Modular extruder units reduce clean-room downtime

Modular Quick-Change This extrusion system from American Kuhne, specially designed for clean rooms, features two barrel and screw units that can be swapped out for quick and easy cleaning. The system's components include an extruder drive motor for the clean room, a purge module for the tool room or other maintenance area and two barrel modules. The system is available for microextruders with sizes up to 51mm, though custom-engineered systems are available for larger units.

What's new? The interchangeable barrel and screw units. 

Benefits Reduced downtime and the ability to preserve the clean-room environment. With Modular Quick-Change, a clean screw and barrel can be operating while the dirty screw and barrel are cleaned and prepared for use outside of the clean room. Replacing the units takes about 3 minutes — compared to the hours of downtime required when a machine with just a single barrel and screw must be shut down for cleaning.

American Kuhne, Ashaway, R.I., 401-326-6220, www.americankuhne.com