Tag: twin screw extruder

  • 10 Minutes to Understand Plastic Pelletizer Extruders

    10 Minutes to Understand Plastic Pelletizer Extruders

    Plastic pelletizer extruders are the heart of plastic recycling and compounding processes. Whether you’re processing recycled plastics, making masterbatch, or compounding modified polymers, Rumtoo offers high-performance single-screw and twin-screw extruders for all your needs.

    This guide walks you through the fundamentals of plastic extruders—how they work, their structure, energy efficiency, and key operational points—all in under 10 minutes.


    What Is a Plastic Pelletizer Extruder?

    A plastic pelletizer extruder is a machine that melts and compacts plastic materials with the help of heat and shear force. It blends raw materials (like recycled plastic, fillers, additives) and extrudes them through a die to form strands, which are then cut into uniform pellets.

    The machine usually includes:

    • Main extruder unit (screw + barrel system)
    • Feeding system
    • Granulation system
    • Heating & cooling systems
    • Pelletizing unit

    Types of Plastic Extruders

    Rumtoo offers various extruder configurations based on processing requirements:

    Single-Screw Extruder

    Used for:

    • Recycled plastic granulation
    • Film and sheet extrusion
    • Basic compounding

    Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder

    Ideal for:

    • Plastic blending and modification
    • Filler and reinforcement compounding
    • Reactive extrusion

    Triple-Screw Extruder (Less common)

    Primarily used in:

    • Black masterbatch
    • High-filler applications

    Key Structural Components

    1. Extrusion System

    Responsible for:

    • Melting and homogenizing materials
    • Creating pressure for consistent extrusion
    • Transforming material from solid to viscous flow

    2. Transmission System

    Components include:

    • Motor
    • Gearbox
    • Coupling

    It ensures stable screw rotation and adjustable torque, meeting various material needs.

    3. Heating & Cooling System

    Crucial for:

    • Controlled plasticization
    • Preventing thermal degradation
    • Stabilizing output quality

    Cooling may involve air or water, depending on extruder size and application. Rumtoo extruders offer central water-cooled screw systems for better thermal control and material handling.


    Granulation Methods

    Rumtoo offers flexible pelletizing systems:

    Water-Cooled Strand Pelletizing

    Melt strands are cooled in water, then air-dried and cut.

    Air-Cooled Strand Pelletizing

    Strands are cooled by airflow, suitable for temperature-sensitive materials.

    Water-Ring Hot Cut Pelletizing

    Pellets are cut by a rotating blade at the die head, then cooled in water.

    Underwater Pelletizing

    Pellets are cut and cooled directly in circulating water—ideal for high-output, high-viscosity materials.


    Energy Efficiency in Extrusion

    Power Saving (Motor Side)

    Rumtoo extruders utilize inverter drives to optimize power usage. For example, a 50Hz motor may only require 30Hz for production—frequency control reduces waste.

    Heating Efficiency

    Our systems feature electromagnetic heaters, which offer 30–70% energy savings compared to traditional resistance coils.


    Safe & Efficient Operation: 8 Must-Know Tips

    1. Fire Safety: Keep fire extinguishers nearby, especially for systems using heat transfer oil.
    2. Emergency Response: In case of abnormal noise or failure, press the emergency stop and call maintenance immediately.
    3. Raw Material Quality: Avoid using impure or metal-contaminated recycled materials. Install magnetic separators to prevent screw/barrel damage.
    4. Lubrication: Use proper gearbox oil and replace it regularly according to the maintenance manual.
    5. Standard Operation: Only operate the machine per standard procedures. Don’t bypass safety devices for speed.
    6. Qualified Personnel: Ensure all operators are trained and understand the extruder’s structure and functions.
    7. Preheat Time: Never start the screw before the barrel has reached target temperature and has held it long enough.
    8. Cooling Management: Make sure cooling systems (especially at the hopper) function well to prevent material clogging or bridging.

    Why Choose Rumtoo Extruders?

    Rumtoo’s extruders are engineered for reliability, flexibility, and sustainability:

    • Modular screw and barrel design
    • Tailor-made configurations for different materials (e.g. PE, PP, PLA, PA, PET, etc.)
    • Energy-efficient heating and motor systems
    • Customizable granulation methods
    • Advanced temperature and torque control

    Ready to Upgrade Your Plastic Pelletizing Line?

    Whether you need a reliable single-screw extruder for recycling or a twin-screw system for advanced compounding, Rumtoo provides equipment that delivers performance, efficiency, and durability.

    Contact Us for Expert Support
  • Biodegradable Plastic Extruders – High-Performance Solutions from Rumtoo

    Biodegradable Plastic Extruders – High-Performance Solutions from Rumtoo

    Biodegradable plastic extruders are specially engineered machines designed to produce environmentally friendly plastic materials from renewable sources such as corn starch and sugarcane, or from specially formulated petroleum-based polymers that degrade under certain conditions.

    At Rumtoo, we provide customized twin-screw extruders tailored for biodegradable plastic production. Whether you’re producing corn starch-based biodegradable pellets, starch compound materials, or other bio-resins, our machines are built for precision, efficiency, and superior product quality.


    What Is Biodegradable Plastic?

    Biodegradable plastics are a category of plastics that can break down naturally through the action of microorganisms. These materials decompose in environments such as soil, compost, or even aquatic systems under the right conditions.

    Key Components of Biodegradable Plastics

    • Base Resins: Common resins include PLA (Polylactic Acid), PBS (Polybutylene Succinate), PHA (Polyhydroxyalkanoates), PCL (Polycaprolactone), and other bio-based or biodegradable polymers.
    • Additives: Plasticizers, stabilizers, antioxidants, and lubricants enhance processing and performance.
    • Pigments: Both organic and inorganic pigments like titanium dioxide (TiO₂) are used to achieve the desired appearance.
    • Fillers: Materials like natural fibers, lignin, and starch improve mechanical properties and reduce cost.
    • Auxiliaries: Crosslinking agents, blowing agents, and antimicrobial additives serve specific functions.
    • Compatibilizers: Improve the uniformity and integration when mixing different biodegradable resins.
    • Degradation Promoters: Accelerate the biodegradation process under certain conditions.

    Types of Biodegradable Plastics

    1. By Raw Material Origin

    • Bio-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Derived from renewable sources like starch, sugarcane, and cellulose. Example: PLA.
    • Petroleum-Based Biodegradable Plastics: Made from fossil fuels but engineered to degrade. Examples: PBS, PBAT.

    2. By Application

    • Packaging Materials: Used for shopping bags, food wraps, and containers with good printability and clarity.
    • Agricultural Films: Used in mulching films and seedling trays with weather resistance.
    • Disposable Tableware: Plates, cups, and utensils that break down quickly post-use.
    • Medical Products: Drug delivery capsules, surgical sutures, and implants.
    • Fishery Equipment: Biodegradable fishing nets and tools that reduce marine pollution.

    3. By Degradability

    • Compostable Plastics: Fully break down into CO₂, water, and biomass in industrial composting systems. (e.g., PLA, PBAT)
    • Non-Compostable Biodegradables: May degrade in nature but don’t meet industrial composting standards.

    4. Specialized Categories

    • Composite Biodegradable Plastics: Combine biomass with natural fillers for enhanced strength and sustainability.
    • Functionalized Biodegradable Plastics: Contain additives like antimicrobial agents for advanced applications.

    Main Applications of Biodegradable Plastics

    ✔ Packaging Industry

    Biodegradable plastics like PLA and PBS are ideal for food packaging, cling film, and retail bags. These materials decompose under specific conditions, reducing long-term pollution.

    ✔ Agriculture

    Used in mulch films and fertilizer bags that degrade after a crop cycle, eliminating the need for retrieval and minimizing soil contamination.

    ✔ Food Service

    PLA and PHA-based disposables (plates, utensils, trays) help reduce plastic waste in restaurants, cafeterias, and events.

    ✔ Healthcare

    Biodegradable materials are used in surgical threads, drug encapsulation, and temporary implants that naturally break down in the body.

    ✔ Marine and Fisheries

    PBAT-based materials can be used to produce fishing gear that slowly degrades in seawater, reducing the danger of ghost nets and marine litter.


    Biodegradable Plastic Compounding Processes

    a) PBAT Melt Compounding with PLA or PPC

    • Temperature: PBAT melt at 240°C
    • Feeding: Melt pump feeds PBAT; PLA/PPC and additives are added via loss-in-weight feeder
    • Energy Efficiency: Direct compounding saves up to 40% energy
    • Requirements:
      • Long L/D screw design for optimal reaction
      • Underwater pelletizing system for high-output automatic processing
      • Vacuum packing system

    b) PLA/PBS Compounding with Starch Powder

    • Mixing: Premixing with long L/D for better dispersion
    • Feeding System: Anti-bridge feeders for even flow
    • Cutting System:
      • Air-cooled die-face cutting for PLA
      • Air-cooled strand pelletizing for PBS
    • Packaging: Vacuum system to maintain product integrity

    c) PVA Compounding with Starch

    • Premixing: Two-stage mixer for uniform blending and reaction
    • Feeder: Anti-bridge feeder to prevent clogging
    • Cutting System: Air-cooled die-face with water-jacketed die plate
    • Packaging: Vacuum packing system required

    Why Choose Rumtoo Twin-Screw Extruders for Biodegradable Plastics?

    At Rumtoo, our twin-screw extruders are designed to meet the diverse and evolving needs of biodegradable plastic manufacturing.

    1. Precise Temperature Control

    Stable, accurate heating ensures consistent material quality and prevents premature degradation.

    2. High-Efficiency Mixing

    Optimized screw design enhances dispersion, ensuring superior product uniformity.

    3. Advanced Feeding Systems

    Adaptable to a wide range of biodegradable materials for smooth, continuous production.

    4. Vacuum Degassing System

    Effectively removes gases for improved product density and surface finish.

    5. Modular Flexibility

    Customizable configurations support a variety of production requirements and allow easy upgrades.


    Materials Supported by Rumtoo Twin-Screw Extruders

    Our machines support the compounding and extrusion of various biodegradable plastics, including:

    • PLA (Polylactic Acid)
    • PBS (Polybutylene Succinate)
    • PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate)
    • PCL (Polycaprolactone)
    • TPS (Thermoplastic Starch)
    • PPC (Polypropylene Carbonate)
    • PVA/PVOH (Polyvinyl Alcohol)

    Get Expert Support from Rumtoo

    If you’re searching for a reliable biodegradable plastic extruder, corn starch-based pelletizer, or a customized compounding solution, Rumtoo is your trusted partner.

    Our team of experts is ready to help you select the right extrusion system tailored to your production goals and material requirements.

    Contact us today for professional consultation and a free quote.


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