Corrosive, abrasive, and high-temperature resins can unknowingly damage the screw and barrel. For example, some engineering materials, thermoplastic elastomers, and biopolymer materials sometimes form a corrosive environment. In addition, reinforcing materials (such as glass fibers, glass balls, etc.), certain fillers, and additives are abrasive.
To avoid affecting production efficiency and product quality, processors must closely monitor the hazards that these materials can cause to equipment. In order to maintain high processing standards, it is necessary to establish a preventive maintenance program (hereinafter referred to as “PM” program). When necessary, the screw and barrel should be inspected and measured, and the screw should be pulled out and reinstalled or replaced, because minimal wear will also affect product quality.
The best way to protect equipment from corrosive and abrasive resins is to choose the right materials for the screws and barrels. Wear-resistant barrels and screws are manufactured to cope with corrosive, abrasive, and high-temperature-resistant melts, and their processing costs exceed the standard polyolefin screws by about 3 to 4 times. This is because wear-resistant alloys are relatively expensive and difficult to process. But they can provide a longer life and maintenance intervals can be longer.
