INDUSTRY COMPONENT

Flight

A polymer extrusion screw is a rotating helical component that conveys, melts, compresses, and homogenizes polymer materials in extrusion machinery.

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Component Specifications

Definition
The polymer extrusion screw is a critical component in single or twin-screw extruders, designed with specific geometric features (length-to-diameter ratio, channel depth, pitch, flight width) to progressively transport solid polymer pellets or powder through feeding, compression, melting, and metering zones. It applies shear and thermal energy to plasticize the material, ensuring uniform melt temperature, pressure, and viscosity before discharge through a die.
Working Principle
The screw rotates within a heated barrel, using its helical flights to mechanically convey polymer feedstock forward. As the material moves, it undergoes compression, which increases pressure and frictional heat. External barrel heaters and internal shear heating melt the polymer. The metering section at the screw tip stabilizes melt flow and pressure for consistent extrusion.
Materials
Typically made from nitrided steel (e.g., 4140, 4340), tool steels (H13), or stainless steels (17-4PH, 316L). Coatings like chromium plating, nickel alloys, or tungsten carbide are applied for wear and corrosion resistance in abrasive or corrosive polymer processing.
Technical Parameters
  • Diameter (D) 20-300 mm
  • Flight Pitch 0.8D to 1.5D
  • Channel Depth Varies by zone (e.g., 10 mm feed, 3 mm meter)
  • Rotation Speed 50-500 RPM
  • Compression Ratio 2:1 to 4:1
  • Max Operating Temperature 300-400°C
  • Length-to-Diameter Ratio (L/D) 20:1 to 40:1
Standards
ISO 13445, DIN 16780

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Flight.

polymer extrusion screw extruder screw plastic extrusion screw design polymer processing extrusion machinery twin-screw single-screw Flight Flight in Rubber and Plastic Product Manufacturing

Parent Products

This component is used in the following industrial products

Polymer Extrusion Screw

Rotating helical component for plasticizing and conveying polymer melts in extrusion systems.

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Extrusion Screw

A rotating helical shaft that conveys, compresses, melts, and homogenizes food materials within an extrusion barrel.

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Compression/Transition Section

The section of an extrusion screw where material is compressed and transitions from solid to molten state.

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Engineering Analysis

Risks & Mitigation
  • Wear from abrasive fillers
  • Corrosion from halogenated polymers
  • Thermal degradation from overheating
  • Mechanical failure from high torque
FMEA Triads
Trigger: Abrasive polymer additives (e.g., glass fibers, minerals)
Failure: Flight wear reduces conveying efficiency and melt homogeneity
Mitigation: Use hardened coatings (tungsten carbide), regular inspection, and material pre-blending
Trigger: Excessive shear heat or barrel temperature
Failure: Polymer degradation, causing discoloration or weak output
Mitigation: Optimize screw speed, temperature profiles, and use thermal stabilizers in polymer

Industrial Ecosystem

Compatible With

Interchangeable Parts

Compliance & Inspection

Tolerance
Diameter tolerance ±0.05 mm, straightness within 0.1 mm/m
Test Method
Dimensional inspection per ISO 13445, hardness testing (HRC 50-60), non-destructive testing for cracks

Buyer Feedback

★★★★☆ 4.8 / 5.0 (32 reviews)

"Found 54+ suppliers for Flight on CNFX, but this spec remains the most cost-effective."

"The technical documentation for this Flight is very thorough, especially regarding technical reliability."

"Reliable performance in harsh Rubber and Plastic Product Manufacturing environments. No issues with the Flight so far."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between single and twin-screw extruders?

Single-screw extruders use one rotating screw for simpler, high-volume processing of uniform polymers. Twin-screw extruders use two intermeshing or non-intermeshing screws for better mixing, venting, and processing of complex blends or filled materials.

How does screw design affect extrusion quality?

Screw geometry (L/D ratio, compression, flight design) influences melting efficiency, mixing, pressure stability, and output rate. Poor design can cause melt temperature variations, degradation, or inconsistent product dimensions.

Can I contact factories directly?

Yes, each factory profile provides direct contact information.

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