Polymer compounding & shaping equipment
Polymer shaping systems
Micro-compounders are widely used in research and development for small-scale polymer processing. To further process and shape extruded polymers, various polymer shaping systems are available, ensuring precise control over strand formation, cooling, and granulation. These systems are designed to handle the fragile nature of newly extruded polymer strands while preparing them for further analysis, secondary processing, or upscaling.
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Polymer shaping systems
The Xplore polymer shaping systems enhance the capabilities of micro-compounders by improving material handling, ensuring consistent polymer morphology, and enabling scalable production processes. They can be used in combination with micro-compounding instruments or as standalone tools.
Injection Molder (IM 12)
The Xplore IM 12 micro injection molder is a compact, precise, and versatile solution designed for seamless integration with Xplore twin-screw compounders. It can also function as a stand-alone unit by manually loading powders or granules. Engineered for flash-free operation, it ensures high-quality, shrinkage-free test samples through precise control of holding pressure and time. With a 12 ml shot volume, the IM 12 enables fast, reliable, and cost-effective testing of novel or expensive materials.
Conveyor Belt Pro
The Xplore Conveyor Belt Pro (CB Pro) is designed to guide polymer strands directly from a micro-compounder or small extruder. It is fully compatible with all Xplore micro-compounder models, including the MCX, MC 15 HT, and MC 40. The CB Pro features a non-stick PTFE conveyor belt, ensuring the controlled and consistent handling of fragile, nascent polymer strands. This prevents breakage or deformation while maintaining the polymer’s intended shape for further analysis or direct feeding into a small pelletizer.
Pro Pelletizer
The Xplore Pro Pelletizer is a post-die granulation unit engineered to cut polymer and rubber strands into a wide range of pellet sizes. It is fully compatible with all Xplore twin-screw compounders. The freshly cut pellets can be utilized for a second compounding step in one of the micro compounders or processed in a larger extruder for upscaling.
Micro Cast Film Line
Xplore’s Micro Cast Film Lines are designed for the efficient production of cast films using minimal material, making them ideal for applications involving limited material availability or high-cost polymers and additives. These systems are fully compatible with Xplore micro-compounders, reducing screening costs and accelerating research workflows. By enabling the rapid production of representative films within minutes, they significantly streamline the material screening process while using only a fraction of the material required in conventional film production.
Microfiber Line
The Xplore Microfiber Line is engineered for the efficient production of fibers from minimal material quantities, requiring only 5 – 10 g of material and 10 – 15 minutes. This system significantly reduces material waste, accelerates development time, and lowers R&D costs while delivering high-quality, representative test fibers for research applications.
modular composite forming line
The Xplore modular composite forming line is a compact, modular, and versatile solution designed for seamless integration with Xplore Twin-Screw Micro-Compounders. It enables fabrication of microtubes, 3D filaments, precise coating and impregnation processes at the laboratory scale, supporting advanced materials research and formulation development. These add-ons provides a cost-effective solution for generating consistent, reliable forming while minimizing waste and infrastructure costs.
