- Screw concept applies theory of dispersive melting
- Significant reduction of axial pressure profile
- Lower melt temperature, less energy consumption
At this year’s plastics trade fair, Battenfeld-Cincinnati will be introducing a newly developed series of single screw extruders. The solEX NG (NG = Next Generation) series features a completely new processing unit which offers advantages, such as lower melt temperature and reduced energy consumption of up to 15%.
Screw concept applies theory of dispersive melting
Based on the established solEX 40 D extruder series, barrels, screws, and grooved bush have all been completely redesigned. Major changes include an internally grooved barrel, a screw concept that consistently applies the theory of dispersive melting, as well as a feed zone with a completely revised geometry and fitted with spiral grooves. These features lead to an increase in melting capacity, along with gentle and energy-efficient processing. As a result, the melt temperature in the extruder is reduced by up to 10°C for comparable outputs.
Cross-section of the barrel to illustrate the internal design of the new processing unit. The various differently shaped grooves in the processing unit are designed to meet the specific requirements of each section (Schematic representation: battenfeld-cincinnati)
Significant reduction of axial pressure profile
The modification in the conveying mechanism leads to a significant reduction of the axial pressure profile in the feed zone and the barrel, thus reducing pressure across the entire system and enabling an increase in specific output. In addition, higher amounts of regrind can be processed. According to the company, energy cost savings of up to 15% are possible. First, less drive energy is required, and second, due to the cooling of barrel and grooved bush significantly less heat discharge is necessary.
The design of the solEX NG extruder series is nearly identical to the established solEX range. This makes it possible to retrofit existing machines with the new process technology (photo: battenfeld-cincinnati).
The solEX NG extruder series is available in four sizes (60, 75, 90 and 120 mm) and offers outputs ranging from 1,000 to 2,500 kg/h, an increase of up to 25% for each machine size compared to the original solEX series. As the basic structure of the extruder was retained from the previous series, existing solEX models can be retrofitted with the new NG processing unit.
