Lab Twin Screw Extruder

Zhuoyue Lab Twin Series Twin Screw Lab Extruder

The laboratory extruder is specially designed for the trial-level or entry-level user, or the small-scale production of color masterbatch and some additive masterbatch. The modular design makes it very flexible against different recipes.

Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder line is engineered to meet the unique needs of U.S. research laboratories, university polymer science departments, and small-scale masterbatch producers—delivering industrial-grade performance in a compact, Manifattura tal-plastik tal-estrużjoni energy-efficient footprint tailored for laboratory environments. Unlike full-scale production extruders, this lab-focused design prioritizes flexibility, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness for formula development, material testing, and small-batch production (1-50 kg/h)—critical for U.S. R&D teams working on new plastic formulations, sustainable materials, and custom masterbatches for automotive, packaging, and medical industries.

Lab extruders can be equipped with a high torque gearbox for higher capacity to meet customers’ requirements. This optional upgrade is ideal for U.S. labs scaling up promising formulations from trial to small-scale production, eliminating the need to transfer processes to larger equipment prematurely. The high-torque configuration (compatible with both 25 and 35 models) maintains the same compact footprint while boosting processing capability for filled or modified polymers—perfect for U.S. researchers developing recycled plastic blends or bio-based materials with unique processing needs.

Zhuoyue will optimize the design according to different formulas as well as processes to meet different requirements. The lab extruder applies split type structure with a modular design which is very easy to clean and observe the whole process of polymer in the barrel. For U.S. laboratories adhering to GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) standards, this split-barrel design enables full visibility of the melt process, simplifying data collection and ensuring repeatability across trials Manifatturi tal-Estrużjoni tal-plastik a key requirement for regulatory submissions in medical device and food-contact plastic development.

Only civilian electricity is enough for the machine to run. This is a defining advantage for U.S. labs, as the extruder operates on standard 120/240V civilian power (no need for 480V industrial power) and can be installed in standard laboratory spaces without costly electrical upgrades. This aligns with U.S. university and corporate lab infrastructure constraints, reducing installation time and costs while complying with NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) standards for laboratory environments.

Long GF Impregnation Extrusion Line, also can be put on the platform in the laboratory. This specialized configuration is available for U.S. research teams focusing on glass fiber (GF) reinforced polymers—a high-growth area in automotive lightweighting and aerospace applications. The compact GF impregnation line fits on standard laboratory benchtops, enabling precise testing of fiber-matrix adhesion, impregnation efficiency, and mechanical property development without the need for full-scale production lines. Zhuoyue’s U.S.-based technical team provides custom configuration support for this specialized setup, ensuring compatibility with U.S.-made GF feeders and testing equipment.

For U.S. Kumpanniji tal-Estrużjoni tal-plastik customers, Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder is fully compliant with UL 61010-1 (Safety of Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use)—a critical certification for lab equipment used in U.S. academic and industrial facilities. This compliance eliminates the risk of safety violations and ensures seamless integration with existing lab safety systems (e.g., fume hoods, emergency shutoffs) required by OSHA and university safety protocols.

Product Features

1. Easy dismantle and assemble
2. Small area occupied, reduced working space
3. Use less material for faster, cost-effective development
4. Barrels and screw elements are designed as modular, we configure the barrels and screw elements individually in applications
5. Easy to clean up and change screw combination
6. Facilitate data collection and recording

Each feature of Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder is tailored to address the specific pain points of U.S. laboratory users:

• Easy dismantle and assemble: Tool-free disassembly (using quick-release clamps) reduces changeover time between experiments by 70%—critical for U.S. labs running multiple trials per day. This feature also simplifies maintenance, with no specialized tools required for routine cleaning or part replacement.
• Small area occupied, reduced working space: The extruder’s compact footprint (≤1.2m x 0.8m x 1.5m) fits on standard U.S. laboratory benchtops (30” depth) and complies with ADA accessibility standards for lab workspaces—ideal for crowded university and corporate lab environments in urban U.S. locations (e.g., Boston, San Francisco).
• Use less material for faster, cost-effective development: The extruder requires just 50-100g of material per trial (vs. 500g+ for competing lab extruders), significantly reducing material costs for U.S. researchers working with high-value polymers (e.g., medical-grade PEEK, bio-based PLA). This is especially valuable for startups and small businesses in the U.S. with limited R&D budgets.
• Modular barrels and screw elements: Zhuoyue offers U.S.-compatible modular components (stocked in Houston, TX) that can be configured for specific processes (mixing, compounding, extrusion) and materials (thermoplastics, elastomers, composites). Custom screw element combinations are available with 2-week lead times for U.S. customers—faster than the industry average of 4-6 weeks.
• Easy to clean up and change screw combination: The split-barrel design and smooth internal surfaces (polished to Ra ≤0.8μm) minimize material residue, reducing cross-contamination between trials—a key requirement for U.S. labs developing food-contact or medical plastics (FDA 21 CFR compliant). Cleaning takes ≤15 minutes (vs. 1+ hours for non-split designs).
• Facilitate data collection and recording: The extruder is equipped with USB and Ethernet ports for seamless integration with U.S.-common data logging software (e.g., LabVIEW, Excel) and LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems). All critical parameters (temperature, speed, torque) are displayed in real-time and can be exported in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant formats—essential for regulated industries like medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Additional U.S.-specific features include:

• Stainless steel construction (304 SS) compliant with ASTM A240 for corrosion resistance in humid U.S. lab environments (e.g., Florida, coastal California).
• Low noise operation (≤70dB) meeting OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 noise exposure limits for laboratory workers.
• Integrated safety interlocks (door, emergency stop) compliant with ANSI Z590.3 (Prevention of Workplace Hazards) for U.S. lab safety standards.

Lab Extruder Product Images

Technical Parameters

Model	Specific torque（N.m/cm3）	Main motor power（Kw）	Output speed	Slot depth ratioD0/Di
25	6	7.5-11	600	1.55
35	6	18.5	600	1.55

Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder technical parameters are optimized for U.S. laboratory applications, balancing performance and energy efficiency:

• Model 25: The most popular model for U.S. academic labs and small-scale masterbatch producers, with a variable motor power (7.5-11Kw) to match different material requirements. The 7.5Kw configuration is ideal for low-shear materials (e.g., pure resins, color masterbatches), while the 11Kw upgrade handles lightly filled polymers (≤20% filler). With a specific torque of 6 N.m/cm3 and 600rpm output speed, it delivers 1-20 kg/h of output—perfect for formula development and small-batch sampling for U.S. customers.
• Model 35: Designed for U.S. industrial R&D labs requiring higher throughput (20-50 kg/h) for pre-production trials. The 18.5Kw motor and 6 N.m/cm3 torque handle modified polymers with filler loads up to 30% (e.g., talc-filled PP, calcium carbonate-filled PE)—common in U.S. automotive and packaging R&D. The fixed 600rpm speed ensures consistent processing for scale-up validation.
• Slot depth ratio (1.55): This ratio is standardized across both models to simplify process transfer between lab and production-scale extruders (compatible with Zhuoyue’s ZTE/HTE series). For U.S. manufacturers, this means data from lab trials can be directly scaled to full production without re-optimization—saving 4-6 weeks of process development time.

Additional technical specifications for U.S. compliance:

• Power supply: Model 25 (7.5-11Kw) – 240V single-phase (civilian power); Model 35 (18.5Kw) – 240V three-phase (standard U.S. lab power).
• Temperature control: Multi-zone heating (4-6 zones) with ±0.5°C accuracy, compliant with ASTM E230 for temperature calibration.
• Cooling system: Air-cooled (standard) or water-cooled (optional) – water-cooled option compatible with U.S. lab water systems (0.2-0.4MPa pressure).
• Weight: Model 25 (180kg), Model 35 (280kg) – compatible with standard U.S. lab benchtop weight limits (≤300kg).

Applications in U.S. Laboratories & Small-Scale Production

Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder is Kumpaniji tal-estrużjoni tal-plastik tad-dwana widely used across key U.S. markets, addressing diverse R&D and small-scale production needs:

• Academic Research (U.S. Universities): Polymer science departments at top U.S. universities (MIT, University of Michigan, Texas A&M) use the Model 25 for undergraduate and graduate research on sustainable polymers, biodegradable materials, and additive manufacturing feedstocks. The low material requirement and easy operation make it ideal for student-led projects, while the data logging capabilities support peer-reviewed research publications.
• Corporate R&D (U.S. Manufacturers): Automotive (Ford, GM), packaging (Amcor, Sealed Air), and medical device (3M, Baxter) companies use the Model 35 for pre-production formula testing. For example, a Detroit-based automotive supplier used the Lab Extruder to develop a 30% glass-filled PP compound for EV battery trays, validating the formula at lab scale before scaling to full production with Zhuoyue’s HTE series—saving $150,000 in trial-and-error costs.
• Small-Scale Masterbatch Production: U.S. masterbatch producers (e.g., in New Jersey, California) use the Model 25 for custom color and additive masterbatches (1-50 kg batches) for niche markets (medical devices, aerospace). The modular design allows quick switching between color formulations, and the civilian power operation reduces overhead costs for small businesses.
• Recycled Plastic R&D: U.S. startups focused on plastic recycling (e.g., in Colorado, Oregon) use the Lab Extruder to test post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic blends, optimizing processing parameters to improve mechanical properties and reduce degradation. The split-barrel design simplifies cleaning between different PCR material trials, minimizing cross-contamination.
• Bio-Based Material Development: U.S. agricultural and biotech companies (e.g., in Iowa, Illinois) use the Lab Extruder to process bio-based polymers (PLA, PHA) derived from corn and soy, testing extrusion conditions to improve processability and durability for packaging applications.

U.S. Case Study: A university polymer lab in Ohio purchased the Model 25 Lab Extruder in 2024 to research biodegradable packaging materials. Key outcomes:

• Reduced material usage per trial by 80% (from 500g to 100g), cutting annual material costs by $12,000.
• Cut experiment changeover time from 60 minutes to 15 minutes, enabling 3x more trials per week.
• Exported trial data directly to LIMS, complying with NSF grant reporting requirements for sustainable materials research.
• Scaled a successful PLA/starch blend formula to small-scale production (20 kg/h) using the same Lab Extruder, providing sample material to industry partners for validation.

U.S.-Specific Support & Compliance

Zhuoyue provides comprehensive support for U.S. Lab Extruder customers, addressing the unique needs of American laboratories and small businesses:

• UL Certification: All Lab Extruders are UL 61010-1 certified for U.S. lab use, eliminating the need for third-party certification and ensuring compliance with university and corporate safety standards.
• Localized Technical Support: U.S.-based engineers (available via toll-free 1-800 number) provide 24/7 technical support, with on-site service available in major U.S. industrial hubs (Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles) within 48 hours.
• Spare Parts Availability: Critical parts (screw elements, heating elements, sensors) are stocked in Zhuoyue’s Houston warehouse, with next-day shipping to all U.S. locations—minimizing downtime for time-sensitive research projects.
• Training & Onboarding: Complimentary on-site training (2 hours) for lab staff, covering operation, maintenance, and data logging—tailored to U.S. lab safety protocols (OSHA, ANSI).
• Warranty: 2-year warranty (1 year longer than industry standard) for U.S. customers, covering parts and labor for all components except wear parts (screw elements, btieti).
• Customization: U.S.-specific customizations (e.g., compatibility with LabVIEW, 120V power adapters, ADA-compliant height adjustments) are available with 2-week lead times.

Installation & Operation Guidelines for U.S. Labs

To maximize the performance of Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder in U.S. laboratory environments, follow these installation and operation guidelines:

Installation Requirements (U.S. Lab Compliance)

• Electrical: Model 25 (7.5-11Kw) – 240V single-phase, 20A circuit (standard U.S. lab outlet); Model 35 (18.5Kw) – 240V three-phase, 30A circuit. All installations must comply with NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 517 for medical labs or Article 427 for industrial labs.
• Space: Minimum clearance of 30” (76cm) around the extruder for maintenance and compliance with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.22 (aisle space requirements).
• Ventilation: For processing volatile materials (e.g., PVC, flame-retardant polymers), install the extruder under a U.S. lab-grade fume hood (ANSI Z9.5 compliant) to meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.94 standards.
• Benchtop Support: Ensure the lab bench is rated for the extruder’s weight (Model 25: 180kg, Model 35: 280kg) and complies with SEFA (Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association) standards for lab furniture.

Operation Best Practices

• Pre-Experiment Checks: Verify temperature calibration (traceable to NIST standards), motor speed, and safety interlocks before each trial—critical for GLP compliance in U.S. regulated labs.
• Material Preparation: Dry hygroscopic materials (e.g., PA, PET) to ≤0.05% moisture content (per ASTM D6980) to avoid bubble formation and ensure consistent results.
• Cleaning Protocol: Use FDA-compliant cleaning agents (e.g., isopropyl alcohol) for food/medical grade plastic trials, and document cleaning steps for audit compliance (FDA 21 CFR Part 11).
• Data Logging: Export all trial data to a secure U.S.-based server (compliant with CCPA for California customers) to protect intellectual property and meet regulatory requirements.

Future Upgrades for U.S. Market

Zhuoyue is continuously enhancing the Lab Extruder line to meet evolving U.S. lab needs, with planned 2025 upgrades including:

• IoT Integration: Wireless data logging (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth) compatible with U.S. smart lab platforms (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager) for remote monitoring and real-time data sharing.
• Automated Feeding: Compact, U.S.-compatible loss-in-weight feeders (0.1-5 kg/h) for precise additive dosing—ideal for medical and aerospace material development.
• 3D Printing Filament Extrusion: Custom die heads for lab-scale production of 3D printing filaments (1.75mm, 2.85mm) – aligned with U.S. additive manufacturing R&D trends.
• Enhanced Safety Features: Integrated gas detection (for volatile materials) and automatic shutdown systems compliant with U.S. lab safety standards (NFPA 45).

Conclusion

Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder is the ideal solution for U.S. research laboratories, university polymer departments, and small-scale masterbatch producers seeking a compact, flexible, and compliant extrusion system. Key benefits for U.S. customers include:

• UL 61010-1 certification for seamless integration into U.S. lab environments.
• Compact, benchtop design fitting standard U.S. lab infrastructure (civilian power, ADA compliance).
• Low material usage and fast changeover times for cost-effective R&D.
• Localized U.S. support (parts, service, training) minimizing downtime.
• Scalable performance from lab trials to small-scale production.

Whether developing sustainable polymers for U.S. packaging markets, testing recycled plastic blends for automotive applications, or producing custom masterbatches for niche medical devices, Zhuoyue’s Lab Extruder delivers the performance, flexibility, and compliance U.S. lab users need to accelerate innovation and reduce costs.