The PE film plastic washing squeezer pellet machine uses a powerful screw squeezing mechanism to dewater and compact washed PE films and PP woven bags, transforming light and wet materials into dry, dense, semi-plasticized pellets.
A PE film plastic washing squeezer pellet machine (sometimes also called a film squeezing dryer, squeezing pelletizer, or screw compactor) addresses a key problem in plastic recycling: wet plastic film is bulky, difficult to store, and with high moisture content it is not suitable to be fed directly into an extruder for final pelletizing.
In fact, this machine performs two functions at the same time:
Dewatering: It removes water mechanically, similar to a powerful wringer or press. The squeezer pellet machine can reduce the moisture content to around 2–5% (often 2–3%), reaching the dryness required for extrusion.
Densification (Agglomeration): Wet film has very low bulk density (fluffy and airy). The squeezer uses frictional heat and pressure to lightly melt the surface of the plastic, making the film flakes compact and fused into denser pellets. The output looks like irregular plastic pellets or chunks. They are not as uniform as final plastic pellets, but they are dense and free-flowing enough to be conveyed and melted in a standard pelletizing extruder.
In a typical plastic film recycling line (for LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE films, or PP woven bags), after shredding and washing, the material must be dried before it can be melted and extruded into new pellets. Traditional methods include:
Centrifugal drying (spin dryers) to remove water,
Thermal drying using hot air or heating elements to evaporate residual water,
Agglomerators (compactors) using friction to heat and fuse wet film into lumps.
The PE film squeezer pellet machine effectively integrates and simplifies these steps. It replaces the separate drying and agglomeration processes with one continuous operation. This saves energy and labor — mechanical squeezing is more energy-efficient than evaporating water with heat, and combining multiple steps reduces the number of machines (and operators) required.
This machine operates in a fully automatic continuous process, combining mechanical squeezing with controlled heating. Below is a step-by-step overview of how wet plastic film enters the machine and is finally discharged as dry pellets:
|
|
|||
Feeding Wet Plastic Film:
|
Squeezing and Dewatering:
|
Heating and Densification (Friction and Compression):
|
Discharging Granular Material:
|
Although the squeezer output itself is in pellet-like form, in many recycling plants this material is immediately fed into a plastic pelletizing extruder for re-pelletizing.
The extruder completely melts the dense granules and pushes the molten plastic through precision dies, producing uniform pellets (commonly finalized with a water-ring pelletizer). Because the squeezer’s output is dry and compact, it can be continuously fed into the extruder without bridging or clogging.
Compared to feeding wet, fluffy films, extruder throughput can increase by up to 20%. In most cases, the squeezer pellet machine serves as an intermediate stage to prepare feedstock for the actual pelletizing line.
The entire process is controlled by an automated PLC system to maintain optimal conditions. Sensors monitor screw torque, motor load, temperature, and output rate. If feeding becomes uneven or an overload risk occurs, the system can adjust speed or alert the operator.
|
|
 |
Heavy-Duty Screw and Barrel:At the heart of the machine is the single-screw extrusion system. The screw is usually made from advanced wear-resistant alloy steel (e.g., 38CrMoAl), hardened and nitrided for durability. It must withstand high friction and potential contaminants (such as sand or grit remaining on films), making hardness and wear resistance essential. The screw design (thread depth, pitch, L/D ratio) is optimized for dewatering and melting plastic. Many machines use an L/D ratio of about 8:1 to 12:1—shorter than typical plasticizing extruders since the main role here is squeezing and agglomeration rather than full melting. The barrel surrounding the screw often features perforations or slotted screens for water discharge. It is also made of hardened steel, often with replaceable liners to extend service life. Together, the screw and barrel form the “squeezer,” handling both dewatering and heating. A tight clearance between screw and barrel is critical to maximize pressure on plastic and effectively squeeze out water. |
The screw is driven by a powerful motor and a robust gearbox (reducer). Since high torque is required, motors are typically large: ~75 kW for smaller models, and up to 132 kW or even 160–250 kW for large-capacity machines (>1000 kg/h). The gearbox converts the motor’s high-speed, low-torque rotation into low-speed, high-torque screw rotation (usually 50–100 rpm). This drive system is the power source enabling the screw to exert immense pressure on plastics. Boxin Machinery equips its machines with overload protection on the motor drive and a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to control speed. The quality of the motor and gearbox impacts both performance and durability, so buyers should look for reputable brand components or proven specifications.
 |
Heating System:Although mechanical friction generates much of the necessary heat, squeezer pellet machines include auxiliary heating to stabilize temperature. This typically consists of electric heating bands wrapped around the barrel (especially near the discharge end) with thermocouples feeding data to the control system. The heaters are adjustable ceramic or cast aluminum types. Their role is to ensure plastic reaches the right temperature—soft enough to fuse, but not overheated to the point of degradation. Proper temperature control is crucial: too low, and plastic won’t densify; too high, and it may char or burn. |
 |
Drainage Mechanism:A distinctive feature of these machines is the water discharge system. As noted, the barrel is often perforated or fitted with screens. When the screw squeezes water out, it must exit the machine. Usually, drainage ports or collection trays are placed below the squeezing zone. Water flows out by gravity (“free-fall drainage”) into a container or piping system for wastewater treatment. Some machines add hoppers or channels to guide water flow and prevent splashback. The simplicity of gravity drainage—without vacuum or suction—reduces moving parts and simplifies maintenance. |
Not all squeezer pellet machines have dedicated cutters, but some feature rotary blades at the discharge port. These can chop extruded plastic into smaller chunks at the outlet. Others rely on the semi-solid state and natural breakage of material into pieces. In machines designed for more uniform particle size, integrated cutters create more consistent granules. Still, even with cutters, the product is typically irregular chunks several centimeters in size, not precision pellets. If uniform pellets are needed, a separate pelletizer (in the next extrusion stage) is used. When comparing models, note whether a machine is marketed as a pure “squeezer dryer” or a “squeezer pelletizer”—the latter implies integrated cutting. Some designs extrude spaghetti-like strands that are then chopped by rotating knives, similar to strand pelletizing, but applied to hot, semi-molten output. These features influence granule shape and handling but fundamentally serve to break output into manageable parts.
Modern recycling equipment, including film squeezers, uses automated PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) systems. Operators control the machine via buttons or touchscreen on the panel. Key functions include:
Safe start/stop sequences (e.g., heaters preheat before screw start; screw only runs when conditions are met).
Temperature control (reading barrel heat and switching heaters on/off to maintain setpoints).
Load monitoring (displaying motor current or load to track performance; automatic feed adjustment if overload risk occurs).
Emergency stop and safety interlocks (standard on quality machines to stop operation immediately or prevent running with guards open).
Language and units customization (since many Chinese machines are exported globally, HMIs often allow English or other languages, and both metric/imperial units).
The machine is typically mounted on a heavy-duty steel frame to support the barrel, motor, and gearbox. Vibration and stress are significant, so structural rigidity is critical. Many designs are horizontal (screw placed horizontally), though some are inclined for feeding or drainage assistance. Any parts in contact with wet materials are stainless steel or treated for corrosion resistance—a valuable feature, since the mix of water, plastic, and steel can corrode equipment over time. Anti-rust treatments and replaceable liners help extend service life.
Typical Price Range:
For a standard film squeezer pellet machine, you can generally expect the following approximate figures (note: these are estimates and may vary depending on market conditions):
Small models (~300 kg/h): around USD $20,000 – $40,000
Medium models (~500–600 kg/h): usually USD $30,000 – $60,000
Large models (~1000 kg/h and above): typically USD $60,000 – $100,000+. For top-capacity machines (e.g., 1500 kg/h), the price can even exceed USD $120,000
The above ranges assume direct purchase from a China manufacturer, usually quoted as FOB (Free On Board) factory price—which does not include freight costs or import duties.
Straight Answers to the Questions You Might Be Hesitant to Ask
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) films are common waste streams and are well-suited for this machine. Examples include agricultural films (greenhouse covers, mulch films), packaging films, pallet stretch wraps, plastic shopping bags, and general film waste. These materials are typically thin, flexible, and often heavily contaminated (especially agricultural films that collect soil). After washing, LDPE/LLDPE flakes still retain moisture—this squeezer machine is designed to handle exactly this condition.
Slightly stiffer HDPE films, such as food bags, HDPE trash bags, or thicker plastic sheets, can also be processed effectively. Washed HDPE behaves similarly to LDPE, though it has a slightly higher melting point. Machine settings can be adjusted (e.g., slightly higher heating) to accommodate this. If mixed PE film waste is fed (LDPE, LLDPE, and HDPE together), the squeezer can handle the blend since all are polyethylene with comparable densities.
The machine is not limited to polyethylene. It is also commonly used for polypropylene (PP) woven bags, such as grain sacks, feed bags, jumbo bags (FIBC), and raffia materials. After cutting and washing, these bags turn into flat PP fibers or strips. The squeezer removes water and consolidates them into pellets. Since PP has a higher melting point (~160°C vs. ~110°C for LDPE), friction often generates sufficient heat, though operators may adjust barrel heating or screw speed for proper softening. Nonwoven PP fabrics (e.g., reusable shopping bags, medical gown material) can also be processed. These behave similarly to films, being flexible sheet plastics.
⚠️ Note: Mixing PP and PE in the same batch is technically possible, but since they are different polymers, the resulting granules will be a blend. Many recyclers process one polymer type at a time to maintain consistent product quality (e.g., dedicating one month to PE films and another to PP woven sacks, or using separate lines).
While materials should be washed before reaching the squeezer, small amounts of residual contamination (such as sand, paper labels, or water with detergent) are acceptable. The screw structure is robust and can handle moderate abrasiveness (wear-resistant alloys tolerate some sand). However, large metal fragments or stones should be removed in earlier steps to prevent damage. If contamination levels are high, pre-filtration or additional cleaning is advised, as heavy impurities can accelerate screw wear over time.
The machine discharges irregular agglomerated granules, typically 0.5–2 cm in size, depending on the design and settings.
They emerge warm and slightly soft, but harden after cooling.
Their color matches the input film; mixed-color feedstock may produce marbled or blended appearances.
No additives are introduced during the process (unless specifically added), so the granules are essentially compressed versions of the original plastic.
Pelletizing Extruder Feedstock:
In most recycling operations, these granules serve as intermediate feedstock for pelletizing extruders (single-screw, double-stage, or similar). The extruder melts and filters the material, producing uniform, high-quality pellets. These final pellets are cylindrical or spherical, consistent in size, fully melted, and filtered to remove residual impurities (e.g., paper or metal). They are suitable for sale or direct manufacturing use. The dry, dense granules are an ideal feedstock—unlike wet, fluffy films that cause steam, feeding issues, and low efficiency.
Direct Use in Certain Processes:
In some cases, the agglomerated granules can be directly used in production without re-pelletizing. For example, some companies may feed them into compounding extruders or injection molding machines to produce products that do not require uniform pellets. Applications include plastic lumber, profiles, or basic molded products where minor melt inconsistencies are acceptable. While less common, this approach can be feasible if output is stable and the final product tolerates mixed melt flow.
Reducing Transport Volume:
Another significant application is densification for easier storage and transport. The output granules are much denser than loose films, allowing recyclers to transport up to five times more material in the same container volume. Many facilities use the squeezer primarily as a densifier—compacting washed films into granules, bagging them, and shipping them to another plant for final processing. Granules are the “language” of plastic trade—clean, compact pellets are far easier to sell or export than baled or wet film flakes.
Material Quality and Final Products
If the input feedstock is clean and well-sorted, the process yields high-quality granules (once fully pelletized). Recycled PE/PP from films and woven bags can be reused in diverse applications:
Film Blowing Products: Garbage bags, construction sheets, or even relatively high-quality packaging films (with sufficiently clean industrial film input). Food-grade packaging requires very clean, post-industrial film, but recycled film suffices for many non-food uses.
Injection Molded Goods: Items like benches, flowerpots, storage bins, or containers. Recycled PE and PP are widely used in non-critical injection molded products, often with additives to enhance performance.
Extrusion Profiles or Pipes: Irrigation tubing, plastic lumber, park benches, or fencing posts—durable substitutes for wood.
Fibers and Textiles (for PP): Recycled PP from woven bags can be reprocessed into short fibers or nonwovens for low-cost fabrics or insulation materials. Many recycled PP granules are reused to produce new woven sacks or injection products such as buckets.
| Model | BXF-300 | BXF-320 | BXF-350 | BXF-380 |
| Capacity (KG/H) | 300 | 500 | 800-1000 | 1000-1200 |
| Motor Power (KW) | 90 | 132 | 160/185 | 200/220 |
| Pelletizing cuttermotor power (KW) | 3 | 4 | 5.5 | 5.5 |
| Heating motor power (KW) | 9 | 9 | 38 | 40 |
| Equipment overall dimension (M) | 3×2.35×2.2 | 3.25×2.5×2.2 | 3.9×2.75×2.4 | 4.1×2.85×2.5 |
EN 
English
简体中文
Русский
España
عرب .
