PELLETISERS | MACHINERY
Advancements in pelletising systems
New technologies and trends in pelletising equipment focus on energy reduction, automatic operation and pellet quality. Chris Saunders reports on new products
The increasing industry-wide emphasis on sustainability means pelletising systems are constantly evolving to meet the challenges of processing conventional plastics with increased recycled content as well as emerging bioplastics. The latest examples are also incorporating more automation to optimise the process and further boost efficiency. Sensors track parameters such as extrusion temperature, pressure, and pellet size, enabling manufacturers to monitor production and make adjustments in real time, reducing waste and ensuring consistent quality. Energy consumption is still a significant concern, especially with large-scale operations, but optimised extrusion processes and advancements like variable-speed motors have led to a marked reduction in energy use. Prior to 2021, long-established Italian technical compounder Lati was having to cope with rising energy costs, a shortage of skilled workers and increased competition. The company needed to increase productivity and reduce expenditure and decided to take a new approach by adopting
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pelletising systems from Swiss machine manufacturer Maag, which has extensive experience in the pelletising business. In the dry-cut strand pelletising sector alone, the company has introduced over 10,000 machines to the market. Lati, which until then had developed machinery in-house, began using a Maag Primo Plus dry-cut strand pelletiser at its headquarters in Gornate Olona, Lombardy, and the advantages soon became apparent. Diego Imbrighi, Director Technology Innovation at Lati, said: “The major limit on cutting systems developed internally was the life of the cutting rotor in relation to the flow rates and quantities produced. Within a few months we saw that the new strand pelletiser was able to process the required high volumes very reliably with an excellent pellet cut quality.” Lati says that thanks to significantly longer service lives, less maintenance, and optimised pellet geometry, it has been able to raise pellet quality and make the overall production process more efficient. Since the initial trial, the company
Main image: New
equipment developments aim to enable compounders to control pellet quality
January/February 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 41
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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