History
Plastic recycling is becoming an increasingly large business. In fact, just in the period from 1990 to 1999, the number of plastic recycling plants grew from 923 to 1,677 - an amazing 81% increase. Currently, the largest number of plastic recycling facility is in the Middle-east, with the second largest concentration being in the Southern United States. In addition, plastic recycling is a relatively simple process after the various types of plastic have been separated from one another.
Types of Pelletizing
Generally, the first step in plastic recycling after the types of plastic have been separated is to run the plastic through the pelletizing. This machine smashes the plastic into tiny shreds or granules.
There are many different types of pelletizing machines. Some are used to break down other materials, such as rock, glass, wood, metals, and cement. When it comes to plastic, the three primary types of pelletizing is granulators, shredders, and ring mills.
A granulator utilizes thousands of evenly spaced blades in order to shred the plastic into finely minced material. After it is minced, it can be melted and reformed. A shredder is similar to a granulator in that it contains evenly spaced blades, though these blades cut the plastic into strips. Some cut both vertically and horizontally in order to create square shaped plastic pieces. A ring mill, on the other hand, has a large, steel rolling blade. This blade chops and grinds the plastic that is placed inside the roller. After it has been ground up to the desired size, it falls through the small holes located beneath the rolling blade.
