The extrusion screw barrel is primarily used in plastic extrusion processes. Some of the key uses of these components are as follows:
1. Melting and Mixing: The screw barrel is responsible for melting and mixing the raw plastic material. The screw, with its helical design, applies mechanical and thermal energy to the plastic material, causing it to melt and mix with other additives or colorants.
2. Conveying: The screw barrel also functions as a pump, pushing the molten plastic material through the extruder. The rotation of the screw creates pressure, which helps in the continuous movement of the material.
3. Plastic Extrusion: The assembled extrusion screw barrel is an integral part of extrusion machines used for manufacturing various plastic products. It is used in processes like film extrusion, sheet extrusion, pipe extrusion, profile extrusion, and extrusion coating.
4. Homogenizing: The screw barrel helps in achieving a homogenous mixture of the plastic material, ensuring uniformity and consistency in the extruded product.
5. Temperature Control: The screw barrel may have heating or cooling elements embedded in it to control the temperature of the molten plastic material as required during the extrusion process.
6. Wear Resistance: The screw and barrel are typically made from materials with high wear resistance, such as nitrided steel or bimetallic alloys, to withstand the abrasive nature of plastics and extend their lifespan.