A napkin machine is an essential component in the tissue converting industry, designed to convert jumbo tissue rolls into folded and finished napkins. From hospitality to retail and food service, paper napkins are in constant demand, creating consistent opportunities for manufacturers.
For converters seeking to scale operations, meet custom client demands, or reduce production costs, investing in a high-performance napkin paper machine—especially one with automation and packaging integration—has become a strategic move. DeChangYu offers smart, efficient, and fully customisable napkin machine solutions trusted across 160+ countries.
Selecting the right napkin paper machine is a strategic investment that directly influences production efficiency, product quality, and long-term operational costs. Whether you're expanding capacity or entering the tissue converting sector, the following technical and functional criteria should guide your purchasing decision.
Folding Configurations
Napkin machines support a variety of folding styles tailored to different market segments:
V-fold (half-fold): Commonly used for standard table napkins in retail and food service.
N-fold (interfold): Suitable for dispensers and hygiene-focused environments.
M-fold and Z-fold: Ideal for compact dispensing and premium presentation.
Custom folds: Machines can be configured for non-standard folding formats to support brand differentiation or special use cases.
Understanding your end-user needs will help determine the appropriate folding type and required tooling.
Production Speed and Output Capacity
Machines vary widely in throughput:
Entry-Level Models: Typically offer speeds of 100–200 sheets/min per lane, suitable for small-scale operations or product testing.
Industrial-Grade Machines: Capable of 400–800 sheets/min per lane or more, these are designed for high-volume manufacturing with 24/7 operation capabilities.
Speed should be evaluated in relation to automation level, number of lanes, and expected production volumes.
Power Supply and Energy Efficiency
Consider machines that support standardised industrial power inputs (e.g., 380V/50Hz, 3-phase) and are equipped with energy-efficient drive systems (such as servo motors and inverters). Machines with lower idle consumption and optimised energy usage will reduce operational costs over time and align with sustainability goals.
Raw Material Compatibility
Ensure the machine supports:
Jumbo roll width (e.g., 1200mm, 1500mm, or custom)
Core diameter (commonly 3 or 6 inches)
GSM range (grams per square meter), which affects folding, embossing, and absorbency
Number of plies (1–3 layers), which influences machine tension settings and unwind systems
DeChangYu machines are designed to handle a wide range of tissue paper specifications with adjustable settings for versatility.
To meet diverse market requirements and enhance brand value, modern tissue paper napkin machines offer extensive customisation capabilities:
Inline Logo Printing
High-precision flexographic printing units can be integrated to apply logos, designs, or patterns in 1–4 colours. This is essential for brand visibility in B2C applications and is often a standard requirement for private-label production.
Embossing Systems
Custom embossing adds visual and tactile appeal. Options include:
Steel-to-paper embossing: Ideal for soft touch and light patterns.
Steel-to-steel embossing: Produces deeper textures for premium product lines.
DeChangYu offers custom embossing roller design services to match branding themes or regional preferences.
Adjustable Napkin Sizes and Multi-Lane Production
Machines can be configured for various napkin dimensions (e.g., 200x200mm, 300x300mm, or custom sizes). Multi-lane setups (2-lane, 4-lane, 6-lane) allow simultaneous production of multiple streams, maximising output and machine footprint efficiency.
Counting and Transfer Systems
Accurate product counting ensures reliable packaging. Options include:
Electronic counters with adjustable stack quantities
Automatic transfer systems for seamless movement from folding to packing modules
These features reduce manual handling, improve hygiene, and streamline continuous operation.
Packaging System Compatibility
Ensure the napkin paper machine is mechanically and electronically compatible with downstream packaging systems. Whether integrating semi-automatic or fully automatic plastic bagging or carton boxing machines, alignment in terms of speed, stack height, and interface protocols is essential for uninterrupted production.
To meet the increasing market demands for productivity, consistency, and branding, a high-efficiency napkin machine must integrate advanced technologies across each stage of the production cycle. Below are the critical functional features to evaluate when selecting a machine that delivers superior performance and competitive edge.
In modern tissue converting operations, production speed and the level of automation directly impact labour efficiency, cost control, and product uniformity.
Fully automatic tissue paper napkin machines from DeChangYu are engineered to streamline the entire production process—from unwinding and folding to cutting, counting, and transfer—with minimal operator involvement.
Advanced servo control systems allow for precise synchronisation of all moving parts, ensuring high-speed output without sacrificing accuracy or quality.
Typical output can range from 600 to 800 sheets per minute per lane, depending on the number of lanes and configuration.
Automation also reduces downtime by enabling automated roll changeovers, jam detection, and real-time system diagnostics.
For high-volume converters or OEM clients, this level of automation provides significant operational leverage, enabling continuous 24/7 production with optimal resource efficiency.
Branding is a critical differentiator in the tissue product market. Integrating inline flexographic printing units enables converters to print high-resolution logos, designs, and text directly onto napkins during the production cycle.
Printing units use water-based or eco-solvent inks, meeting hygiene and safety standards required for food service and hospitality applications.
Modular design allows easy addition or removal of printing units based on production needs.
Ideal for value-added services such as seasonal branding, promotional packaging, or private-label production.
This feature transforms basic white napkins into high-impact marketing tools without slowing down the production line.
Embossing enhances both the visual appeal and functional performance of napkin products.
Steel-to-paper embossing:
Produces soft, gentle textures suitable for premium hygiene products.
Preserves material softness while adding subtle decorative elements.
Steel-to-steel embossing:
Delivers bold, deep textures and crisp patterns.
Enhances the napkin's perceived value and improves liquid absorption.
Custom embossing roller design is available to integrate brand logos, geometric patterns, or floral designs.
Embossing pressure and alignment are digitally controlled to ensure consistency across high-speed runs.
These features support both aesthetic differentiation and performance enhancement, contributing to greater product satisfaction and brand loyalty.
Efficient post-processing is crucial for maintaining line productivity and minimising manual handling.
Semi-Automatic Plastic Bag Packing Machines:
Ideal for small to medium-sized production facilities seeking cost-effective automation.
Manual bag feeding with automatic product insertion and sealing.
Semi-Automatic Carton Box Packing Machines:
Suitable for napkins destined for commercial, wholesale, or export markets.
Ensures secure, stackable packaging for transit and storage.
Multi-Lane Plastic Bag Packing Machines:
Fully automated systems for high-output lines.
Capable of handling multiple stacks simultaneously, reducing cycle time and increasing throughput.
The packaging integration is engineered for perfect synchronisation with folding and counting systems. This ensures smooth product transfer, accurate stacking, and high packaging efficiency without compromising output speed.
For converters aiming to optimise throughput, reduce labour reliance, and maintain consistent quality, DeChangYu provides fully automatic napkin production lines—comprehensive systems that seamlessly integrate each stage of napkin manufacturing from start to finish.
Workflow Overview:
Jumbo Roll Unwinding → Inline Printing → Embossing → Folding → Counting → Stacking → Packaging
Each module is engineered for modular compatibility and real-time synchronisation, ensuring smooth transitions between stages and minimal production interruptions.
Key Advantages of an Integrated Production Line:
1. End-to-End Automation
No manual intervention is required from raw material feeding to final packaging.
Servo-driven systems and PLC control ensure synchronised operation with high precision.
2. Improved Hygiene Standards
Fully enclosed and contact-minimised processing ensures product cleanliness—critical for food service, hospitality, and healthcare-grade napkins.
Reduces risk of contamination compared to manual or semi-automated workflows.
3. High-Speed, Continuous Operation
Designed for uninterrupted 24/7 operation, with machine speeds up to 800 sheets/min per lane and compatible with multi-lane setups.
Integrated automatic tension control and jam prevention functions reduce downtime.
4. Customisation Across Each Stage
Printing Unit: 1–4 colour flexographic printers for branding and decoration.
Embossing Station: Custom roller designs for texture, function, or logo integration.
Folding & Counting Module: Configurable for various fold types and stacking formats.
Packaging Machine Options:
Plastic bag packaging (semi or fully automatic)
Carton box packaging for bulk or export use
Multi-lane output systems for high-volume packing
5. Intelligent System Control
Centralised touchscreen HMI (Human-Machine Interface) for real-time monitoring and diagnostics.
Options for remote monitoring, production data tracking, and fault alarms for preventive maintenance.
Tailored to Your Facility and Market Needs
DeChangYu’s complete production lines are fully customisable based on client production goals, available plant space, and target markets (e.g., retail, OEM, HORECA). From entry-level automated lines to high-capacity multi-format configurations, we offer design consultations, overseas installation, and long-term technical support.
At DeChangYu, we uphold strict quality and safety standards to ensure that every napkin paper machine delivered to our clients—whether domestic or international—is reliable, compliant, and ready for industrial operation. Our machines are designed and manufactured under a robust quality management system and backed by internationally recognised certifications.
ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System
DeChangYu is certified under the ISO 9001:2015 international standard, which governs quality management systems across all production stages. This certification ensures that:
All processes—from design and machining to final assembly—follow documented procedures and undergo continuous improvement.
Quality inspections are conducted at every key checkpoint to eliminate defects and uphold product consistency.
Customer feedback and satisfaction are integrated into our product development cycle.
CE Certification (European Conformity)
All napkin machines and production lines manufactured by DeChangYu meet the CE marking requirements, in compliance with European Union directives related to:
Machinery Safety (2006/42/EC)
Low Voltage Equipment (2014/35/EU)
Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU)
CE certification guarantees that our equipment is safe to operate within the EU and other CE-accepting regions. It also streamlines the customs clearance and market entry processes for our clients engaged in international trade.
Mechanical and Electrical Safety Compliance
Our machines are engineered to meet global industrial safety expectations:
Protective enclosures and emergency stop systems are built into all machinery.
Electrical systems follow international wiring standards and include overload protection, grounding, and isolation mechanisms.
Optional UL-listed or CSA-compliant electrical components can be integrated for markets requiring North American conformity.
Export Support and Compliance Services
To assist our global clients, we provide a full suite of export-related services:
With more than 160 countries and regions served, DeChangYu is trusted worldwide for delivering not only high-performance napkin converting equipment but also dependable certification, compliance, and technical assurance across every order.
Selecting the right napkin paper machine goes far beyond comparing output speeds or basic specifications. It requires a holistic understanding of your production goals, market demands, available factory resources, and long-term growth strategy. Whether you're launching a new converting facility or expanding an existing operation, investing in the right equipment is foundational to sustained profitability and brand competitiveness.
At DeChangYu, we do more than just build machines—we deliver intelligent production solutions. With over 30 years of industry experience, a strong portfolio of 60+ national patents, and a footprint in 160+ countries, we’re positioned to support tissue converters of all sizes with:
Whether you require a single high-speed unit or a fully automated multi-lane production line with packing, our expert team is ready to provide tailored recommendations that align with your operational needs and market requirements.
Contact us today to discuss your napkin production project. Let DeChangYu be your long-term partner in delivering efficient, safe, and future-ready converting solutions.
