Complete Guide to Used Plastics Processing Equipment
Your comprehensive resource for buying used extruders, blow molding machines, and auxiliary equipment. Expert guidance from 50+ years in the plastics industry.
Understanding Plastics Processing Equipment
Plastics processing encompasses a wide range of technologies beyond injection molding. Extrusion, blow molding, thermoforming, and rotational molding each serve distinct applications and require specialized equipment.
Used plastics equipment can deliver 40-60% savings over new while providing years of productive service. Success requires understanding equipment types, key specifications, reputable brands, and proper inspection procedures. This guide covers extruders, blow molding machines, and essential auxiliary equipment to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Browse Plastics EquipmentExtrusion Equipment
Extrusion is the second-largest plastics process by volume, producing continuous products like film, sheet, pipe, profiles, and pellets. Understanding the differences between extruder types is crucial for selecting the right equipment.
Single-Screw Extruder
Most common type for general plastics processing
Applications
Film/sheet, pipe/profile, wire coating, pelletizing
Price Range (Used)
$15,000 - $150,000
Advantages
Lower cost, simpler operation, easier maintenance, good for most thermoplastics
Considerations
Limited mixing capability, not ideal for compounding
Top Brands
Davis-Standard, Reifenhauser, Battenfeld, Welex, Sterling
Co-Rotating Twin-Screw
High-performance compounding and mixing
Applications
Compounding, masterbatch, reactive extrusion, devolatilization
Price Range (Used)
$75,000 - $400,000+
Advantages
Excellent mixing, self-wiping, modular design, precise control
Considerations
Higher cost, more complex, requires expertise
Top Brands
Coperion, Leistritz, KraussMaffei Berstorff, Maris, Entek
Counter-Rotating Twin-Screw
Specialized for PVC and profile extrusion
Applications
PVC pipe/profile, wood-plastic composites, rigid PVC
Price Range (Used)
$50,000 - $200,000
Advantages
Gentle processing, good for shear-sensitive materials
Considerations
Limited to specific applications
Top Brands
Cincinnati Milacron, KraussMaffei, Battenfeld
Used Extruder Inspection Checklist
- Screw/barrel wear measurement and condition
- Gearbox noise and oil condition
- Heater band condition and zone control
- Drive motor amperage and bearing condition
- Die/head condition and alignment
- Control system function and documentation
- Downstream equipment condition
- Maintenance records and output history
Blow Molding Equipment
Blow molding produces hollow plastic parts from bottles to large industrial containers. Three main technologies exist, each suited to different applications and materials.
Extrusion Blow Molding (EBM)
Most common for bottles and containers
Applications
HDPE bottles, drums, automotive tanks, industrial containers
Machine Types
Continuous extrusion, intermittent (accumulator head), shuttle, wheel
Price Range (Used)
$25,000 - $500,000+
Top Brands
Graham Engineering, Uniloy, Bekum, Kautex, Wilmington
Injection Blow Molding (IBM)
Precision containers with threaded necks
Applications
Pharmaceutical bottles, cosmetic containers, small precision bottles
Machine Types
Three-station rotary, two-stage
Price Range (Used)
$75,000 - $300,000
Top Brands
Jomar, Aoki, Nissei ASB
Stretch Blow Molding (SBM)
PET bottles for beverages and food
Applications
Water bottles, soda bottles, food containers, personal care
Machine Types
Single-stage, two-stage (reheat), rotary
Price Range (Used)
$100,000 - $1,000,000+
Top Brands
Sidel, Krones, SMI, Nissei ASB, PET Technologies
Essential Auxiliary Equipment
Auxiliary equipment is critical to any plastics processing operation. Proper drying, cooling, and material handling directly impact part quality, cycle times, and operational efficiency.
Drying Equipment
Chillers & Temperature Control
Granulators & Size Reduction
Material Handling
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between single-screw and twin-screw extruders?
Single-screw extruders are simpler, more affordable, and ideal for basic melting and conveying of most thermoplastics. Twin-screw extruders offer superior mixing, compounding capabilities, and are essential for reactive extrusion, devolatilization, and incorporating additives. Twin-screw machines cost 2-4x more but are necessary for compounding operations.
How much does a used extruder cost?
Prices vary significantly by type and size. A used single-screw extruder (2.5-4.5 inch) typically ranges from $15,000-75,000. Twin-screw extruders start around $50,000 for smaller machines and can exceed $250,000 for large compounding lines. Complete extrusion lines with downstream equipment cost considerably more.
What should I inspect on a used blow molding machine?
Key inspection points include: parison programming system condition, mold clamp mechanism, accumulator head (for accumulator machines), extruder screw/barrel wear, hydraulic system, cooling system efficiency, and control system. Run test parts if possible and examine cycle times versus specifications.
What auxiliary equipment do I need for plastics processing?
Essential auxiliary equipment includes: material dryers (especially for hygroscopic resins), chillers for mold/process cooling, granulators for regrind, loaders for material conveying, and temperature controllers. Additional equipment may include blenders, conveyors, and robots depending on your application.
Should I buy used or new plastics equipment?
Used equipment offers 40-60% savings over new and can provide excellent value when purchased from reputable dealers. Buy used when: budget is limited, equipment is for backup/overflow, or technology is mature. Consider new when: cutting-edge technology is needed, warranty is critical, or specific configurations are required.
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