What is the function of a screen changer in a plastic extruder?

The primary functions and benefits of a screen changer in a plastic extruder include the following:

Filtering impurities: During the production process, plastic raw materials may become contaminated with various impurities, such as dust, metal shavings, and gel particles. The screen changer filters the plastic melt through a filter screen, preventing these impurities from entering downstream equipment of the extruder, such as the mold. This improves the quality of plastic products and reduces defects caused by impurities, such as surface defects, bubbles, and holes.

Improving melt uniformity: During the filtering process, the screen changer not only removes impurities but also exerts a certain degree of shear and mixing action on the plastic melt. This helps to make the temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the plastic melt more uniform, improving the rheological properties of the melt and ensuring more stable and consistent product performance.

Protecting equipment: If impurities enter the extruder's screw, barrel, or mold components, they can accelerate wear on these parts and reduce the equipment's service life. The screen changer intercepts impurities, reducing wear and corrosion on the equipment, thereby lowering maintenance costs and downtime while improving production efficiency.

Continuous production: The screen changer allows for filter screen replacement without stopping the extruder. When the filter screen becomes clogged to the point where it affects the extrusion process, operators can switch to a spare filter screen via the screen changer and continue production without interrupting the entire production process, significantly improving production continuity and efficiency.

Adapting to Different Production Requirements: Different plastic products have varying requirements for the purity and quality of the plastic melt. By replacing screens with different mesh sizes and materials, the screen changer can adapt to various production needs, meet the quality standards of different products, and enhance the flexibility and applicability of the plastic extruder.

Email: sale@meltpump.com

WhatsApp: +86 158 3833 1071