In the global livestock industry, the demand for high-quality animal feed salt blocks—essential for supplementing minerals and trace elements—has surged. Shandong Zhongyou Heavy Industry Machinery Co., Ltd. a leading manufacturer of industrial machinery in China, has emerged as a pioneer in this field with its PLC-controlled animal feed salt block press, combining precision engineering, automation, and sustainability to meet the evolving needs of modern livestock farming.
1. Company Overview: A Legacy of Innovation in Heavy Machinery
Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Tengzhou, Shandong Province, Zhongyou Heavy Industry specializes in the research, development, and production of hydraulic presses, salt block machines, and other industrial equipment. With over 20 years of expertise, the company has earned a reputation for high-performance machinery, robust after-sales support, and customized solutions tailored to diverse client requirements. Its products are widely used in agriculture, mining, construction, and, notably, livestock nutrition management.
Zhongyou’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, which spans 40,000 square meters and houses advanced CNC machining centers, laser cutting machines, and automated assembly lines. The company holds ISO 9001:2015 quality management certification and adheres to strict international standards, ensuring its equipment meets global safety and performance benchmarks.
2. PLC-Controlled Salt Block Press: Precision Engineering for Optimal Livestock Nutrition
Zhongyou’s flagship animal feed salt block press integrates PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) technology, enabling fully automated operation, real-time monitoring, and precise control over every stage of production. This system revolutionizes traditional salt block manufacturing by eliminating manual intervention, reducing human error, and enhancing consistency in product quality.
Key Features of Zhongyou’s PLC-Controlled Salt Block Press:
High-Pressure Hydraulic System:
The press utilizes a four-column hydraulic structure with pressures ranging from 315 tons to 1,000 tons, capable of producing salt blocks weighing 5 kg to 20 kg in various shapes (square, round, or custom designs). The dual-floating pressing mechanism ensures uniform density (1.8–1.9 g/cm³) and minimal cracking, improving product durability.
PLC & Touchscreen Control Panel:
The intuitive PLC interface allows operators to adjust parameters such as pressure, pressing speed, and holding time with ease. The system supports automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes, accommodating different production scales and operational preferences.
Real-Time Monitoring & Fault Diagnosis:
Sensors integrated into the machine continuously monitor hydraulic pressure, oil temperature (35–55°C), and vibration levels, transmitting data to the PLC for analysis. Any anomalies trigger instant alerts, enabling prompt maintenance and minimizing downtime.
Energy Efficiency & Sustainability:
Zhongyou’s press incorporates variable frequency drives (VFDs) to optimize power consumption, reducing energy costs by up to 30% compared to conventional models. The hydraulic system uses environmentally friendly oil with low viscosity, extending component lifespan and reducing waste.

3. Production Process: From Raw Materials to Finished Salt Blocks
Zhongyou’s PLC-controlled press streamlines salt block production into a fully automated workflow, ensuring efficiency and consistency:
Raw Material Mixing:
Salt, minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium), and trace elements are blended in a double-shaft mixer to achieve a homogeneous mixture with precise moisture content (8–12%).
Automated Feeding & Pressing:
The mixed material is conveyed to a vibratory feeder, which evenly distributes it into the mold. The PLC-controlled hydraulic press then applies multi-stage compression (rapid downstroke, slow pressing, and ejection) to form dense, crack-free salt blocks.
Drying & Quality Inspection:
Freshly pressed blocks enter a three-stage hot-air dryer (40°C preheating, 60°C constant drying, 25°C cooling) to remove residual moisture. An online inspection system checks hardness (≥80 N/cm²) and density, rejecting defective products automatically.
Packaging & Storage:
Qualified blocks are vacuum-sealed with double-layer composite film for moisture protection and labeled with laser-printed batch codes for traceability. The finished products are stored in humidity-controlled warehouses (<45% RH) before shipment.
4. Global Impact & Customer Success Stories
Zhongyou’s salt block presses have been exported to over 50 countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Kenya, and the United States, serving both small-scale farmers and large-scale livestock enterprises.
Case Study: Australia’s Dairy Industry
A leading Australian dairy farm adopted Zhongyou’s 800-ton PLC press to produce custom calcium-enriched salt blocks for high-yield cows. The automated system reduced labor costs by 50% while improving milk production by 12% due to consistent mineral intake.
Case Study: African Livestock Development
In Kenya, a government-backed project deployed Zhongyou’s 500-ton press to manufacture low-cost salt licks for nomadic herders. The machine’s rugged design and easy maintenance proved ideal for remote regions, boosting cattle health and reducing mortality rates.
5 Conclusion: Zhongyou Heavy Industry – Driving Innovation in Livestock Nutrition
Shandong Zhongyou Heavy Industry’s PLC-controlled animal feed salt block press represents a leap forward in precision livestock nutrition management. By combining cutting-edge automation, robust engineering, and sustainable design, the company is empowering farmers worldwide to enhance animal health, boost productivity, and achieve long-term profitability. As the global demand for high-quality animal feed grows, Zhongyou remains at the forefront, delivering smart, reliable, and eco-friendly solutions for the future of agriculture.
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