EXTRUTEX EXCT-50 Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder

50 mm Modular Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Extruder with Clamshell Barrel

The EXTRUTEX EXCT-50 is a modular co-rotating twin-screw extruder designed for continuous polymer compounding, mixing, dispersion, homogenization, masterbatch production, recycling and other demanding thermoplastic processing applications.

With a 50 mm screw diameter, the EXCT-50 provides a higher processing capacity than the smaller EXCT series models while maintaining the flexibility of the modular twin-screw platform. The machine is designed for manufacturers requiring a versatile compounding system capable of processing different polymers, fillers, additives and formulations.

The EXCT-50 combines a co-rotating twin-screw system, modular screw and barrel construction, independently controlled processing zones and a practical clamshell barrel design.

The clamshell system provides rapid access to the screws and internal processing area, simplifying cleaning, maintenance, inspection, screw-element replacement and product changeover.

With an output range of approximately 60–150 kg/h, depending on material and process conditions, the EXCT-50 is suitable for pilot production, medium-scale manufacturing and specialized continuous compounding applications.

EXCT-50 Technical Specifications

Actual production capacity depends on polymer type, formulation, screw configuration, feeding rate, screw speed, temperature profile and other process conditions.

50 mm Co-Rotating Twin-Screw Platform

The 50 mm screw diameter gives the EXCT-50 a substantial processing platform for applications requiring greater throughput while retaining the flexibility of modular twin-screw technology.

The co-rotating twin-screw configuration provides simultaneous conveying, melting and mixing capabilities.

The two screws rotate in the same direction and can be equipped with different conveying, kneading and mixing elements. This allows the internal processing profile to be configured according to the material and desired result.

The EXCT-50 can therefore be configured for applications ranging from relatively gentle polymer blending to intensive filler dispersion and compounding.

60–150 kg/h Production Capacity

The EXCT-50 is designed for an approximate production range of 60–150 kg/h.

This capacity makes the machine suitable for a wide variety of pilot and production applications.

Actual output is influenced by several factors, including:

• Polymer type

• Bulk density

• Melt viscosity

• Formulation

• Filler concentration

• Additive loading

• Screw configuration

• Screw speed

• Feeding system

• Processing temperature

• Residence time

• Required mixing intensity

• Downstream pressure

For this reason, EXTRUTEX recommends selecting the final configuration according to the actual material and required production conditions rather than capacity alone.

300–500 RPM Screw Speed

The EXCT-50 provides a screw-speed range of approximately 300–500 rpm.

The operating speed can be selected according to the formulation and required processing intensity.

Different materials require different combinations of mechanical energy, residence time and mixing intensity. The modular screw system allows the EXCT-50 to be configured accordingly.

Higher screw speeds can provide increased mixing intensity and mechanical energy for suitable applications, while lower speeds can be selected when a gentler processing condition or longer residence time is preferred.

The relationship between screw speed, throughput, temperature and screw configuration should be optimized for each formulation.

28–48 L/D Processing Configuration

The EXCT-50 can be configured with an L/D ratio from 28 to 48.

This provides flexibility in determining the effective processing length and number of functional zones.

A shorter configuration can be used for applications requiring fewer processing stages, while longer configurations provide additional space for more complex processes.

A longer processing arrangement may incorporate sequential zones such as:

Feeding → Conveying → Melting → Mixing → Dispersion → Degassing → Homogenization → Pressure Building → Discharge

The selected L/D ratio can therefore be matched to the required processing sequence.

Clamshell Barrel for Fast Access

The clamshell barrel is one of the practical features of the EXCT-50.

The barrel can be opened to provide direct access to the twin screws and processing chamber.

This simplifies important operational tasks such as:

• Cleaning

• Product changeover

• Screw inspection

• Screw-element replacement

• Removal of residual material

• Maintenance

• Troubleshooting

• Process development

For manufacturers processing several formulations, rapid access to the processing chamber can help reduce intervention time between products.

It is also particularly useful when developing new compounds where screw configurations may need to be changed and evaluated regularly.

Modular Barrel Construction

The EXCT-50 uses a modular barrel concept in which different barrel sections can be arranged according to the requirements of the process.

Each processing section can have a specific function.

Possible zones include:

• Feeding

• Conveying

• Preheating

• Melting

• Kneading

• Mixing

• Dispersion

• Homogenization

• Side feeding

• Degassing

• Vacuum devolatilization

• Pressure building

• Discharge

The modular barrel architecture allows the processing line to be configured around the formulation.

Independent Temperature Control

Each barrel section can be controlled independently to create an appropriate temperature profile along the extrusion process.

This is particularly important because different stages of compounding may require different thermal conditions.

The feeding zone may require controlled temperatures to prevent premature melting or bridging. The melting section may require higher thermal conditions, while mixing and downstream sections may require carefully controlled temperatures to maintain suitable melt viscosity.

The EXCT-50 can incorporate electrical heating and controlled cooling for the individual barrel zones.

This allows engineers to manage:

• Melting temperature

• Melt viscosity

• Mixing conditions

• Residence time

• Thermal history

• Devolatilization

• Final melt temperature

Modular Screw Configuration

The screw system of the EXCT-50 can be configured using different screw and kneading elements.

This allows the machine to perform several processing functions within one continuous barrel.

Conveying

Conveying elements transport material through the barrel while controlling the filling level and residence time.

Melting

Dedicated screw sections promote controlled polymer melting and plasticization.

Kneading

Kneading elements provide additional mechanical energy and mixing intensity where required.

Dispersive Mixing

Intensive mixing sections can be used to disperse fillers, pigments and additives into the polymer matrix.

Distributive Mixing

The screw arrangement can promote uniform distribution of different formulation components.

Homogenization

Downstream elements can stabilize and homogenize the melt before discharge.

Degassing

Dedicated sections can be incorporated for removal of moisture, air and volatile components.

Pressure Building

The final screw sections can be configured to generate the pressure required for filtration and downstream equipment.

Compounding Process

The EXCT-50 can be configured to perform a complete sequence of compounding operations.

1. Metering and Feeding

Raw materials can be introduced through controlled feeding systems.

Depending on the formulation, the system can handle polymer pellets, powders, fillers, additives, pigments and other components.

Accurate feeding is essential for maintaining the desired formulation ratio and stable production.

2. Conveying

The initial screw elements transport the materials through the extruder.

The conveying system can be configured according to the required throughput, filling level and residence time.

3. Melting and Plasticization

As the polymer moves through the processing zones, thermal and mechanical energy progressively convert the solid material into a homogeneous melt.

The screw geometry and barrel temperature profile can be adjusted according to the polymer.

4. Mixing and Dispersion

After melting, the material passes through mixing and kneading sections.

These zones can provide both distributive and dispersive mixing.

The process can be configured for:

• Polymer blends

• Filled compounds

• Masterbatch

• Additive concentrates

• Reinforced thermoplastics

• Recycled compounds

5. Degassing and Devolatilization

When moisture or volatile components need to be removed, a dedicated degassing section can be incorporated.

Vacuum-assisted devolatilization can be used where appropriate to reduce unwanted volatile content in the melt.

6. Homogenization

Following intensive mixing and degassing, the melt can be stabilized through a downstream homogenization section.

The objective is to provide a consistent melt before filtration, pelletizing or forming.

7. Melt Filtration

The EXCT-50 can be combined with an appropriate melt-screening system.

Filtration can remove unwanted solid particles and contaminants before the melt reaches the downstream equipment.

This is particularly relevant to recycled materials and formulations containing impurities.

8. Pelletizing and Discharge

The final melt can be supplied to a suitable pelletizing or forming system.

Depending on the application, the EXCT-50 can be integrated with:

• Strand pelletizing

• Water-ring pelletizing

• Melt filtration

• Sheet dies

• Profile dies

• Customized downstream systems

Applications

The EXTRUTEX EXCT-50 can be used in a wide range of polymer-processing applications.

Typical applications include:

• Polymer compounding

• Masterbatch production

• Color masterbatch

• Filler masterbatch

• Calcium carbonate compounds

• Mineral-filled compounds

• Polymer blending

• Additive dispersion

• Reinforced plastics

• Engineering thermoplastics

• Recycled polymer compounds

• Recycling and re-compounding

• Specialty compounds

• R&D

• Pilot production

• Medium-scale continuous production

The final screw and barrel configuration should be selected according to the formulation and required processing conditions.

R&D, Pilot and Production Applications

The EXCT-50 provides a useful intermediate platform between small development equipment and large industrial compounding systems.

Its 60–150 kg/h capacity range allows manufacturers to conduct meaningful production trials while maintaining a manageable machine size.

The modular architecture also makes it possible to test different screw configurations.

Engineers can evaluate:

• Mixing intensity

• Screw speed

• Residence time

• Feeding rate

• Barrel temperature

• Degassing conditions

• Pressure

• Throughput

• Screw-element arrangement

This makes the EXCT-50 suitable for both product development and commercial production of specialized formulations.

Wear and Corrosion Resistance

The internal components of the EXCT-50 can be selected according to the material being processed.

Standard configurations can use suitable nitrided steel components, while more demanding applications can be equipped with enhanced wear- or corrosion-resistant materials and surface treatments.

This is especially important when processing abrasive formulations containing:

• Calcium carbonate

• Glass fiber

• Mineral fillers

• Wood fiber

• Ceramic materials

• High filler concentrations

• Recycled polymers

Material selection can be adapted according to the actual formulation and operating conditions.

Main Advantages of EXCT-50

50 mm Co-Rotating Twin Screw

Provides a larger processing platform for higher-throughput compounding.

60–150 kg/h Capacity

Suitable for pilot, specialized and medium-scale continuous production applications.

300–500 rpm Screw Speed

Provides flexible processing conditions for different formulations.

28–48 L/D

Allows the processing length to be matched to the required number of processing stages.

37 / 45 kW Motor Options

Motor configuration can be selected according to processing requirements.

Clamshell Barrel

Provides convenient and rapid access to the screws for maintenance, cleaning and product changeover.

Modular Screw Elements

Conveying, melting, kneading, mixing, dispersion, degassing and pressure-building zones can be configured as required.

Independent Barrel Temperature Zones

Each processing section can be thermally controlled according to the material requirements.

Flexible Application Range

Suitable for polymer compounding, masterbatch, recycling, filled compounds, polymer blending and R&D.

EXTRUTEX EXCT-50

The EXTRUTEX EXCT-50 combines a 50 mm co-rotating twin-screw system, modular processing technology and a practical clamshell barrel into a flexible compounding platform.

With 300–500 rpm screw speed, 28–48 L/D configurations, 37/45 kW motor options and a production capacity of approximately 60–150 kg/h, the EXCT-50 is designed for manufacturers requiring greater throughput while retaining the process flexibility of a modular twin-screw extruder.

Its configurable screw and barrel architecture allows different processing stages to be integrated into one continuous system, including feeding, conveying, melting, kneading, mixing, dispersion, homogenization, degassing, pressure building and discharge.

The clamshell barrel provides convenient access to the processing chamber, helping simplify cleaning, maintenance, screw changes and product changeover.

EXTRUTEX EXCT-50 — Modular co-rotating twin-screw technology for flexible, efficient and controlled polymer compounding.