Eurotech D60 XTR Series Single-Screw Extrusion Granulator

Overview

The Eurotech D60 XTR Series Single-Screw Extrusion Granulator is an industrial-grade polymer processing system engineered for continuous compounding, melt homogenization, and strand pelletizing of thermoplastic materials. Based on classical single-screw extrusion principles—utilizing drag flow, pressure development, and controlled shear heating—the D60 integrates a 60 mm diameter screw within a precision-machined, thermally stabilized barrel to deliver consistent melt output under variable load conditions. Designed and manufactured in Italy, the system adheres to ISO 9001-certified production protocols and meets CE requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Its modular architecture supports integration into full-scale production lines, including gravimetric feeders, vacuum venting modules, water-bath cooling troughs, haul-off units, and rotary strand pelletizers—all configurable per material rheology and throughput targets.

Key Features

• Modular base configuration: Low-height frame optimized for blown film line integration; high-base variant accommodates cast film chill rolls, sheet calibrators, pipe sizing sleeves, or profile vacuum forming stations.
• Two-tier material durability options: Standard XTR configuration for virgin polymer processing; XTR-WR variant featuring bimetallic barrel (hardened inner layer + tough outer shell) and nitrided or plasma-sprayed screw surface for extended service life with abrasive feeds (e.g., post-consumer PET flakes, CaCO₃-filled PP, glass-fiber reinforced nylon).
• Precision-machined screw geometry: Conveying, melting, mixing, and metering zones tailored to polymer thermal sensitivity and viscosity profile—enabling stable operation across LDPE, HDPE, PP, PS, ABS, and engineering resins.
• Integrated temperature control: 3-zone electric heater bands with PID-controlled SSR outputs and embedded Pt100 sensors ensure ±1.5 °C thermal stability across the barrel length.
• Robust drive system: Inverter-driven AC motor with torque monitoring, coupled to a hardened gear reducer delivering constant output up to 120 rpm at rated load—compatible with downstream granulation rates from 80 to 300 kg/h depending on material density and pellet specification.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The D60 XTR handles a broad spectrum of thermoplastic feedstocks—including hygroscopic polymers (e.g., PA6, PET), heat-sensitive grades (e.g., PVC, TPU), and highly filled compounds (up to 40 wt% mineral or fiber loading). Its wear-resistant XTR-WR configuration is validated for >5,000 operational hours when processing 100% recycled HDPE streams containing sand, metal contaminants, or degraded chain structures. All electrical cabinets conform to IP54 ingress protection; mechanical guarding complies with EN ISO 13857 safety distances and EN 954-1 Category 3 control reliability. Documentation includes EU Declaration of Conformity, risk assessment file, and machine-specific operating instructions aligned with EN 60204-1 (electrical equipment) and EN 13849-1 (PLr d functional safety).

Software & Data Management

While the D60 XTR operates via a dedicated HMI panel (7″ TFT touchscreen with multi-language support), optional integration with Eurotech’s E-Link SCADA interface enables centralized monitoring of screw speed, motor load %, barrel zone temperatures, and die pressure (via optional strain-gauge transducer). Process data logging supports CSV export for traceability and internal quality audits. For regulated environments (e.g., medical-grade compounders), optional firmware upgrades provide audit-trail functionality compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signature capture, user access levels, and immutable event logs.

Applications

• Recycled polymer reclamation: Decontamination, melt filtration, and pellet reconditioning of post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste streams.
• Color masterbatch production: Dispersive mixing of organic/inorganic pigments into carrier resins (LDPE, EVA) at concentrations up to 50%.
• Functional additive incorporation: Homogeneous dispersion of flame retardants (ATH, DOPO), UV stabilizers, antistatic agents, or conductive carbon black into polyolefin matrices.
• Biopolymer processing: Controlled extrusion of PLA, PHA, and starch-based blends requiring low-shear, short residence time profiles.
• Lab-to-pilot scale correlation: D60 process parameters (L/D ratio = 25:1, specific energy input, melt temperature gradient) are scalable to larger Eurotech XTR-series production extruders (D90, D120), supporting formulation development and DOE-based optimization.

FAQ

Is the D60 suitable for processing biodegradable polymers such as PLA?

Yes—the D60’s adjustable screw speed range (5–120 rpm), low-shear conveying elements, and precise zone temperature control (max 220 °C) enable stable extrusion of heat-labile biopolymers without significant molecular weight degradation.
Can the extruder be retrofitted with a vacuum venting port?

Yes—vacuum degassing modules (6–10 mbar ultimate pressure) can be integrated at the third barrel zone upon request, supporting moisture removal and volatile extraction in hygroscopic or solvent-contaminated feedstocks.
What documentation is provided for GMP-compliant installations?

EU Declaration of Conformity, FAT/SAT test reports, IQ/OQ protocol templates, and calibration certificates for all critical sensors (temperature, pressure, RPM) are supplied standard. Full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires optional software license and validation support package.
Does Eurotech offer screw and barrel reconditioning services?

Yes—authorized service centers in Europe and North America provide bimetallic barrel reboring, screw remanufacturing with upgraded coatings (e.g., WC-Co plasma spray), and geometric verification per DIN 8583-4 tolerances.