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Plastics Size Reduction | Plastics Technology

The overall goal of most plastic recycling programs is to turn scrap and non-conforming parts back into a similar size and form to the virgin material being processed. This “regrind” will often have the proper material characteristics, such as strength or optical qualities, to be blended with the original resin. This can then be reused to make more parts. It’s both cost efficient and environmentally friendly.

Plastics processors use size reduction equipment for a variety of reason, but generally alongside injection molding, blow molding, extrusion, and thermoforming processes. It’s also used for general recycling purposes. recycling shredders

Plastics Size Reduction |   Plastics Technology

Plastic regrind can be blended with original resin to enable cost effective and environmentally friendly facility practices. 

Granulators are very effective at reprocessing sprues, runners, and small to medium size parts. They typically generate particles from 1/8” to 3/4” in size, though most granulate runs between ¼” and 3/8”. Granulators are most commonly found near injection molding machines but are also used with other processes such extrusion, blow molding and thermoforming. The three common types of granulators are: beside-the press, central and special units designed primarily for thermoforming. But there are many more granulator technology options which customize a unit to fit any broad or specific application.

Shredders are for large or very dense parts. They can rip up large items into smaller pieces about 2” to 4” in size and are effective on a wide range of materials. Shredders reduce the time and effort required to cut up large parts in preparation for granulating. Previously this had been done by hand. Like granulators, shredders also have several technology options that will suit them best for any given application.

Discover the fundamentals of converting plastic scrap back into a size that matches the new or virgin material you are processing.

Explore this comprehensive guide to plastics granulator types to find the perfect solution for your granulation needs in plastic size reduction.

Eight key component, including rotors, knives, and screens, to consider when selecting a granulator that best fits your operation.

Learn how to calculate granulator ROI effectively, from real world examples. Discover key insights and factors to optimize your plastic size reduction process.

Technical questions and answers to troubleshoot your plastic size reduction process using granulators.

Consider these key components, along with the material to be cut, before purchasing a shredder for your facility.

This page discusses the types of applications appropriate for granulating and shredding plastics scrap.

Granulators can be used with an extremely wide range of materials, scrap forms and products. Here are a few typical examples.

Proper knowledge of equipment maintenance is crucial to keeping everyone safe on the job.

Plastics Size Reduction |   Plastics Technology

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