulation (12-18 kg/m³), standard fish box (16-22 kg/m³), high-strength export box (20-30 kg/m³) — switching grades requires only bead grade + recipe change.
Local Purchase Recommendation Saves 15-25%
We recommend local procurement of steam boiler / air compressor / cooling tower in your country — saves freight + matches local voltage / certifications + faster service. Total project cost reduction 15-25%.
Container Plan Optimized for Sea Freight
Pre-engineered 20GP / 40HQ configurations (1 / 2 / 4 / 6-8 machine tiers) ensure your equipment fits the most cost-effective sea route from Qingdao / Shanghai to Mexico / Peru / Indonesia / Vietnam / Africa.
Utility Consumption Calc
Steam · Air · Cooling Water
Per-equipment + total demand for sizing your boiler, compressor, and cooling tower.
Steam Consumption — 4-machine middle line
| Equipment | Per Unit | Qty | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS Pre-expander | 100-180 kg/h | 1 | 100-180 kg/h |
| EPS Fish Box Molding Machine | 80-120 kg/h | 4 | 320-480 kg/h |
| Pipeline loss (≈10%) | - | - | 40-70 kg/h |
| Total Steam Demand | - | - | 460-730 kg/h |
Recommendation Recommended boiler: 1 ton/h steam boiler (suits 3-4 molding machines). For 1-2 machines use 0.5T; for 5-8 machines use 1.5-2T.
Compressed Air Consumption
| Equipment | Per Unit | Qty | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-expander pneumatic valves | 0.2-0.3 m³/min | 1 | 0.2-0.3 m³/min |
| Molding machine pneumatic system | 0.3-0.5 m³/min | 4 | 1.2-2.0 m³/min |
| Auto conveying system | 0.4-0.8 m³/min | 1 | 0.4-0.8 m³/min |
| Other pneumatic valves | 0.3-0.5 m³/min | - | 0.3-0.5 m³/min |
| Total Air Demand | - | - | 2.1-3.6 m³/min |
Recommendation Recommended air compressor: 4-5 m³/min at 0.6-0.8 MPa. Air storage tank 1-2 m³. Air dryer recommended.
Cooling Water Consumption
| Equipment | Per Unit | Qty | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| EPS molding machine | 3-5 m³/h | 4 | 12-20 m³/h |
| Vacuum system cooling | 3-6 m³/h | 1 | 3-6 m³/h |
| Pre-expander cooling | 1-2 m³/h | 1 | 1-2 m³/h |
| Total Circulating Water | - | - | 16-28 m³/h |
| Actual Make-up Water (8h shift) | - | - | 12-24 m³/day |
Recommendation Recommended cooling tower: 30-40 m³/h. Cooling water pumps: 2 pcs (1 running + 1 standby). Water pool: 10-20 m³.
Container Plan
20GP / 40HQ Loading Configurations
Pre-engineered container loading for your line size — daily output 800-30,000+ pieces.
Option 1: 1 × 20GP — Small Line
1 molding machine, small fish box factory, daily output 800-1,500 pcs
20GP Container #1
- EPS Pre-expander 1 set
- Fluidized Bed Dryer 1 set
- Aging Silos (15m³) 4 pcs
- Automatic Conveying System 1 set
- EPS Shape Molding Machine 1 set
- Fish Box Molds 2-4 sets
- Vacuum System 1 set
- Spare Parts 1 batch
- Control Cabinet 1 set
Option 2: 2 × 40HQ — Middle Line
2 molding machines, middle factory, daily output 2,000-4,000 pcs
40HQ #1
- EPS Pre-expander 1 set
- Fluidized Bed Dryer 1 set
- Aging Silos (20m³) 6 pcs
- Conveying System 1 set
- Vacuum Tank + Pump 1 set
- Electrical Cabinet 1 set
- Accessories 1 batch
40HQ #2
- EPS Shape Molding Machine 2 sets
- Fish Box Molds 4-8 sets
- Pipes and Valves 1 batch
- Spare Parts 1 batch
Recommended
Option 3: 4 × 40HQ — Recommended Full Plant
4 molding machines, seafood export packaging factory, daily output 5,000-10,000 pcs
40HQ #1 — Raw Material + Pre-expansion
- EPS Batch Pre-expander 1 set
- Fluidized Dryer 1 set
- Aging Silos 6-8 pcs
- Automatic Conveying System 1 set
- Cyclone Separator 1 set
40HQ #2 — Vacuum System
- Vacuum Tank 1 set
- Vacuum Pump 2 sets
- Cooling Water Tank 1 set
- Cooling Pump 2 sets
- Electrical Cabinet 1 set
40HQ #3 — Molding Group A
- EPS Shape Molding Machine 2 sets
- Fish Box Mold 4-6 sets
40HQ #4 — Molding Group B
- EPS Shape Molding Machine 2 sets
- Fish Box Mold 4-6 sets
- Spare Parts 1 batch
Local-purchase recommendation: Steam boiler, air compressor, cooling tower, and water tank are not shipped from China — local purchase saves freight, matches local voltage / certifications, and reduces total project cost by 15-25%.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an EPS fish box production line?
It is a complete plant for molding expanded polystyrene fish boxes, built from five subsystems: a pre-expander that foams raw beads to the target density, aging silos that stabilise them for 6-24 hours, a shape molding machine that steam-fuses the beads inside an aluminium mold, the fish box molds themselves, and the utility set (steam boiler, cooling tower, air compressor, vacuum). Everything except the mold is standard EPS equipment — the mold is what makes it a fish box line.
What utilities does an EPS fish box production line need?
For a 4-machine line, budget 460-730 kg/h of steam (a 1 ton/h boiler), 2.1-3.6 m³/min of compressed air at 0.6-0.8 MPa, and 16-28 m³/h of circulating cooling water with 12-24 m³/day of make-up. Power supply is three-phase 380V / 50Hz, and the line needs 400-600 m² of floor with at least 6 m of headroom. Boiler, air compressor and cooling tower are best bought locally — that alone cuts total project cost 15-25%.
Is an EPS fish box production line the same as a fish packing line?
No. This line manufactures the boxes — it is EPS molding equipment, not seafood processing equipment. It does not grade, weigh, ice or seal fish. What it supplies is the packaging those operations consume: 20L / 30L / 40L / 60L boxes, lidded and stackable formats, molded at 12-30 kg/m³. Seafood plants normally buy their boxes in; box manufacturers and larger exporters buy this line to produce them in-house.
What is the density range for fish boxes?
Standard fish boxes use 16-22 kg/m³ density. High-strength export boxes use 20-30 kg/m³. Ultra-light insulation boxes use 12-18 kg/m³. Density is controlled by the pre-expander steam time and target density setting.
How many aging silos do I need?
Small line (1 machine) needs 4 silos. Middle line (2-3 machines) needs 6-8 silos. Large line (4+ machines) needs 8-12 silos. Each silo is 15-50 m³ depending on layout. Aging time 6-24 hours per batch.
What is the cycle time per fish box?
50-130 seconds per cycle, depending on box size, density, and mold cooling efficiency. Small fish boxes on an SM-1000 (1,000 × 800 mm platen) cycle ~50-80s. Large seafood boxes on an SM-1400 (1,400 × 1,200 mm platen) cycle ~100-130s.
Do you ship the steam boiler and air compressor?
We recommend local purchase of boiler / air compressor / cooling tower in your country. Reasons: high sea freight cost, easier local after-sales, voltage and certification match, and 15-25% total project cost saving.
Can one machine produce multiple box sizes?
Yes. By changing the mold (typically 30-45 minutes), one shape molding machine can produce 20L / 30L / 40L / 60L boxes, lidded boxes, stackable boxes. Most buyers run 2-3 SKUs per day.
How many containers do I need for shipping?
1 machine line: 1 × 20GP. 2 machines: 2 × 40HQ. 4 machines (recommended): 4 × 40HQ. 6 machines: 5-6 × 40HQ. 8 machines: 7-8 × 40HQ. Boiler / compressor / cooling tower NOT shipped (local purchase).
Tell Us Your Production Goals
Share your capacity targets, product specs, and budget — our engineers design the optimal line for your factory.