Granulators and pulverizers: product lines reviewed.

GRANULATORS AND PULVERIZERS

A.I.M. INTERNATIONAL

Offers a line of impact pulverizers capable of producing 600-1200 lb/hr.

ACME PLASTIC MACHINERY CORP.

Sells beside-the-press grinders for injection molders in sizes from 3 to 50 hp, with throats from 8 x 10 in. to 24 x 36 in.

AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS, INC.

Cryo-Grind System for cryogenic grinding and recycling reduces hard-to-grind materials to finer particle sizes without contributing to heat history. Material to be ground moves through a cooling conveyor where it is sprayed with liquid nitrogen (-320 F) for chilling and embrittling before grinding. The material then enters the grinding mill where additional nitrogen may be injected on demand from a temperature sensor to remove excess heat created by the grinding operation. Still-frigid nitrogen vapor is recycled from the grinding area to the feed hopper to precool the unground material. The Cryo-Grind System offers a specially designed sound enclosure as an option to keep noise levels well within OSHA standards.

ANDRITZ SPROUT-BAUER, INC.

Offers five types of precision rotary-knife granulators featuring scrap reduction via rotor knives and stationary bed knives, plus a screen arrangement for gradual reduction and efficient discharge of material. Models include:

*CU-1012 granular-type cutter for low-capacity reduction of film, edge trim, sprues and runners. Unit is adaptable to continuous processing or portable operations.

*BT-8X6, installed directly in pneumatic lines to chop salvage trim.

*DSF, designed for precision shearing of LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, PP, PVC and PET films as thin as 1/4 mil. Nine models are offered with throat sizes from 10 x 12 in. to 25 x 60 in.; drives from 5 to 250 hp.

*MR, for rugged, high-capacity requirements. Unit uses open-type rotor and shear knives and is sold in two sizes.

*MRP, similar to the MR model, but with open or solid herringbone-type rotor and shear knives. MRP also has spin-grinding feature said to maintain extremely close knife-to-knife clearances. Unit is offered in three sizes.

Also offered is a film reclaim system utilizing a modular concept. First modular unit consists of the film preparation and wash stage. The second module is the de-inking stage followed by the third and final module where film type is separated. Each module can operate independently or as part of the three-module system. System design rates are from 250 to 2000 lb/hr of film.

BALL & JEWELL DIV.

STERLING, INC.

Offers auger-feed, beside-the-press and heavy-duty upright granulators, central granulators, hogs, shredders, conveyors, parts separators, granulate removal systems and complete closed-loop reclaim systems that can separate, convey, shred, grind and reload molding machines.

Six series of upright granulators (BP, CG, SG, CG Mighty Built, HDG and HDH) range from a "mini" 6 x 8 in. unit to the large 20 x 26 in. SG-2026. Larger heavy-duty series (HD) units range up to a 200-hp unit with a 36 x 52 in. chamber. Special-purpose LT series long-throat granulators are available to 12 x 56 in. chambers, and pull-roll (PR) units are designed for film or other extrusion recovery applications. All upright granulators are available with complete sound reduction enclosures to meet required noise limitations.

Auger-feed granulators are available with straight or scissor-cut arrangements, safety interlocks, three rotor knives, and two bed knives. They are reportedly easy to clean and service, and can include hoppers and infeed chutes. Auger-feed granulators are available with attached 6 x 8 in. to 16 to 20 in. chambers.

Two models of part/runner separators and conveyors are available with a horizontal auger trough separator/ sorter option. All granulator models match the company's parts separators and can be provided with a hopper attachment for upright granulators to provide semi-automatic runner, high-inertia low-profile granulators (LPG).

Large, low-speed, high-torque shredders are available for bleeder stock, purging, thick-walled stock or particularly tough scrap. The units specially designed hooked cutters handle long or special scrap that cannot be easily processed by straight-blade machines.

BATTENFELD GLOUCESTER

ENGINEERING CO., INC.

Offers six basic types of granulators (15 models in all), including heavy-duty chunk, edge-trim, trim-press, beside-the-press, and auger-feed models. All machines feature rugged, heavy-duty construction, easy-access cutting chamber, steep-angle or radial knives and a solid, high-inertia flywheel. Rotor bearings are mounted outside of the cutting chamber away from heat and contamination. All machines feature tangent-feed, no flyback design. Features such as reversible rotor knives are standard on all auger-feed, beside-the-press, trim-press, and edge-trim granulators. Water cooling is available on other models as an option.

Company has developed a custom-designed sound enclosure which is available for both new and in-use granulators capable of keeping noise levels in the mid-70 dbA range. Beside-the-press standard models are designed to operate in the mid-80 dbA range.

Trim-press granulators are for grinding thermoforming skeletons in-line or out-of-line. Designs for reclaiming wire, profiles, purgings, pipe, blow molding, and robot infeed are available.

C.S. BELL CO.

Manufacturers hammer mills and optional accessories. Bottom-discharge models are suited for heavy-duty grinding. Blower-discharge models are for dry grinding and cases where processed materials are distributed to another area or level.

BEPEX CORP.

Pulvocron pulverizer is an air-swept combination pulverizer/classifier, which permits external fineness adjustment during operation. It can produce medium-fine, fine and ultra-fine particle sizes. Three size ranges are offered: 20 in., 38 in. and 76 in. Typical products handled include melamine, PVC, polyester, epoxy powder and polystyrene.

C.W. BRABENDER INSTRUMENTS

Floor-model sample-batch granulator features a reportedly unique arrangement of screens and rotors to ensure smooth screening and safe, uniform grinding. It is equipped with two 4-in., 3500-rpm rotary cutters and one 4-in. stationary cutter, and a 5-mm screen. Seven sizes of interchangeable standard screens are available. The unit is said to be capable of handling the toughest materials and to be simple to operate and maintain. Measuring 27 in. long x 17 in. wide x 41 in. high, the machine has a throat size of 4 x 5 1/8 in., allowing a maximum feed rate of up to 40 lb/hr. Flyback and hang-up in the cutting chamber are said to be minimal. Unit comes with built-in overload protection; safety switches; double-walled, sound-insulated feed chamber; and heavy-duty ball-bearing rubber casters.

CINCINNATI MILACRON

U.S. PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Provides auger-feed, Low Pro, and upright granulators in various sizes and designs. Auger-feed models have average throughput of 175 and 275 lb/ hr with throat sizes of 8 x 8 in. and 10 x 10 in. As an option, the auger-feed design offers an integral soundproofing which limits noise levels to 80 dbA.

Low Pro models are suited for robot feeding and offer average throughput of 150 and 225 lb/hr with throat sizes of 6 x 8 in. and 9 x 12 in. Paddle-wheel feed, "Z"-shaped hopper, and 90 dbA construction are available. Optional 80 dbA soundproofing is an added feature of the Low Pro design.

Upright series of granulators are available with 250 to 700 lb/hr throughput and throat sizes ranging from 6 x 8 in. to 16 x 32 in. Tangential feed, long-lasting D-2 knives, clam-shell design for easy service, and below 90 dbA operation with most materials are standard features. A sound level option below 80 dbA is also available. All granulators have available optional blower evacuation systems.

COLORTRONIC

Offers slow-running, quiet beside-the-press granulators designed to produce consistent regrind that is virtually free of dust and fines. When used in conjunction with vacuum hopper loaders and proportioning valves, a fully automatic scrap reclaim system reintroduces clean, dry reground material back into the process.

In addition to sprues, runner systems and small parts, the unit is recommended for croppings and nail punches on siding extrusion lines. Specialty models for blow moldings accept hot material as well. Available with chute, conveyor-belt, or new steel-coil positive feed, the unit mounts on casters for mobility and comes in a range of sizes.

COMET AUTOMATION SYSTEMS INC.

Offers small-throughout, low-energy-consumption granulators for cutting sprues and other small parts. Company's Model 8 x 8 granulator features a horizontal cutting rotor with 12 rotor knives, which are staggered and turn at only 102 rpm. The cutting chamber with its two stationary blades is said to reduce sound levels to about 70 dbA, and slow grinding produces uniform, dust-free granules. Only negligible heat-up of material is said to occur during the process.

CONAIR WOR-TEX

THE CONAIR GROUP, INC.

Company features a dozen different model series to meet every conceivable granulating application. Application-based these models can be utilized for granulating everything from bottles, automobile bumpers, or film edge-trim. Models include:

*JC series beside-the-press granulator with helical rotor for sprues, runners, and preforms - especially suited for engineered materials.

*LP series low-profile, robot-fed, beside-the-press granulator with helical low-speed rotor.

*ES upright, low-cost, beside-the-press granulator for general purpose granulation, including tangential feed cutting chamber.

*HG series for bottles, tabs/tails, sprues and runners, including open rotor design - ideal for film and blow-molding applications.

*HA series under-the press auger feed, helical rotor granulator ideal for sprue/runner granulation.

*MC heavy-duty granulator series featuring either opti-angle or segmented "hog" rotor - ideal for heavy and bulky parts, pipe up to 20-in. diam, film, sheet, profiles and purgings. Features up to 20-in. cutting circle with massive friction drive that is nearly impossible to stall.

*UP/FP In-line web granulator for in front of or under thermoformer press.

Various models of shredders to size-reduce large molded parts, 55-gal drums, auto parts and purgings feature counterrotating knives and self-cleaning combs that are said to be virtually jam proof.

CONDUX, INC.

Specializes in converting hard-to-manage fiber, film and foam into free-flowing densified granules, without significant thermal degradation (CV-50 Plastcompactor). Company also provides a full range of size-reduction equipment capable of converting huge purgings into fine particles. Offers systems for:

*Densification of fiber, film, foam, etc. - two models with throughputs up to 1200 lb/hr.

*Granulators for plastics, rubber, cellulose, minerals, etc. in several forms including pipe, purgings, profiles, film, fiber and foam. With rotor diameters up to 63 in. and machine widths up to 94 in., line is complemented by a complete array of feeding and discharge accessories such as conveyors, bale cutters, guillotines, augers, blowers, cyclones, and dust filters. Rotors also available in stainless steel or nickel. Throughputs up to 15,000 lb/hr.

*Fine Grinding - blast mills, pinned disc mills, universal mills, and classifier mills.

*Ultra-Fine Grinding - fluidized bed jet mills for toner, ceramics, resins, etc., with reduction down to 5 microns. System is designed to handle quality sensitive, abrasive or ultra-fine dry solids at high throughputs.

CUMBERLAND ENGINEERING DIV.

JOHN BROWN, INC.

Manufactures a line of under-the-press, beside-the-press, central hog-type, shredder/granulators, thermoform granulators and automated reclamation systems, including custom equipment to meet special requirements.

Robotic and conveyor-feed models, and quiet-running, beside-the-press models range in throat sizes from 4 x 6 in. to 18 x 36 in. and deliver throughputs from 250 to 1000 lb/hr.

Medium- to heavy-duty granulators feature advanced rotor designs for reclaiming bulky parts, film, sheet, filament, foam and heavy-wall pipe. Sizes are from 15-24 in. wide and 24-100 in. long. Capacities are to 5000 lb/hr. Extra-heavy-duty units ranges from 9 x 20 in. to 32 x 50 in. Capacities to 10,000 lb/hr in reclaiming solid, tough materials and purgings are available. Online reclaiming and densification systems for film, sheet and fiber deliver up to 15,000 lb/hr. Thermoform granulators for continuous reclaim of skeletal web directly from the trim press deliver up to 1500 lb/hr. Infeed widths are from 30-66 in.

Shredder/granulators are offered in sixteen combinations for high efficiency and with production rates from 1200 to 3500 lb/hr.

New from company: Model 12 x 12 compact granulator for injection and blow molded parts, as well as profiles and pipe. Unit has a hinged hopper and pivoting, drop-down screen cradle with throughput rates up to 500 lb/hr.

J.H. DAY CO./TAYLOR-STILES

Company markets the following:

*Granulators in various sizes and designs.

*High-speed rotary mills designed for low-cost processing from microfine grinding to mixing. Units can be customized to individual specifications, complete with a variety of blades, rotors, screens and throat options that permit wide application in dry, wet-slurry and cryogenic grinding.

*Guillotine cutters designed for low-cost bulk reduction are available in various widths. Three types of feeding mechanisms offered are spiked fingers to control difficult-to-handle film and fibers, a ram pusher-type system, and a belt-feed system. Another feature incorporated into a production line is a slab cutter used on rubber and plastic slabs. Newly designed roll slitter cuts rolls longitudinally.

*Rotary cutters are available in widths up to 48 in. for primary size reduction of polymeric materials. Cutters with multiple rotating knives and one bed knife have a shear cutting action. They are used for cutting plastic and rubber sheets, scrap film and fibers before further processing on a granulator or rotary cutter and can operate singly or as part of an integrated system.

Company designs and builds completely automated and integrated systems for cutting, sizing, milling, pelletizing, and waste reclamation, as well as for other size reduction and processing functions.

DRESSER INDUSTRIES See Jeffrey Div.

ENTOLETER, INC.

Simple maintenance, easy cleanout, maximum versatility, and minimum floor space are key features cited for Alsteele granulators. Most models have double-edged bed knives, said to double service life between sharpenings. All models accept standard anti-flyback hoppers, sheet or pipe hoppers, powered feed rolls, combinations, and special hoppers for custom uses. Open rotors are available on smaller models. Closed rotors have two to five blades in straight, angled, or staggered pattern.

Sound-reduction is standard. Treatment of general-purpose models is said to bring sound level to OSHA minimums. Larger models, and smaller models in sensitive areas, use integral or free-standing enclosures to lessen noise.

The line includes the following:

*General-purpose units from 5 to 40 hp with 10- x 9-in. to 14- x 30-in. throats.

*Custom machines ranging from 30 to 80 hp (dual drive) and from 14- x 39-in. to 14- x 51-in. throat size.

*Heavy-duty granulators from 30 to 150 hp (single or dual drive) and from 16- x 17-in. to 18- x 51-in. throat size.

*Central systems ranging from 40 to 300 hp (single or dual drive) and from 24- x 25-in. to 30- x 73-in. throats.

*Hogs of 5 to 300 hp (direct drive) and 5- x 10-in. to 12- x 48-in. throats.

Several types of product evaluation are available, and tie-in systems to mate with special feeding requirements can be provided.

FITZPATRICK CO.

Mills feature a wide choice of interchangeable blade designs and screen sizes and a variety of feed devices: manual, gravity, vibrating, rotary valve, screw, and pump. Stainless-steel construction, water jacketing for temperature-controlled processing, and belt-, direct-, or variable-speed drives are also featured. Company builds seven sizes of production units up to 150 hp and a 3-hp machine for laboratory use. Rotors are from 5 x 8 in. to 28 x 17 in.

FitzMill prebreaking equipment reportedly achieves economical reduction of raw materials for maximum efficiency in handling and conveying to subsequent processing. The Guilocutter is especially recommended for heat-sensitive materials.

FLUID AIR

Company's size-reduction mill features custom inlets and discharges for online or independent use in the medium-to-fine particle range of 10-60 mesh. The patented rotor is corrosion-resistant and has virtually no cracks, which allows for quick, sanitary cleanup. Optional micro-processor controls prevent operator error on setup, validates the process, assures repeatability, and allows for automation of production. Mills are available in four sizes from lab to production capacities. Pilot facilities are available.

FOREMOST MACHINE BUILDERS

Supplies a comprehensive range of granulators, from 2 to 200 hp or more with standard flywheel drives. Press-side throat openings range from 6 x 8 in. to 16 x 20 in. with offset chambers, segmented rotors with two- or three-skewed rotating knives, and two adjustable stationary knives. Optional proprietary Microsonic noise attenuation reportedly yields sound levels under 90 dbA.

Company's press-side "spiral-cut" line operates at 80-85 dbA and features rapid access and strip-away cabinetry. Basic models have throat sizes from 10 x 16 in. to 11 x 24 in. and drives from 15 to 40 hp.

Large-part and central/batch granulators up to 30 x 45 in. are also available with proprietary sound treatment, yielding 85 dbA or less for processing engineering thermoplastics. Special barrel and drum models are offered, along with conveyor-fed and customized versions. Wide-throat, extra-heavy-duty sheet models up to 150 hp handle up to 8000 lb/ hr, while horizontally fed pipe and profile granulators can accommodate up to 31-in.-diam. plastic pipe.

Patented, dual-stage units with low hp can handle lumps and purgings. Operating at high rpm, these units have an initial chipping knife stage using a solid rotor that feeds chips or shavings into a second stage for conventional granulating. Units come with one or two motors.

Special-purpose granulators include under-the-press, auger-feed sprue-and-runner grinders, hot-melt grinders, and special film granulators in both single-stage models for conventional film fluff and dual-stage versions for high-density, finer-mesh granulate.

Optional equipment includes pneumatic take-away of granulate, or right-angle auger unload system. Hush kits and acoustical enclosures are available for older units. All lines can be offered as part of a total blending, recycling and materials-handling system.

FRANKLIN MILLER, INC.

Provides many types and sizes of its Delumper size-reduction equipment. These include the Pipeline Delumper, available in pipe sizes of 3 in. through 48 in., and Delumper Crushers, such as the compact 1082-A, 1075-L, 2085-L, and 967-M models. All are compact with low headroom and flanges for easy connection to pipe or duct system.

The Delumper reportedly can chop; crush; shred; deagglomerate; accelerate flow; condition oversize materials directly in a fully enclosed sanitary chute, duct, or pipe system; prevent cross-contamination; crush tough material such as PVC; and prevent bridging problems. Company's ultra-compact Delumper (967-M) can be used for chopping and deagglomerating packed materials from 50-lb and 100-lb bags and for reclaiming scrap materials.

GARLOCK INC.

PLASTOMER PRODUCTS

Offers Trost Air impact mills to pulverize every type of hard, brittle, abrasive, soft, and agglommerated material, as well as substances with low-melting points. Directly opposing streams of compressed air produce powerful particle collisions for precise control of particle size. Capacities range from 100 g/hr to 5000 lb/hr, reportedly using up to 20% less energy than other units. A research model is offered to pulverize samples as small as 10 g.

GRANUTEC, INC.

Company's Auger-Matic auger granulator is a closed-loop system for automatic recovery of sprues and runners. It is available in four sizes with cutting-chamber dimensions of 6 x 6 in. with 5-in.-diam. auger, 8 x 10 in. with 6-in. auger, 10 x 12 in. with 8-in. auger, and 14 x 16 in. with 10-in. auger. All feature online servicing and maintenance, positive-feed/ continuous-operation design, safety features, double-scissor-cutting action, and compliance with OSHA electrical and noise standards. Optional items include Pick-A-Part (parts and runner) separator that can be driven from the auger shaft. A complete line of belt and air conveyors adapt to all Granutec equipment.

Also available is a complete line of beside-the-press granulators with throat openings of 6 x 6 in., 8 x 10 in., 10 x 12 in., and 14 x 16 in. Options include segmented rotors with double-sided removable knives, paddle-feed hoppers, and soundproofing to meet 85 dbA.

Low-profile hot-melt granulators are offered to cut polymers at high temperatures into granules for recycling.

Company's TFG1012 granulator is designed to automatically receive and reclaim edge trim from sheet and film production lines. Unit has an automatic feed-roll attachment with variable-speed adjustment to synchronize the speed of the unit's three-bladed, open rotor with the linear speed of the edge trim. The granulator is available with 7.5-, 10-, and 15-hp motors.

A.C. HAMILTON, INC.

Offers an extensive line of granulators which include a Tria-design cutting chamber. Throughput ranges from 20 to 35 lb/hr to giant units which can granulate over 8800 lb/hr. A wide selection of rotor designs and numbers of cutting knives can be specified, including straight cut, staggered cut and milling-type rotors. Fourteen models in the TD, TE, TF, and ELR series include, as standard, water cooling in the cutting chamber. The RR, ELP and PRR series include water cooling in both the chamber and the rotor shaft.

Shredder options are offered for certain larger models to crush and break up large parts before they enter the cutting chambers. These are recommended for purgings and other parts such as larger molded containers.

Company supplies both belt conveyor systems for feeding scrap to the granulators and a complete line of blowers, cyclones and dust collectors for grinder bin evacuation.

HERBOLD GRANULATORS U.S.A.

Offers reclamation equipment for use in recovery of raw materials, off-spec products, contaminated film and PET bottles. Heavy-duty granulators especially designed for lumps and purgings, compact-design granulators for sheet, film and bulky parts, and disc pulverizers (high-speed precision grinders for pulverizing medium-hard, impact-resistant and friable materials) are available. Also offered are washing systems for treatment of soiled, mixed-waste products such as contaminated film and PET bottles. Special grinders for specific requirements such as pipe and profile, and hot-melt granulators and guillotines are also available.

HI-TORQUE SHREDDER CO.

Offers a complete line of shredders for plastics. These come with inlet hopper and stand custom-designed for each application, full electrical controls and starting equipment. Automatic count and timed reversal are also an integral part of these machines, which range from 10 hp to 300 hp and have two counterrotating shafts: one at 33 rpm and the other at 25 rpm. These high-torque machines are said to be especially good for use with large plastic purgings, rejects and scrap, and for further size reduction and granulation.

In addition to shredders, company offers machinery for further size reduction. A granulator called Particle-izer is available in sizes from 10 hp to 60 hp, which takes shredded material and reduces it to a size-out as small as 1/8-in. diameter.

HYDRECLAIM CORP.

Offers a complete line of scrap-reclaim, granulating and blending equipment. HBD (high-bulk-density) granulators with either single or dual chambers can be used with recycle or repelletizing systems or with company's S-Series shredders, are offered for reduction of slabbed-off rolls, roll stock, haystack scrap, t-shirt punchouts, fibers, etc.

IMS CO.

Supplies both upright and auger-type granulators. All feature an exclusive 20-degree, double-shear blade action, and most are available with either standard two- or three- blade rotor or high-efficiency, multibladed, stagger-cut rotor. Upright, caster-mounted units are stocked in six sizes ranging from a 7 3/8 x 6 3/4 in. throat, 2-hp unit to a 24 x 12 in. throat 20-hp unit. In addition, there are two super heavy-duty models, 25 hp and 50 hp, that can be customized to specifications.

Auger-type granulators combine the same performance features as the up-rights with a style that is advantageous for automatic molding. They can be placed right under the mold for direct feeding, alongside the press for conveyor feeding, or be equipped with an optional hopper for manual feeding. All auger grinders feature tilt-down auger barrels for easy access to cutting chamber. Granulators are specially designed to handle all types of plastics from "hard" polycarbonate to "soft" vinyls.

INTERNATIONAL PROCESS

EQUIPMENT CO. (IPEC)

Company is the North American distributor for Ultra-Rotor pulverizers, which include a full range of units that take chopped plastics and reduce them to powders for reprocessing. Company maintains a fully equipped test center in Camden, N.J., for testing and evaluating performance on production-size equipment.

ITALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

A wide range of equipment for size reduction of plastics and rubber scrap is available from Italian companies. Contact office for information.

JEFFREY DIV.

DRESSER INDUSTRIES, INC.

Offers a full line of hammermills for shredding waste and recycled plastics, including plastic bottles. Shredding greatly increases the bulk density of the plastic and improves the materials handling equipment. The hammermills are available in rotor sizes from 20 x 12 in. up to 40 x 72 in. Both swing-type and rigid hammers are available to provide the best option for any given application.

The shredder frames are constructed of heavy plate and reinforced with structural shapes welded into a rugged unit. Internal surfaces are protected by heavy-duty, removable, drilled and tapped wear-resistant steel liners. Further protection is afforded by an integral metal trap which provides a simple and effective method for removing most tramp metal. The bottom discharge can be furnished with a number of different bar openings, thereby providing flexibility on the product size produced by the shredder.

JERSEY STAINLESS, INC.

Offers a complete line of crushing machinery that can be used on friable and crushable plastics such as thermosets. Large purgings, sprues, runners, and reject thermoset plastic parts can be size-reduced to as small as 30 mesh. The curshers can be equipped with motor sizes from 5 to 30 hp. Complete machines are supplied including inlet hopper, support stand, motor and drive, and full electrical controls and starters; and can be manufactured in basic carbon steel and stainless steel. Company offers a free testing lab.

KRAUSS-MAFFEI CORP.

PLASTICS MACHINERY DIV.

Manufactures Zerglomat reclaim machines to densify low-bulk-density materials. Complete washing systems are available to reclaim heavily soiled films such as agricultural mulches, and can separate rocks, dirt, metal, and paper from pellets. Systems for reclaiming clean or slightly soiled materials are also available.

LASITS-ROHLINE SERVICE, INC.

(L-R SYSTEMS)

Offers granulators in five sizes and power ranges: 8 x 6 in. throat, 3 to 5 hp; 10 x 11-in., 5-10 hp; 14 x 11-in., 7 1/2-15 hp; 20 x 17-in., 20-50 hp; and 28 x 17-in., 30-75 hp.

Machines are tangential-feed, open-rotor type, offset behind the centerline of the cutting chamber for minimum flyback. Standard features include high-alloy steel knives, noise levels that meet OSHA requirements, heavy-duty construction, and adaptability to custom and automotive requirements. Double sound insulation is an optional "super silent" feature by which a level of 80 dbA can be achieved.

MAC CORP. See Saturn Shredders Div.

MICRON POWDER SYSTEMS

ALPINE GROUP

Company's fluid energy milling system combines fluid-energy milling and size classification. Operating on the opposed-jet principle, the machine accelerates entrained particles to supersonic speeds through opposed nozzles. Particles collide in the zone between the nozzles. Subsequent integral air classification is said to allow precise product-size tailoring to stringent specifications.

The opposed jet milling system is said to meet milling requirements for everything from abrasive to low-melting-point materials and from pilot to large-scale facilities. Size classifiers are recommended for precise powder specifications such as narrow-size distributions and consistent mean-particle sizes in ranges from subsieve to submicron. Models have throughputs from a few grams to thousands of pounds per hour and are reportedly notable for repeatability and selectively of cut-points.

MICRON POWDER SYSTEMS

MIKROPUL GROUP

Supplies pulverizing machines:

*Mikro Pulverizer models are said to grind, blend and disperse in a single dustless operation. Units use rapidly moving hammers, are suited for both wet and dry grinding, and reportedly provide accurate particle-size control. Once the mill is set to deliver a product, it is said to produce the same results indefinitely. Supplied with stirrup or bar rotors, the machines are equipped with herringbone-slot, cross-slot and round perforated retaining screens.

*Mikro ACM pulverizers are vertical impact mills designed for efficient transport of material from grinding element to separating element, with oversize materials going back to the grinding element. Shifting from one particle size to another is reportedly instantaneous. Unit can grind heat-sensitive material without the aid of coolants.

*Mikro-Atomizer pulverizes and conveys material in one operation. With dual classification air, it produces smooth ultrafine powders in the low micron range.

*Mikro-Bantam pulverizer is said to be an economical mill for lab, pilot plant or small batch production that grinds samples as small as 10 grams for analytical purposes with minimal loss at rates of 200 lb/hr for small batches.

*Laboratory ACM Grinder-Classifier is a 1-hp model for experimental labs where small quantities of material are available for feasibility studies and related research. A completely self-contained system, the Lab ACM is supplied with product collector, filter cartridge and instrument panel. It grinds and classifies a range of materials at a rate of 10-200 lb/hr. Mesh size is from 100 to 40 microns.

Also available is the Mikro-Crusher in lab, standard, and heavy-duty sizes for crushing large feedstock; the Mikron-Separator, an air-classifier for particle sizes of 100, mesh to 5 microns; and Mikro-Samplmill, used in industrial and government labs for analytical grinding.

MILLER MANUFACTURING CO.

Manufactures PVC pipe pregrinders and pulverizers said to be capable of reducing up to 36-in.-OD, 2-in.-thick scrap to powder. Systems feature two size of power-feed chute and pregrinder, which reduce 20-ft sections of pipe to chips at up to 6000 lb/hr. The chips can then be pulverized to powder at speeds up to 1000 lb/hr. Units are also capable of reducing PVC siding and window profiles to powder.

MITTS & MERRILL/CARTHAGE

MACHINE CO.

Granulators from 5 to 500 hp are supplied for grinding plastic sprues, runners, large purgings, or chunks.

MONTGOMERY INDUSTRIES INT'L.

Markets a complete line of size reduction machines for shredding and pulverizing most dry solid wastes. In addition to size reduction of traditional wood scrap materials, machines are used for asphalt cake, bulky waste paper and paperboard, polyfoam and other plastics, and automobile tires and tubes.

MOSSBERG INDUSTRIES INC. See Ramco Div.

MUNSON MACHINERY CO., INC.

Offers SCC rotary cutters with staggered cutting blades that have carbide tips to prolong life.

NELMOR/AEC, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of vertically intergraded size reduction/recycling equipment. Designed to withstand the rigors of a factory environmentt, individual granulators or shredders or complete systems can be tailored to specific applications and requirements. All granulators can be equipped with new Microknife (patent pending) cutting blades.

The AG under-the-press auger series of granulators consists of four sizes ranging from 6 x 7 in. to 16 x 16 in. cutting chambers. Units feature a positive-feeding auger screw with reversing flight that eliminates wrapping.

The Premier beside-the-press series is designed to reduce sprues, runners, and rejected parts to clean uniform granulate. Featuring scissor-type cutting action, machines are available in two different sound control packages. Nine models are offered, raning from 8 x 10 in. to 12 x 30 in cutting chambers.

The low-speed series in designed to accept sprues and runners dropped by a robot or conveyor. Sizes range from 8 x 10 in. to 12 x 20 in. cutting chambers. High torque gear motors, together with heavy duty, pre-stretched chain, drive the rotor at 120 rpm.

The Bold series of granulators fill the requirements of recycling bottles and other bulky blown shapes. Available in cutting chamber sizes of 16 x 16 in., 20 x 20 in., 20 x 30 in., and 20 x 45 in., machines feature tangential feed-cutting chambers. Large-part central granulators fill the requirements of recycling purgings, pipe and thick-wall parts at large volume production. Fourteen models of open, solid, or staggered rotor designs are offered depending on the application. Cutting chambers range in size from 14 x 24 in. to 36 x 72 in.

Company's shredders feature counterrotating shafts equipped with a series of alternating stacked cutters that reduce feed stocks without flyback and reportedly at maximum energy efficiency. Nine models are offered in single- or two-stage configurations.

NISSUI CORP.

Company's Scutter press-side, sprue/ runner processes, sprues/runners into uniformly sized particles at a low rotational speed of 30 rpm without using a sizing screen. The design of the Scutter virtually eliminates any powder and reduces fines. The lower rate of rotation provides quiet, dependable operation. The Scutter is suited for automated systems, using robotics, sprue pickers, or conveyors.

PALLMANN PULVERIZERS CO., INC.

Offers pulverizers for a wide range of applications. Turbo, disc or pin mills are employed for one-pass or closed-circuit grinding. Turbo mills are particularly suited for ambient grinding of heat-sensitive material.

Mill grinding components are said to be easily interchanged, depending on particle-size requirements. Turbo and pin mills for low-temperature operations from chill grinding to true cryogenic processing are available for use with precooler only or as an integral part of complete grinding installations.

Knife-mill granulators handle applications from sprues and runners to 48-in.-wide polycarbonate sheet. Rotor diameters range from 6 to 48 in. Special models, designed for long lenghts, such as siding or window frames, pipe crushers for pipes of up to 60-in. diam.; precision knife mills for fine grinding of films; and densifying systems (PFV) for converting thermoplastic such as film, foam and fiber, to free-flowing granules are offered.

PLASTIC SYSTEMS CO., INC.

Offers a complete line of granulators from FBM s.r.l. of Italy for blown film, injection molding and all forms of extrusion, ranging in size from 2 to 200 hp with output capacity to 4000 lb/hr. Design of rotor and blade are said to give high performance even with "difficult" materials. Sound enclosures and suction and sacking systems are optional. Company also offers complete reclaiming lines for film scrap and PET bottles, as well as a washing system for mixed plastics waste.

PLASTICS ANCILLARIES CORP.

Offers a complete line of grinders from small 2-hp, beside-the-press units, to auger, soundproofed low-profile grinders, all in sizes up to large 70-hp units. All use segmented blades for better cuts and large flywheels for reportedly increased efficiency and economic usage. Specially designed screen removal is said to make cleanout very fast and simple.

POLYMER SYSTEMS DIV.

POLYMER MACHINERY CORP.

Offers a complete line of granulators:

*Press-side models feature double-angle and steep-angled rotor knives for higher throughput rates, fewer fines, and less flyback. Feed throats range from 6 x 8 in. to 16 x 32 in. Machines are available in either SPL (below 90 dbA) or Silenator (below 80 dbA) models from 5-40 hp, and are designed for easy service and cleaning.

*Auger-feed granulators in two throat sizes, 8 x 8 in. and 10 x 10 in., are offered in both SPL (below 90 dbA) and Silenator (below 80 dbA) versions. Silenator is completely enclosed behind a hinged, soundproofed, safety-interlocked cover. SPL, without sound enclosure, has a specially-designed, pull-away guard and electrical panel and is safety interlocked. Cutting chamber, screen, drive components, and controls can be reached for fast service. Many machine options and custom designs are available, in addition to blower evacuation and part-separation systems.

*Low-line granulators in two sizes (6 x 8 in., 2 hp and 9 x 12 in., 5 hp) are available in either SPL (below 90 dbA) or Silenator (below 80 dbA) models. Cutting chamber provides the same features as press-side granulator, but is specifically designed for automated cycle-feed or controlled hand-feed applications. Lowline is a field-convertible granulator that accepts a variety of specially-designed hopper configurations that may be attached to the cutting chamber. Machine infeed and outfeed will be designed to meet special requirements.

*Shurfeed granulators are designed for machine-side and central granulation of tough, bulky parts, bottles, pails, thick sections, sheet and film. Cutting-chamber design allows material to fall directly in front of the rotating knives and to be pulled quickly through the cutting action for fast granulation without bounce and flyback. Both 16 x 21 in. and 16 x 27 in. throat sizes are offered soundproofed with up to 75 hp and 2000 lb/hr throughput.

*Central granulators in 15 x 26 in. and 20 x 40 in. heavy-duty models are designed for continuous, high-volume recovery of tough materials. Horsepower ranges between 50 and 150 with throughput up to 3500 lb/hr.

*Hot-melt granulators and material recovery systems are offered for extrusion, extrusion blow molding, wire and cable, and compounding operations. Cutting-chamber design is said to allow air cooling of hot granulate for fast throughput without gumming or clogging, and to ensure operating noise levels below 80 dbA for most applications. Units can be used to recover most hot materials up to 600 F without precooling. HMG systems include granulator, blower, cyclone separator, and related duct work. All system components are sized and matched to specific requirements. Standard 8 x 8 in. and 10 x 10 in. throat sizes are available. Throughputs are up to 1200 lb/hr. Water-cooled models are available.

*Feed-roll granulators can granulate all types of film. Double-angle cut is suited to OPP and LLDPE film. Feed throats up to 15 x 26 in. are available. Company also offers a line of conveyors and materials-handling systems, including sprue pickers and robots.

PRECISION CUTTERS, INC.

Offers continuous, in-line cutting systems for film edge trim and guillotines.

PRIORITY MACHINERY

Granulators in sizes from 5 x 7 in. to 12 x 18 in. with Allen-Bradley electronics and GE motors are available from Technomec of Greece. Many models come fully equipped with blowers for bin evacuation.

PROCESS CONTROL CORP.

Manufactures a family of film, sheet, and fiber granulators featuring a double-angled knives cutting chamber. Sizes range from 6 x 8 in. to 15 x 27 in. with 5- to 100-hp motors. Options include pneumatic discharge, roll feeders, edge-trim inducers, and cutter blowers.

A related product is a patented automatic scrap-recycling system. A double-compartment refeed machine mounted directly on the extruder simultaneously recycles edge trim, loose scrap, and roll scrap. Depending on application, rates can range from 50 to 750 lb/hr. Guaranteed scrap recycle rates of 25% can be realized on most film applications.

QUADRO, INC.

The Quadro Comil conical mill uses low rpm, centrifugal acceleration, vortex flow pattern, 360-degree discharging screen, and specially shaped grinding elements. The resulting performance reportedly provides high throughput capacity per hp input, low fines even with fragile materials, low dust, quiet operation, and elimination of overworking of material and frictional heat.

Unit comes in five sizes and 14 configurations. Capacities range from 250 to 50,000 lb/hr or more with relatively low hp motors.

RML COMMANDER DIV.

MORLEY-ARBECK INC.

Manufactures its GMS1 series of Commander granulators, engineered to produce geometrically shaped particle sizes for recycling. Features include:

*Indexed-helical cutting angle for greater surface per width of machine.

*Cutting chamber of clamshell design which allows 100% access to interior for easy cleaning and maintenance.

*High-chrome, high-carbon steel interchangeable slant-type cutting teeth.

*Constant cutting cycle.

*Interchangeable bed knives adjustable to minimum clearance of 0.006 in. with push-pull screws for quick setup.

*Heavy-duty pillow blocks.

*Heavy-duty modular construction adaptable from 5- to 60-hp drive.

*Feed chute designed to assist increased capacity and provide tangential circumference feeding at the cutting teeth and to reduce flyback and noise level.

*Structural-beam design allows for full cleaning efficiency.

*Complete sound attention.

*Open- and closed-rotor designs interchangeable with the same heavy-duty structural frame.

RAMCO DIV.

MOSSBERG INDUSTRIES INC.

Both beside-the-press and central granulators are supplied for granulating most sizes and shapes of thermoplastics, including specialized products such as plastic sheets and film. Sizes range from the 810, designed to handle a variety of small molded parts and runners, to model 1527 and model 2436, available with 100- and 150-hp drives. These systems are said to granulate 12-in.-diam. PVC pipe and 55-gal blow molded barrels, respectively. The line is offered in eight throat sizes: 8 x 10 in., 8 x 12 in., 10 x 12 in., 14 x 18 in., 14 x 36 in., 16 x 54 in., 15 x 27 in. and 24 x 36 in.

Three of the small sizes (8 x 10 in., 10 x 12 in. and 14 x 18 in.) are offered in two styles. The first has a conventional straight reversible knife and the second a herringbone-slant reversible rotor knife. The sound-enclosed design in achieved by angling the rotor and bed knives in a "V" shape to intersect at the cutting-chamber centerline. This design is said to achieve the highest overall slant angle in grinding. All impact forces are said to be distributed uniformly within the cutting chamber to equalize and minimize stress on rotor and bearings, thus prolonging bearing life and lowering horsepower requirements.

Knives are reversible, giving the user two sets of knives in one. Access to the cutting chamber has been made easier by a roll-back hopper design with electrical interlock on hopper and screen support. The machines are completely sound-enclosed; the largest is said to operate at 80-85 dbA and the smallest 810 model in the 70 dbA range.

These units can be adapted with vacuum unloading equipment, fan conveyor systems, pipe hoppers and roll-feed units. A motor overload percentage meter is mounted on the stop/start control station as a standard feature on the large herringbone and can be provided on other units.

A hot-melt unit has been added to the line for granulating molten plastic materials directly from the die of an extruder, delivering up to 400 lb/hr of PVC. It has a 5-hp motor drive and 5-hp fan conveying system.

A new staggered, segmented rotor design, dubbed the MI Series, is available in throat sizes of 8 x 10 in., 8 x 14 in., 10 x 16 in., 12 x 24 in., and 13 x 23 in., with a range of 5 to 30 hp. All units are sound-proofed, and several options are available. With the staggered design, horsepower requirements are said to be reduced by half.

RAPID GRANULATOR, INC.

Manufactures a complete line of beside-the-press, auger, in-line, central, thermoform, hog-type, and hot-melt granulators. Company also offers belt conveyors, sound enclosures and rooms, pneumatic conveying systems and turn-key operations. Granulator features include scissor-cutting action, adjustable rotating knives, herringbone "V"-design open rotor, tangential-feed cutting chamber for positive feeding of bulky parts, and flywheel-type pulley. Closed or semi-closed rotor designs are used for lumps or chunk granulation.

Beside-the-press models, featuring tangential feed and scissor cut, range in throat sizes from 3 x 6 in. to 18 x 31 in., motor sizes from 2 to 60 hp, and throughput capacities from 170 to 2500 lb/hr.

For the blow molder, models handle hot parisons, parts, or lumps, a feature that makes them suitable for in-line operation. Models range in throat sizes from 7 x 9 in. to 32 x 50 in., motor sizes from 5 to 200 hp, and throughput capacities to 6000 lb/hr. This series runs at noise levels of approximately 82 dbA.

Central heavy-duty models range in throat sizes from 12 x 24 in. to 32 x 50 in., motor sizes from 40 to 250 hp, and throughput capacities from 1400 to 10,000 lb/hr.

Hog-type, extra-heavy-duty models offer 12 x 24 in. to 24 x 42 in. throats, 50-to 100-hp motors, and 900 to 6000 lb/hr throughputs.

Hot-melt models for granulation at 300-500 F have 7 x 9 in. to 32 x 50 in. throats, 5- to 250-hp motors, and 165 to 3000 lb/hr throughputs.

ROTOGRAN INTERNATIONAL INC.

Offers its acoustically insulated Rotogran granulators in two styles from 10-60 hp and throat sizes from 9 1/2 x 12 1/2 in. to 22 x 36 in. Machines are heavy-duty with flanged, piloted cartridge bearings; one-piece weldment cutting chambers; and heavy-gauge, structurally tubed frames for vibration-free operation.

Company also offers its Rotogran 10 hp auger-feeder granulator that fits under the press and eliminates handling of materials to be ground. Standard equipment includes a metal detector in trough, blower/cyclone system with heavy-duty flexible steel hoses, and an acoustically insulated chute for manual feeding that can accept 4-liter bottles. Rotor is located offset in the cutting chamber and does not interfere with chute opening.

SATURN SHREDDERS DIV.

MAC CORP.

Division offers a complete line of low-speed, high-torque rotary shear shredders. Shredders are used to preprocess chunks of plastics, drools, flashings, purgings, and thin film and post-consumer plastics into a uniform, reduced size suitable for secondary high-speed granulation. Sawing and guillotining are virtually eliminated. Other benefits reportedly include increased throughput, efficient downstream operation, and improved metal detection capabilities.

SHRED-TECH LTD.

Manufactures an "off-the-shelf" machine called a Polycycler for the plastic recycling industry. The Polycycler has a two-stage reduction system built into one machine. Company also custom designs and manufactures systems for special reduction of difficult and bulky materials. Optional equipment, such as infeed systems, ram hoppers and vacuum outfeeds, can be designed to fit a current line, producing an integrated system.

SPADONE, INC.

Company offers its new 24-in. guillotine cutter for recycling and reclamation. The cutter is also used to cut plastic compounds and other dense materials for which other types of cutting methods are inappropriate.

The unit is fully contained, air-operated and designed to cut bales without the aid of water or other lubricants. It features a 26-in. wide blade with a 24-in. cutting width. Tunnel guarding and dual pushbuttons that must be depressed simultaneously to activate the knife are provided to ensure operator safety.

Hydraulically operated bale cutters are also available in the 24-, 29-, 39-, 51-, and 60-in. models, and may be customized to meet specific requirements.

SPROUT-BAUER, INC. See Andritz Sprout-Bauer.

STERLING, INC. See Ball & Jewell Div.

TOSKO PLASTICS MACHINERY, INC.

Offers two series of granulators encompassing six models covering beside-the-press applications and auger-feed granulators. Units incorporate a unique inclined rotor with multiple blades and low-rotor speed for lower noise, less flyback and reduced fines generation. Units are designed for easy clean-out and have features to prevent jamming.

VIDEX MACHINERY CORP.

Sells rebuilt and guaranteed granulators from 1 1/2 to 300 hp. Units are available in various throat sizes with both solid and open-rotor designs. Granulators can be supplied with pull-out bin discharge, drum or gaylord high discharge, or pneumatic discharge. All rebuilt equipment can be tested for customer's final inspection.

WARNER SALES ASSOCIATES, INC.

Offers a range of granulators for plastic films and scrap reclaim systems.

WEDCO INC.

Manufactures plastics grinding equipment and provides custom-grinding services and related processes. Specializes in the size-reduction of thermoplastics and other heat-sensitive materials. Powders are ground and packaged according to customer specifications for rotomolding, plastics compounds, powder coating, adhesives, composites, and other applications. Company provides size-reduction services using a variety of grinding methods, including such specialized techniques as cryogenic grinding and air-jet milling. Thirteen production facilities are located throughout North America and Europe with capacities ranging from test runs to thousands of tons per year.

WYSSMONT CO., INC.

Offers the Triskelion lumpbreaker, Double Rotocage lumpbreaker, and the Single Rotocage lumpbreaker for friable solids such as agglomerates, wet cakes, crystals, extrusions, pellets, waxes, fibers, chunks, slabs and sheets that normally do not require ball, hammer, or pin mills.

Testing facilities and in-plant rental units are available to confirm specific process requirements from just a few pounds to several tons.

Rotocage lumpbreaker, consisting of one or two variable-speed, cylindrical squirrel cages rotating in a metal housing, breaks up the feed into finely divided solid particles.

Triskelion lumpbreaker's slow rotating blades or pins intermesh with stationary ones to reduce relatively large feed particles to uniform particles about 1 in. or finer.

THE YOUNG INDUSTRIES, INC.

Company's single- or double-runner attrition mills are designed for a wide variety of grinding applications. Units have various styles of grinding plates, adjustable gap clearance between the grinding surfaces, and predetermined runnerhead speeds so that they can be used to grind, pulverize, granulate, or blend powder mixtures. Single-runner models are for grinding dry powder, while double-runner mills are said to work equally well with dry, damp or oily materials. The equipment is available in carbon steel, stainless steel or special alloys.