EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader Series
Precision Material Conveying Systems for Injection Moulding & Plastics Processing

Introduction to the EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader

In modern plastics processing, consistent and contamination-free delivery of raw material to the injection moulding machine is essential for product quality, cycle-time stability, and overall plant efficiency. Manual loading is labour-intensive, prone to spills and moisture pick-up, and difficult to control. The EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader series solves these problems with a clean, automated, and highly flexible solution.

Designed in Austria and manufactured in advanced facilities in Nanjing and Shanghai, China, every unit reflects a focus on reliability, operator convenience, and process integrity. The signature “detachable” architecture separates the controller from the material hopper. This separation simplifies installation, maintenance, and operation, while allowing the hopper to be positioned optimally above the machine throat or dryer.

The range covers conveying capacities from 400 kg/h to 1 200 kg/h and conveying heights from 4.5 m to 10 m. Models are available for both granule and powder handling, with options for single-machine feeding or multi-machine (one-to-several) distribution. Stainless-steel hoppers protect material purity, high-voltage blowers enable long-distance transport, and microcomputer control with comprehensive alarms keeps the process under precise supervision.

Whether you operate a single injection moulding machine or a multi-machine cell, the EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader can be configured to match your layout, material type, and production volume—delivering reliable automatic feeding day after day.

Performance Characteristics

Seven core performance pillars define the EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader series. Each has been engineered to address real production challenges in plastics processing.

The separation of controller and hopper is more than a convenience feature. By locating the control unit away from the process area, heat, vibration, and potential material dust are kept away from sensitive electronics. Operators can access the control panel at a comfortable height and location, while the hopper sits directly where it is needed—above the machine or dryer. This architecture also simplifies cleaning and hopper changeovers.

Microcomputer control delivers accurate timing and sequence management for suction, conveying, and discharge cycles. Multiple alarm points alert operators to filter blockage, motor overload, material shortage, or other abnormal conditions, allowing rapid intervention before product quality or machine safety is compromised.

Motor overload protection is standard across the range. Continuous monitoring prevents the motor from running under excessive load, significantly extending its service life and reducing the risk of sudden failure during production.

High-voltage blower technology provides the static pressure needed to move material through long conveying lines and vertical lifts. This capability is especially valuable in larger plants where material storage or central drying systems are located some distance from the injection machines.

Stainless-steel construction of the material hopper eliminates the risk of contamination that can occur with painted or coated mild-steel hoppers. For food-contact, medical, or high-purity applications, this is an essential quality safeguard.

Flexibility is further enhanced by the ability to feed one or several moulding machines from a single autoloader, and by the choice of electric-eye or vacuum hopper designs. Electric-eye hoppers use photoelectric sensors to detect material level, while vacuum hoppers rely on the vacuum system itself for level control. Both options can be selected according to process preference and material behaviour.

Working Principle and System Configurations

The EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader operates on the vacuum (negative-pressure) conveying principle. A high-voltage blower creates suction in the conveying line. Material is drawn from a storage bin, bag, or dryer outlet into the suction tube and transported to the material hopper mounted above the injection moulding machine or further process equipment.

Once the hopper reaches the set material level (detected by electric eye or by vacuum logic), the suction cycle stops, the discharge valve opens, and material flows by gravity into the machine throat or dryer. After a short discharge period the cycle repeats automatically. The entire sequence is managed by the microcomputer controller with adjustable timers and alarm functions.

Typical system layouts illustrated in the working-principle diagrams include:

• Single-machine feeding – Autoloader supplies one injection moulding machine, often via a hopper dryer.
• Suction-box configuration – Material is drawn from a suction box or floor-level container into the autoloader.
• Vacuum-hopper systems – Closed vacuum hoppers provide dust-free conveying and precise level control.
• One-to-two or multi-stage conveying – From SAL-3HP upward, systems can be equipped with two or more hoppers for multi-stage or multi-machine feeding.
• Powder conveying option – From SAL-800G2 upward, a powder suction hopper (P) can be selected for fine powder transport.

These modular configurations allow the same core technology to serve simple single-machine cells as well as complex multi-machine production lines with central material handling.

Typical Applications

The EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader is widely used in the plastics processing industry and related sectors:

• Injection moulding – Automatic feeding of virgin pellets, regrind, or masterbatch to single or multiple injection machines.
• Extrusion & blow moulding – Continuous supply of material to extruders and blow-moulding machines.
• Central material handling – Integration into plant-wide systems that feed multiple machines from a central drying or storage area.
• Powder processing – With the optional powder suction hopper, fine powders and additives can be conveyed cleanly.
• Clean-room and high-purity applications – Stainless-steel hoppers and closed conveying paths support contamination-sensitive production.

In all of these applications the combination of reliable long-distance conveying, precise level control, material protection, and multi-machine capability delivers measurable improvements in labour efficiency, product consistency, and plant cleanliness.

Main Components and Construction Features

A complete EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader system typically includes:

• Controller unit – Houses the microcomputer, contactors, overload protection, and operator interface. Separated from the hopper for convenience and protection.
• Material hopper – Stainless-steel construction with level detection (electric eye or vacuum type) and discharge valve.
• High-voltage blower – Provides the suction power for long-distance conveying.
• Conveying tube – Flexible or rigid tubing sized according to model (Ø38 mm or Ø50 mm).
• Suction probe / wand – Inserted into the material source (bag, bin, or dryer outlet).
• Optional suction box – Floor-level container for convenient material pickup.
• Optional hopper dryer interface – Direct connection to drying systems commonly used in injection moulding.
• Optional powder suction hopper (P) – Available on higher models for powder conveying.

All product-contact surfaces in the hopper are stainless steel. Seals and valves are selected for durability and clean operation. The detachable design means that the hopper can be removed or replaced with minimal tools, simplifying cleaning and changeovers between different materials or colours.

Technical Specifications

The table below summarises the standard EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader range. Custom configurations, additional hoppers, and powder-handling options are available on request.

Capacities and conveying heights are approximate and depend on material bulk density, particle size, conveying distance, and number of bends in the line. Electrical supply is typically three-phase; local voltage and frequency adaptations are available.

Why Choose EXTRUTEX – Austria Design, China Manufacturing

EXTRUTEX combines Austrian design discipline—focused on precision, reliability, and operator safety—with efficient, high-quality manufacturing in Nanjing and Shanghai. The result is a range of autoloaders that perform at a European technical standard while remaining competitively priced for global plastics processors.

Key customer advantages include:

• Design integrity – Control logic, blower performance, and hopper geometry are defined by engineers experienced in plastics material handling.
• Manufacturing quality – Production under strict quality systems ensures dimensional accuracy, consistent surface finish, and reliable electrical assemblies.
• Process flexibility – From simple single-machine feeders to multi-hopper, multi-machine systems and powder conveying options.
• Material protection – Stainless-steel hoppers and closed conveying paths minimise contamination risk.
• Long service life – Motor overload protection, robust blowers, and quality components reduce lifetime operating costs.

Every machine is functionally tested before shipment. Documentation, wiring diagrams, and operating manuals are supplied as standard.

Installation, Operation and Maintenance

Installation of an EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader is straightforward. The controller unit is typically wall-mounted or placed on a stand near the machine, while the material hopper is mounted on the injection machine throat, dryer inlet, or a dedicated support frame. Conveying tubing is routed with the minimum number of sharp bends to preserve conveying efficiency.

Electrical connection is made according to the motor nameplate and local regulations. Once power and tubing are connected, the suction probe is placed in the material source and the system is ready for commissioning.

Typical daily operation is fully automatic:

1. Confirm that the hopper is correctly mounted and the discharge path is clear.
2. Place the suction probe in the material bin or bag.
3. Switch the controller to automatic mode.
4. The system will cycle through suction, conveying, and discharge according to the set timers and level signals.
5. Alarms will sound or display if filter cleaning is required, material is empty, or an overload occurs.

Routine maintenance includes periodic cleaning or replacement of the filter, inspection of the discharge valve and seals, and verification that the overload protection and alarms function correctly. Because the controller is separated from the hopper, electronic components remain cleaner and last longer.

Safety and Protection Features

Operator and equipment safety are built into every EXTRUTEX autoloader:

• Motor overload protection that automatically limits current and protects the motor.
• Multiple alarm functions that alert operators to abnormal conditions.
• Clear separation of control electronics from the material zone.
• Stainless-steel construction that eliminates coating or paint contamination risks.
• Robust mechanical design suitable for continuous industrial duty.

These features help maintain both process reliability and a safe working environment around the injection moulding cell.

Customization and System Options

While the standard range covers most common requirements, EXTRUTEX regularly supplies tailored solutions:

• Multi-hopper systems for one-to-two or one-to-several machine feeding (SAL-3HP and above).
• Powder suction hoppers (P) for fine powder conveying (SAL-800G2 and above).
• Special tube diameters or reinforced tubing for abrasive materials.
• Integration with central drying and material-handling systems.
• Custom control interfaces or signals for plant SCADA / MES systems.
• Additional stainless-steel components for high-purity applications.

Customers are encouraged to provide details of material type, bulk density, required capacity, conveying distance and height, and number of machines to be fed so that the optimal configuration can be recommended.

Quality Assurance

EXTRUTEX manufacturing facilities operate under rigorous quality-management systems. Critical components are inspected, electrical assemblies are tested, and every finished autoloader undergoes a functional run-test before despatch. This disciplined approach ensures that machines arrive ready for reliable service.

Total Cost of Ownership Advantages

Beyond the initial investment, the EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader delivers ongoing economic benefits:

• Labour reduction – Automatic feeding eliminates manual loading of machines.
• Material savings – Closed conveying reduces spills, contamination, and moisture pick-up.
• Extended motor life – Overload protection reduces repair and replacement costs.
• Flexible expansion – Multi-hopper and multi-machine options allow the same investment to grow with production needs.
• Lower maintenance – Separated controller and robust design minimise unplanned downtime.

When evaluated over several years of continuous production, these factors make the detachable autoloader a highly cost-effective choice for plastics processors.

Conclusion – Reliable, Flexible, Contamination-Free Feeding

The EXTRUTEX Detachable Type Autoloader series provides plastics processors with a proven solution for automatic material conveying. From compact 400 kg/h units to high-capacity 1 200 kg/h systems capable of multi-machine feeding and powder handling, every model is designed to Austrian standards and manufactured with care in Nanjing and Shanghai.

Separation of controller and hopper, microcomputer precision, motor protection, stainless-steel material contact, and long-distance conveying capability combine to deliver clean, reliable, and operator-friendly performance.

Contact the EXTRUTEX team with your machine list, material data, and layout requirements. Our engineers will recommend the most suitable model and configuration so that you can start benefiting from automatic, contamination-free material feeding as quickly as possible.