Granulates (plastic granulates)
Description (definition)
Plastic pellets are small, uniformly shaped grains of plastic that are used as a starting material for the manufacture of plastic products. They are usually produced by crushing plastic raw materials or by special granulation processes during plastic production. Granules are easy to process and are used in manufacturing processes such as injection molding, extrusion or blow molding.
Example
One example is polypropylene granulate (PP), which is used in the automotive industry for the production of bumpers and dashboards. Thanks to its good processability and versatility, it is one of the most frequently used granulates.
What types of plastic pellets are there?
There are a variety of plastic granulates, including
– Thermoplastic granulates: polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyamide (PA).
– Thermoset granules: Epoxy resins or phenolic resins.
– Recycled granules: Made from recycled plastic to promote sustainability.
How are plastic pellets produced?
Plastic pellets are produced by extrusion or shredding. In the extrusion process, molten plastic is pressed through a nozzle and then cut into small, uniform pieces. Recycling granulates are obtained from waste by shredding and re-granulating.
What are the advantages of plastic granules?
Plastic granules are easy to transport, store and process. Their uniform shape enables precise dosing and consistent quality during processing. Granules are also versatile and can be adapted to specific requirements depending on their composition.