Daily maintenance tips to prevent jams in flat die granulators

Blockages in flat die granulators during production are a common issue that hurts efficiency. Proper daily maintenance is key to avoiding these jams.  

1. Raw Material Preparation

Screening: Always screen raw materials before feeding them into the mill. Remove impurities like large hard chunks, fibers, or debris that could clog the die holes.  

Drying: Dry overly damp materials properly. High moisture causes clumping, which can block the die holes during pelleting.  

Mixing Ratios: Ensure accurate ingredient ratios. Balanced mixes improve material flow and shaping. Incorrect ratios (such as excess sticky components) can create abnormal stickiness, raising blockage risks.  

2. Equipment Cleaning  

Die Hole Cleaning: Regularly clean the die holes—the most blockage-prone area. Shut down the flat die granulator and use tools like compressed air or fine needles to clear residue.

Component Cleaning: Clean other parts like feeders and mixers routinely. Built-up material here can disrupt feeding and mixing, indirectly causing jams.  

3. Equipment Checks and Adjustments  

Inspect the Die: Check the flat die for wear and tear. A worn die struggles to extrude materials smoothly, increasing jamming risks. Replace damaged dies promptly.  

Pressure Adjustment: Adjust the machine’s pressure based on material type and production needs. Improper pressure settings (too high or low) can lead to poor pellet formation and blockages.

By following these steps, you’ll minimize jams in flat die granulators, boost efficiency, and cut maintenance costs.