Laboratory twin screw extruder for small batch processing
Efficiently develop formulations and conduct precise research with this laboratory twin screw extruder, designed for reliable scale-up from small batches to larger production, enabling seamless transition from pilot plant to full-scale manufacturing.
Processes and Compounds Small Batch Materials
The ZSK 18 MEGAlab from Coperion is a laboratory twin screw extruder designed for R&D and pilot-scale operations, providing precise control and reliable scale-up for plastics, chemicals, food, pet food, and pharmaceuticals. This extruder excels in processing small batch sizes with a throughput of up to 40 kg/h, thanks to its modular structure featuring exchangeable 4D barrels and standard screw elements. It supports various applications, including polyethylene pellets, PVC granules, and catalyst carriers, by enabling effective extrusion, compounding, and mixing.
With a compact design, the ZSK 18 MEGAlab is equipped with a low-noise drive and simple PLC controller interface, allowing for easy operation and seamless integration into automated systems. The extruder’s energy efficiency is enhanced by reduced power consumption through an optimized motor design, while its hygienic construction meets the rigorous standards of food and pharmaceutical processing environments. A mobile base frame includes an integrated motor, extruder control system, water cooling, and vacuum unit, facilitating quick setup and maintenance. Customizable features and engineering support are available to tailor the extruder to specific processing requirements.
Benefits
- Facilitates efficient scale-up from laboratory to full-scale production, reducing development time and risks.
- Optimizes resource usage with high throughput for small batches, minimizing material waste.
- Enhances operational efficiency and versatility with modular design for quick adaptations and product changes.
- Lowers energy costs through optimized motor performance, supporting sustainable production practices.
- Meets stringent hygiene standards in food and pharmaceutical applications, ensuring safe processing environments.
- Applications
- Chemicals,Food,Pet food,Plastics,Pharmaceuticals
- End products
- Polyethylene pellets,Nutritional supplements,Wet pet food,Polypropylene compounds,Catalyst carriers,Pvc granules,Tablet coatings,Dry pet kibble,Flavoring agents,Capsule fillers
- Steps before
- Ingredient Transfer,Material Handling,Feeding
- Steps after
- Packing,Tablet Coating,Scale-up
- Input ingredients
- small batch ingredients,powder form additives,pellet form additives,cut glass fibers,food ingredients,pharmaceutical substances
- Output ingredients
- compounded materials,formulation development samples,scientific research samples
- Market info
- Coperion is known for its expertise in manufacturing industrial compounding and extrusion equipment, bulk materials handling systems, and services for various industries, such as plastics, chemicals, and food processing, with a strong reputation for innovative engineering solutions and customer support.
- Throughput rates
- up to 40 kg/h
- Batch size
- 200 g
- Drive concept
- Reliable,low-noise
- Modular structure
- Exchangeable 4D barrels
- Screw outer diameter Da
- 18 mm
- Channel depth
- 3.2 mm
- Barrel length
- 72 mm
- Motor power
- 11.7 kW
- Heating power / barrel
- 800 W
- Max. output factor
- 1,200 rpm
- Centerline distance
- 15 mm
- Main dimensions (L x W x H)
- 1,660 x 600 x 1,850 mm
- Scale-up capability
- Reliable scale-up to larger ZSK twin screw extruders
- Batch processing capability
- Processes smallest batch sizes
- Plug,play installation
- Fast installation and start-up
- Noise level
- Low-noise drive concept
- Modular design
- Modular structure with exchangeable barrels and screw elements
- User interface
- Simple operation by PLC controller and touch screen
- Quick changeovers
- Quick product changes using quick release connections
- Mobility
- Compact design with mobile base frame
- Integrated systems
- Integrated motor and extruder control system,water cooling,and vacuum unit
- Abrasion resistance
- Yes
- Biological compatibility
- Food and Pharma Grade
- Cleanability
- Hygienic Design
- Corrosive resistance (e.g. acids)
- Yes
- Density/particle size
- 0.5–2.5 g/cm³
- Hygienic design
- Food and Pharma Industry
- Machine footprint
- 1,660 x 600 x 1,850 mm
- Screw outer diameter
- 18 mm
- Channel depth
- 3.2 mm
- Barrel length
- 72 mm
- Compact design
- Mobile base frame with integrated motor and control system
- Discharge method
- 0
- Control panel type
- PLC controller with touch screen
- Centerline distance
- 15 mm
- Centerline height
- 1,100 mm
- Control panel type
- PLC controller with touch screen
- Modular structure
- Exchangeable 4D barrels and all standard screw elements
- Mobile base frame
- Integrated motor and extruder control system,water cooling and vacuum unit