What is the Pelletiser?
A pelletiser is an automated machine taking filament in through a pinchroller, and cutting it into small pellets. Our pelletiser is versatile and can be used accross many use cases. The pellets produced can either be further mixed in an extruder or bagged for own use or retail. Our pelletiser can be seen in two ways, and a mixing device or as a production machine. As such, we provide users ith teo different cutting discs: one with 6 blades and one with 24 blades. These blades work best respectively in differing ways.
Choosing a Pelletising Mode
Select either Auto or Manual Mode
For diameters higher than 1.75 mm we would recommend using the manual mode for greater control over the output.
Auto mode is designed for use with pre-extruded filament for example directly from a spool.
It is not recommended to use Auto mode when you feed in filament directly from a live extruder as the pre-set speeds are unlikely to match your extruding speed.
Auto Mode
Auto mode has pre-set segment output lengths from 1-5 mm calibrated for use with 0.5- 1.75mm diameter filament.
First select the type of blade that is installed on the pelletiser (6 edge or 24 edge blade).
On the second screen you can select the desired length output (1-5mm).
For diameters higher than 1.75 mm we would recommend using the manual mode for greater control over the desired output.
Auto mode is designed for use with pre-extruded filament for example directly from a spool.
It is not recommended to use this mode when you feed in filament directly from a live extruder because the speeds are set and probably will not match your extruding speed.
Manual Mode
In this mode you have full manual control the cutter speed and the roller speed.
Cutter speed values are from 0 Min to 60 Max.
The cutter speed controls how fast the blade rotates.
Roller speed values are from 0 Min to 255 Max.
The roller speed controls how fast the filament feeds into the cutting blade. The higher the value the faster it feeds.
Manual mode provides greater flexibility over the desired result. This mode works with both pre-extruded filament and directly from a live extruder. It’s important to keep in mind when using direct extrusion that the roller speed matches the extrusion speed of the extruder.
Choosing a Cutting Disc
The cuttting disc is the part that revolves when the mahcine is in operation. The Pelletiser comes with both a 6 blade and a 24 blade cutting disc. There’s a big difference between the two a you can tell by looking, and the performace becomes further distinguished when you come to choosing your speed settings too! It is easy to switch the cutting blade, you can either keep the same one installed permenantly or switch them over depending on different uses/materials/testing purposes.
The 6 blade cutting disc is recommended for use with smaller and slower runs, i.e with pharmaceutical materials.
6 Blade Cutting Disc
The 6 Blade Cutting Disc is designed to use for slower cutting processes, when using smaller batches, such as in pharmaceuticals. This cutting disc is designed t be used when extruding at slower speeds, sucha s when mixing and extruding using the fusionX extruder.
24 Blade Cutting Disc
The 24 blade cutting disc will be best for larger amounts of filament. If you are prducing pellets to sell yourself or for bigger project, this disc is for you. If you are extuding with the Xcalibur, you would likely want to use this cutting disc as the speeds would match best. You can then place a bag or tub below the output chute to collect the pellets.
The Pelletiser Operation Overview
The touch screen is your way of navigating through the pelletising process. You will be taken through step by step to make sure you are using the corret settings and that the result is appropriate for your use.
The Pelletiser Maintenence
The maintenence if this machine consists of regularly clearing the cutting area free of debris. Some build up can occur depending on the material you are using. Keeping on top of this is easy to do and will prevent contamination and potentially preventing blockage. We recommend using a soft brush for the job. The front panel comes away with little work so that you can freely access the cutting area.
Depending on your specific use, you may want to switch the blade from time to time. This is also easy to do and simply involves a few screws being undone.
Click here for the Pelletiser product page
