Can these preparations before starting the machine prevent material jamming in the extruder?

Nov 10, 2025

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First, check the equipment's "physical condition." Inspect the feed extruder machine's exterior for loose screws or damaged casing, such as the extruder's head screws or the extruder's screw fixing screws. Tighten any loose screws immediately to prevent parts from falling off after startup. Next, focus on checking the lubrication: ensure the extruder bearings and extruder's pressure rollers have sufficient lubricating oil, and that the oil level is within the marked marks. If the oil is low, add the appropriate amount (generally #3 lithium-based grease), but don't overfill, as this will overflow and contaminate the raw materials. Finally, rotate the equipment's handwheels, such as the extruder's feed handwheel, to check for any sticking. If it's stuck, there may be foreign objects inside, requiring disassembly and cleaning.

Second, pre-treat the raw materials to prevent "unqualified materials" from entering the machine. The moisture content and particle size of the raw materials are crucial: Too high a moisture content (above 16%) will cause the material to stick inside the machine, while too low a moisture content (below 10%) will generate excessive dust. Generally, the moisture content should be controlled between 12% and 14%. If too wet, let it air dry in a ventilated area for half a day; if too dry, spray some water and mix well. Regarding particle size, the raw materials used in feed pellet extruders should be crushed to 1.0-1.5mm (roughly the size of flour). For extruders, crushing to 0.8-2.0mm is sufficient, depending on product requirements. If there are large particles, sieve them to prevent clogging the die holes. Additionally, the raw materials must not contain metal, stones, or other hard objects. It's best to install a magnetic separator at the feed inlet to remove nails and wires to prevent damage to the screw.

Finally, prepare tools and emergency measures. Keep commonly used tools nearby, such as a wrench (for tightening screws), a brush (for cleaning the equipment), and a flashlight (for inspecting the inside of the equipment), so that you can address any minor problems after starting the machine. Also check the circuits and switches, look for damaged wires, and ensure the leakage protection device is working properly to avoid electric shock. In addition, plan ahead for contingency plans. For example, if material jams after starting the machine, know to turn off the power first and then clear the jam, rather than forcibly pulling out the material, to prevent equipment damage.