Shape your material with extruder following machines

Extruder follow-up machines play an important role in the processing of plastics into sheets. They are highly functional and allow the material to be processed in a variety of ways. The specific range of functions is determined by the individual requirements of our customers. Our machines are capable of cooling, forming, coating or reinforcing raw materials. They can also automate key production processes and, thanks to their modularity, can be seamlessly integrated into existing systems.

The choice of a suitable machine ultimately depends on your requirements and needs. At Krögel Maschinenbau, we have already developed and manufactured a large number of customised extruder downstream machines for our customers. Based on this experience, we can guarantee that you will receive a tailor-made machine. We do not offer standard solutions, but tailor-made products that fit you perfectly. We would be happy to meet with you to analyse your requirements and work with you to find the best solution. Please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to advise you on our extruder downstream machines.

How do extruder follow-up machines work?

An extruder follow-up machine takes the molten or foamed material from an extruder. After passing through a number of processing steps, it is then fed to the next processing step. One such process is sometimes cooling, where the machine uses water or air to solidify the surface of the material. The plastic can also be shaped into profiles or sheets, or coated. It is also possible to combine the material with fibres or other reinforcing elements. The aim is to increase the strength of the material structure with improved stability.

How does a plate calibrator work?

The foamed material that comes out of the extruder, also known as the extrudate, often does not have a defined thickness. This is achieved by the use of a sheet calibrator, which prepares the material for the next process step. The foam extrudate is extruded directly into the plate calibrator unit. This unit consists of two calibration plates, aligned horizontally and parallel to each other. The plates can be adjusted to a precisely defined gap. This allows our customers to individually set the desired material thickness. The Exdrudat is thus calibrated to the set gap dimension.

The calibration plates are equipped with a water cooling system. This means that the extrudate is cooled directly during the calibration process. Behind the cooling plates are two roller conveyors that pull the material through the plates and transfer it to the subsequent process. These roller conveyors can also be adjusted to a defined gap and vertically. They consist of rubberised rollers arranged horizontally one behind the other and driven individually by a chain drive. One roller conveyor is located above the extrudate and one roller conveyor is located below the extrudate.

What are the features of an extruder follow-up machine?

These systems can be used to produce foamed sheet, XPS sheet, plastic sheet and other flat products. They are equipped with specific features that optimise the production process. One of these features is the control system, which makes the machine easier to operate and also contributes significantly to the automation of production. An extruder downstream machine can be operated either semi-automatically or fully automatically.

In accordance with the usual Krögel standard, our systems can be easily integrated into production lines. This adaptability naturally extends to the machine itself. Integration into various upstream or downstream processes is no problem. We are also happy to adapt the extruder downstream machine to the requirements of your production.

In which industries is the extruder follow-up machine used?

Extruder followers or plate calibrators are used in a variety of industries. In addition to the plastics industry, they are also used in the foam industry, for example. In this sector they are used for the production of films, sheets or profiles. These machines are also used in the automotive industry, for example in the production of panels.

What are the advantages of an extruder follow-up machine?

An extruder follow-up machine offers many production benefits. It enables higher product quality, as the calibrated sheets are uniform in thickness and free from irregularities. Your products will also have tighter tolerances to produce sheets to your customers’ specifications. With our precise, adjustable calibration, there is also less waste. This allows you to use your raw materials more efficiently and makes your production much more productive.

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Examples of 100% custom-made systems

Simply ask us about our extruder follow-up machines

Do you have special requirements for the processing of your extruded materials? We can design and build the right concept for your extruder. Depending on your requirements, we can offer you a wide range of solutions for your individual application.

With Krögel Maschinenbau at your side, you will take a decisive step towards advanced downstream extrusion machines. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our experts are ready to work with you to develop the optimum solution for your production requirements.