We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Machinery

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Plastic Granulator?

By Shannon Kietzman
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 17,877
Share

A plastic granulator is a machine used to break plastic products down so they can be recycled. Recent surveys report that discarded bottles, bags, packaging, and other plastic products represent as much as 40% of the solid waste tossed out by residents in communities across the nation. Unfortunately, plastic is not biodegradable. Therefore, it does not break down naturally to become part of the earth. This means recycling is the only option for reducing the amount of plastic in landfills.

A plastic granulator operates much like a large shredder. It turns full sized bottles, jugs, and other plastic products into flakes, or granules. The material produced by the plastic granulator is later sold to molders and manufacturers of plastic products as recycled raw material. The recycled raw material can be used to make new plastic items. Aside from aluminum and glass, plastic is the only material capable of being reprocessed into new items that are of the same quality as the original.

A plastic granulator is comprised of a large electric motor that turns a rotor. Cutting blades are attached to the rotor and encased within a closed chamber. These blades and chambers are available in numerous shapes and sizes. When used plastic material is placed inside the chamber, the rotating blades shred it into granules.

A screen is also located inside the chamber. It serves as a sifter, ensuring the plastic is small enough to be resold. If the plastic pieces are larger than .125 to .375 inches (0.318 to 0.953 centimeters), they are reprocessed until they are small enough.

A plastic granulator is rated by pounds per hour, which refers to how much it can shred within an hour. For industrial recyclers, the chamber of the plastic granulator needs to be large. It is, however, possible to purchase a plastic granulator for home or small business use. It is important to note that these machines can be a dangerous, no matter how small. Therefore, it is important to follow the precautions provided by the manufacturer.

In order to properly maintain a plastic granulator, the user must keep it clean. Otherwise, it will not produce the desired small granules of plastic. The blades of the plastic granulator must be oiled periodically. In addition, the inside of the chamber needs to be wiped clean, including the screen. In fact, it is best to remove and clean the screen after every large job the machine completes.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By anon136477 — On Dec 22, 2010

I need a machine that will be suitable for vacuum parts. the parts could be 9 inches wide 18 inches long. We are a small operation so cost is a major factor.

By anon81503 — On May 02, 2010

I would recommend you to contact Rapid Granulator Inc in Pittsburg. I know they will have a solution that suits your needs. I don't necessarily think you have to cut the sheets first, but they will know.

By eldeeb — On May 19, 2009

i need to granule LDPE sheets thick. 3 mm, which machine is suitable for this purpose and it is recommend to cut this sheets first?

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-plastic-granulator.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.