Extruders work on the basis of frictional heat generation between internal extruder barrel 
components and the feedstock (ingredients and formulations we are extruding). Inevitably wear of extruder barrel components is part of this process.
Extruder performance is maximised when wear parts are new. In other words, when the internal geometry or dimensions of parts are as new (as designed). Wear Parts start wearing down as soon as the extruder goes into operation. Extruder performance is negatively affected as wear takes place. Two of the most prominent signs of a drop in performance are:
- Decrease in Capacity. This leads to an increase in operational cost per ton produced
- Decrease in Quality of end product. As parts wear down, operational conditions will change with it. The specific operational conditions for a specific process is the major factor in achieving the desired end product quality.
It is therefore important to maintain extruders well and operate them at optimal conditions. Apart from general maintenance, extruder wear parts should be replaced or re-arranged at the right time, and depending on the process and ingredients we are processing.
hp dezign offers the wear part solutions for High Shear and Medium Shear Extruders.
Watch this space for complete Medium Shear Extruders soon. Check out our Medium Shear Barrel Kit section for an intermediate solution until then.