Strand Pelletizer T50-E by EUROTECH

Overview

The EUROTECH T50-E Strand Pelletizer is an entry-level, robustly engineered pelletizing system designed for continuous strand cutting in rubber and thermoplastic compound processing lines. It operates on the principle of synchronized rotary knife cutting against a fixed die face, where extruded polymer strands pass through precision-aligned cooling troughs prior to being severed into uniform cylindrical pellets. Engineered for reliability in medium-throughput production environments, the T50-E integrates mechanical simplicity with process stability—minimizing maintenance intervals while maintaining dimensional consistency across pellet batches. Its design adheres to core industrial requirements for hygienic operation, operator safety (compliant with EN ISO 13857 clearance standards), and compatibility with standard extrusion line interfaces (e.g., 40–60 mm die plate diameters). The unit is not intended for ultra-high-speed or abrasive-filled compound applications but delivers high reproducibility for general-purpose elastomer and polyolefin pelletization under controlled ambient and cooling water conditions.

Key Features

• Stainless-steel cutter housing and corrosion-resistant knife carrier assembly for extended service life in humid or chemically exposed environments
• Adjustable knife-to-die gap mechanism with micrometer-scale calibration for fine-tuning pellet length (standard range: 3–12 mm) without tooling change
• Variable-speed AC motor drive (0–300 rpm) coupled with encoder-based speed feedback for precise rotational synchronization with extruder output
• Integrated water-cooled die plate support structure to stabilize thermal expansion and maintain strand alignment during prolonged operation
• Modular base frame with standardized mounting interfaces (ISO 2000 series bolt patterns) for rapid integration into existing extrusion skids or pilot-line setups
• Emergency stop circuit compliant with IEC 60204-1, including dual-channel safety relays and guarded access points per EN 61496-1

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The T50-E accommodates thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs), SBR, EPDM, NR, and PP/PE-based compounds with Shore A hardness up to 90 and melt flow rates (MFR) between 0.5–25 g/10 min (ASTM D1238, 190 °C/2.16 kg). It is unsuitable for highly filled compounds (>40 wt% CaCO₃ or silica), low-melt-strength polymers (e.g., some TPU grades), or materials requiring cryogenic pelletization. All structural components meet EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requirements. Electrical systems conform to CE marking criteria, including EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Documentation includes Declaration of Conformity, risk assessment report (per ISO 12100), and user manual with preventive maintenance schedule aligned with GLP-aligned lab practices.

Software & Data Management

The T50-E is a standalone electromechanical system with no embedded PLC or digital interface. Operational parameters—including cutter speed, runtime hours, and emergency stop events—are logged manually via integrated mechanical hour meter and physical logbook templates supplied with commissioning documentation. For traceability in regulated environments (e.g., automotive rubber component QA labs), users may integrate the unit’s analog speed signal output (0–10 V DC) into third-party SCADA or MES platforms using standard 4–20 mA transducers. Audit trail generation follows internal SOPs; no FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature capability is provided, consistent with its classification as non-GxP-critical auxiliary equipment.

Applications

• Quality control laboratories performing ASTM D3900-compliant pellet homogeneity testing on incoming raw rubber batches
• Pilot-scale formulation development for tire tread compounds, where consistent pellet geometry ensures uniform dispersion in masterbatch mixing
• Recycled polymer reprocessing lines handling post-industrial PE/PP scrap, requiring economical pelletization prior to twin-screw compounding
• Educational institutions conducting polymer processing labs focused on extrusion–pelletization coupling dynamics and thermal history effects on pellet crystallinity
• Contract manufacturing facilities producing custom elastomer granules for OEM gasket and sealing applications under ISO 9001:2015-certified workflows

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended throughput for the T50-E?
The unit is rated for continuous operation at 80–120 kg/h with standard EPDM or SBR compounds. Throughput varies with compound viscosity, strand count (typically 12–24 strands), and pellet length setting.
Does the T50-E support quick-change knife systems?
No—it uses fixed-position tungsten-carbide-tipped knives mounted on a rigid carrier. Knife replacement requires standard hex-key tools and recalibration of the die-knife gap; average downtime is <15 minutes per blade set.
Can it be used with underwater pelletizing lines?
No. The T50-E is strictly a strand-type pelletizer and requires external water bath or conveyor-based cooling prior to cutting. It lacks submersible motor housing or water-sealed bearing assemblies.
Is technical support available outside Italy?
Yes. EUROTECH authorizes regional service partners in North America, EMEA, and APAC regions for on-site commissioning, preventive maintenance, and spare parts fulfillment under contractual SLAs.
What certifications accompany shipment?
Each unit ships with CE marking documentation, material compliance certificates (RoHS/REACH), and a factory-verified mechanical performance test report (including runout measurement, torque curve validation, and noise emission ≤72 dB(A) at 1 m).