Screw and Barrel Wear – Keeping Costs Down : For plastics and rubber processing, Magog Industries constantly strive to offer solutions to reduce wear on screws and barrels but it is equally important to regularly monitor for early signs of wear.
With high volume but low cost/unit production, it is understandable to keep machines running where possible. But further challenges such as using more regrind along with fluctuation in polymer quality can only add to eventual problems such as higher temperatures, lower output and unwanted quality issues on the moulded product, leading to increasing the pressure, adding to energy use and eventually leading to increased costs of worn parts.
As a guide, the minimum gap between a 50mm screw O/D to the barrel bore is between 0.10mm to 0.25mm (max) and for a larger 150mm dia screw, from 0.30mm to 0.45mm. For mixing elements such as a Maddox the gap is between 0.50mm and 0.75mm. But screws and barrels tend to wear unevenly over time and to save cost in the long term, monitoring screw and barrel wear should be part of regular maintenance.
Visual inspection can show some obvious signs such as scored surfaces, pitting or material worn away especially to the flight sides on the screw. Accurate digital measurement of screws, barrels and associated parts provide a clear indication of the amount of wear and what action is needed.
At Magog Industries, our engineers conduct Inspections at our workshops or alternatively carry out the Inspection at the customer’s site. A Report on the condition is made available with recommendation for repair, re-design or replacement.
Magog are based in Ware, Hertfordshire and as a long established UK company, our 3E’s philosophy is on: Process Experience, Manufacturing Expertise and Engineering Excellence. Visit us at Stand H85, Hall 4 at Interplas 2023.
We will be pleased to offer solutions available including surface coatings, alloys available and re-design to maximise effectiveness for your plastics and rubber processing.
For more information contact Magog Industries: enquiries@magog.co.uk Tel: 01920 465201 or visit www.magog.co.uk
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