Dealing with extruder problems can shut your operations down quickly. There’s nothing more frustrating than unnecessary downtimes, but if you’ve been fighting your extruder for some time, there may be one issue you’re overlooking – head pressure.

Almost every extrusion situation involves head pressure, unless you’re literally dumping the product on the floor. For the most part, the effects of head pressure aren’t good, but they’re also not beyond your control.

Head pressure starts with the flow resistance of the die and piping and the end of the barrel. Many use a melt pump to offset it, and in some cases, it’s the right solution. There are instances, though, where a melt pump just won’t work. Maybe it’s not a cost effective option. Maybe you’re in a situation where you’re dealing with highly corrosive conditions.

In spaces like those, the only way you’re going to deal with head pressure is to better design your flow piping after it hits the end of the barrel. Flow piping may not sound like a simple option, and it’s probably not, but the reality is that if you have a proper design in place, you’re going to find cost savings. Adding options like screen changers, static mixers, and more are the key to keeping head pressure at bay.

To learn more about how the Komax line can help reduce your head pressure problems, contact us today.