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A small plastic extruder is an industry-grade equipment used to manufacture plastic products in large quantities. Generally, extrusion involves melting plastic and molding it into different shapes to create end products. According to the Plastic Extrusion Manufacturers Association, extruders can be classified into categories based on various factors, such as the design of the screw, functions, and size.
Based on screw design
An extruder can be classified based on screw design into two main types: single-screw and twin-screw. Single-screw extruders have a single screw rotating in a barrel. They are suitable for simple processes and low-production plastic products. On the flip side, twin-screw extruders have two parallel screws in a barrel. They offer better mixing and higher capacity, making them suitable for more complex production.
Based on function
An extruder can also be classified based on function into reactive and standard extrusion. A standard extruder uses heat and pressure to melt plastic and shape it into products like films, sheets, and profiles. Reactive extruders go a step further by involving chemical reactions, such as adding new material or changing plastic's properties. This can lead to more advanced products like composite materials or modified plastics.
Based on size
Extruders can also be classified based on size into small-scale, large-scale, and medium-scale extruders. Small-scale extruders are typically used for laboratory and educational purposes. They have low capacity, usually below 5kg/h. Medium-scale extruders are suitable for small to medium production. Their capacity ranges from 5-50kg/h. Large-scale extruders are ideal for industrial applications. They have high capacity of more than 50Kg/h.
Small plastic extruders are versatile pieces of machinery with various applications in different industries.
When choosing an extruder for small plastic products, several factors should be considered to ensure that the right machine is selected for the intended application.
Production demand
Users' production demand is a key factor in selecting a small plastic extruder. Based on the user's production demand, a plastic extruder with the appropriate processing capacity is chosen. If the production demand is high, a small extruder with a large output is selected, and if the production demand is small, a small extruder can also meet it.
Materials handled
The type, shape, and size of the material also affect the choice of plastic extruder. If the material is a powder, a small plastic extruder with a feeder equipped with a feeder is required. If the material is PS plastic pellets, PVC plastic pellets, etc., a specialized small PS extruder for PVC should be selected.
Product structure and complexity
The structure and complexity of the products to be manufactured also influence the selection of the model. If the product requires high precision and complicado structure, it is necessary to choose a small extruder that matches the mold and can control temperature and pressure with precision.
Space limitations
Space limitations are also an important factor in choosing a small plastic extruder. If the space is limited, a compact design and structure of the extruder must be selected to enable proper placement and installation in the available space.
Q1: How does an extruder work?
A1: The working principle of small plastic extruders can be briefly described in three steps: feeding, melting & mixing, and forming.
Firstly, raw materials are fed into the hopper and then conveyed by the screw to different sections through the enhanced rotation of the screw. The second section is the melting zone, where the temperature is raised, and solid raw materials become molten plastic. In the last section of the barrel, the molten plastic is pushed to the die. During the movement in the barrel, raw materials are also mixed with additives. This situation is called melting and mixing.
Finally, molten plastic is shaped into different forms with the help of a die.
Q2: What are the two types of extrusion processes?
A2: There are two main types of extrusion processes: hot and cold extrusion. A hot small plastic extruder applies heat and pressure to transform the material into desired shapes. This is widely used in plastics. Cold extrusion is usually applied to metals like zinc, aluminum, copper, and alloys. It's used to manufacture metal products without the application of heat.
Q3: What are the advantages of plastic extrusion?
A3: Plastic extrusion is capable of producing high volumes of plastic to create consistent products. Furthermore, its production speed is very high. Once a die is made, the time taken to produce the product is much shorter compared to other methods. This helps to lower production costs. Plastic extrusion is also waste reduction. Scrap plastic left over can be reintroduced to the process.
Q4: What are the applications of plastic extrusion?
A4: The small plastic extruder machine creates products used in daily life. This includes window frames and weather stripping. It can also be used to make a medical catheter. In addition, wires and cables in different colors are also produced through plastic extrusion.