The mixing zone, compression zone and exhaust zone of the screw are important components in the production process of extruded tubular products. They jointly undertake the key tasks of processing, plasticizing and extruding plastic raw materials. The first is the mixing area. This area is located at the feed end of the screw. Its main function is to suck the raw materials from the hopper and conduct preliminary heating and plasticization. At this stage, the raw materials may be in a solid or semi-solid state and need to be softened and evenly mixed through heating and mechanical shear. At this time, the screw slowly advances the raw material and converts it into a plastic paste, making it gradually ready to enter the next processing stage.
Next is the compression zone, which is located after the mixing zone. Its main task is to compress and further heat the plastic to further soften and mix it evenly. In the compression zone, the screw increases pressure on the plastic, pushing it forward and using mechanical energy to heat it to a plasticizing temperature. Through this process, air and bubbles in the plastic are eliminated, and the plastic particles are better integrated and evenly mixed, preparing for the next extrusion process.
Finally, there is the exhaust zone, which is located after the compression zone. Its main function is to perform final heating, plasticizing and exhausting of the plastic. In the exhaust zone, the screw further heats and shears the plastic to its final plasticized state, and removes residual gas and air through the screw's exhaust design. Through this process, the plasticity of the plastic is maximized and impurities such as air and bubbles are eliminated, thus ensuring the quality and performance of the final extruded product.