Road Marking Thermoplastic Preheater Manufacturer in China | TIANHUA Traffic
Thermoplastic preheaters (also called hot melt preheaters or thermoplastic melters) are essential equipment for road marking contractors who apply hot-applied thermoplastic paint. China produces a wide range of preheaters — from compact mobile kettles to large stationary melting systems — that serve domestic projects and export markets worldwide.
Why Chinese Preheater Manufacturers Are Competitive
- Mass production capability and competitive factory pricing.
- Wide product variety: towable kettles, truck-mounted melters, stationary melting tanks and integrated heating/plasticizing units.
- OEM customization: voltage, burner type (diesel, gas, electric), capacity, control panel language and safety features.
- Export experience and documentation for customs clearance (CE/ISO options available for some models).
Common Preheater Types & Typical Specs
| Model Type | Typical Capacity | Heating Method | Application |
| Portable Towable Kettle | 200–600 kg | Diesel burner / LPG | Small-medium road marking jobs, parking lots |
| Truck-Mounted Melter | 500–2000 kg | Diesel / gas / electric | Highway projects, continuous line work |
| Stationary Melting Tank | 1000–5000 kg | Electric or steam | Factory or depot melting for bulk supply |
| Continuous Flow Preheater | Variable (kg/hr) | Electric / gas | High-output, automated application lines |
Key Features to Evaluate
- Heating control and temperature stability: precise thermostatic control (±1–3°C) to avoid material degradation.
- Material handling: hopper design, anti-clogging features and ease of cleaning.
- Safety: over-temperature protection, emergency shut-off, pressure relief, and stable burner design.
- Mobility & power: trailer-mounted vs truck-mounted, on-board power or independent generator.
- Control interface: analog or digital PID controllers, language and units selectable for export markets.
- Spare parts & consumables: burner nozzles, thermocouples, safety valves readily available.
Price Range (Factory-level Guidance)
| Equipment | Indicative Factory Price (USD) |
| Small Towable Kettle (200–400 kg) | 3,000 – 7,000 |
| Medium Towable / Truck-mounted (500–1200 kg) | 7,000 – 14,000 |
| Large Truck-mounted / Continuous Flow | 12,000 – 35,000 |
| Stationary Melting Tank (bulk) | 10,000 – 30,000 |
Prices depend on configuration, burner type, control system, and optional accessories such as pumps, agitators and bead dispensers. CIF pricing will add freight and local import costs.
Top Chinese Manufacturers & Exporters (Representative)
The following types of manufacturers are active in the Chinese market and export globally. For procurement, consider factory track record, export documentation, and service network.
- Large equipment manufacturers with export lines (truck-mounted systems, customized solutions).
- Specialized road marking equipment factories producing towable kettles and accessories.
- OEM builders offering private-label production and integration with paint supply (melter + thermoplastic supply).
TIANHUA Traffic partners with several reputable equipment manufacturers to supply bundled solutions (thermoplastic paint + preheater + beads). We can recommend models that match your project scale and arrange OEM branding and export logistics.
How to Choose the Right Preheater for Your Project
- Estimate daily material usage (kg/day) and select capacity with 20–30% buffer.
- Decide mobility needs (trailer vs truck vs stationary depot) and local fuel availability.
- Check local safety regulations and required certifications (CE, local approvals).
- Request factory test reports and ask for a demonstration video or a short factory acceptance test (FAT).
- Confirm spare parts availability and expected lead times.
OEM, Warranty and After-Sales Support
Leading Chinese manufacturers provide:
- OEM/private-label production and customized color/branding of control panels.
- Standard warranty (often 12 months) and extended service packages for international buyers.
- Spare parts kits shipped with initial order and remote technical support (video call, manuals).
- Optional on-site commissioning for large truck-mounted or continuous flow systems (by arrangement).
Logistics & Export Considerations
Preheaters are shipped by container or RoRo (truck-mounted units). Consider:
- Export packing and crating to protect fragile controls.
- CIF or FOB shipping terms — clarify with the manufacturer which party arranges freight and insurance.
- Customs classification and import duties for heavy machinery in your country.
Why Buy a Bundled Solution (Paint + Preheater + Beads)
Purchasing an integrated package (thermoplastic paint supply + melting equipment + glass beads) reduces compatibility risk, simplifies logistics, and usually results in better commercial terms. TIANHUA Traffic offers bundled options including sample panels and on-site startup support.
Contact TIANHUA Traffic for Preheater & Thermoplastic Supply
If you need help selecting the right preheater model or want a turnkey supply (preheater + thermoplastic paint + beads), contact:
TIANHUA Traffic
Website: www.tianhuatraffic.com
Email: [email protected]
We can provide model sheets, CIF quotes, factory videos, and OEM options tailored to your country’s regulations and project scale.
