recoSTAR universal: New intelligent components for proven recycling technology

Starlinger recycling technology has relaunched its time-tested recoSTAR universal line with revamped technology and design. The new version features even greater process variety, simplicity and ease of operation, as well as reduced energy consumption.

The new ACTIVE shredder enables the recoSTAR universal recycling line to process input material in almost any form without pregrinding. Edge trim can be fed to the line directly from the production line, other plastic waste directly from the reel feeder or the conveyor belt. The load-controlled dosing screw provides stable supply to the extruder even when the bulk density of the input material varies. Individual motors for the grinder and the extruder ensure accurate material dosing and controlled output. The high-performance rotor, which can be cooled or heated as required, processes hard and stiff materials as well as flexible ones and prepares them optimally for the downstream process.

Simple knife change and easily accessible service openings make the ACTIVE shredder highly operator-friendly and ensure maximum uptime. The self-reversing rotor removes material build-up automatically during production, while the speed-controlled dosing screw ensures the stability of the production process. The recycling line performs the start-up and shutdown operations entirely automatically, thereby allowing the operators - especially in inline applications - to devote their full attention to the actual production process. The option of cold-feeding the extruder makes preheating times unnecessary. Upcycling and compounding are possible by introducing additives via the dosing unit; the quality of the recycled material produced is monitored by a feedback loop.

The ‟rECO" energy concept by Starlinger recycling technology stands for an innovative machine design which significantly increases the energy efficiency of the lines. Up to 10 % energy savings can be achieved with the ‟rECO" package, which profits not only the plant operator through lower costs, but also the environment through an improved carbon footprint. Energy savings are achieved using the new extruder drive concept as well as by using motors classified IE3 and infrared heaters on the extruder barrel. The use of the radiant heat of the extruder for material processing helps to recover additional energy.

recoSTAR universal recycling lines are designed for processing a wide range of plastic waste - from films and injection moulding parts to fibres, filaments and fleece made of PE, PP, PS, PA, PES, PET, PPS, PLA and many more. Various degassing and filter systems for purifying and filtering the melt are available depending on the input material; for pelletising, a water ring, an underwater or a strand pelletiser can be used. A recoSTAR universal recycling line will be shown processing polypropylene raffia production waste at the Starlinger In-House Exhibition in Weissenbach/Triesting, scheduled in November to flank the textile machinery exhibition ITMA being held in Milan.

Starlinger at ITMA in Milan: November 12-19, 2015 in Hall 04, Stand D127.