Our product range includes models with screw diameters from 25 mm to 250 mm and lengths of up to 45D, depending on the diameter. These carefully designed machines are available in different versions - from models without degassing to those with single, double or even quadruple degassing. This range of options allows us to cater to the specific needs of our customers and not only meet but exceed their expectations.
All extruder sizes are available without degassing, with degassing, with double degassing or with quadruple degassing.
Modern screw geometries guarantee constant pressure, good homogenization and maximum output values. In addition to plastics, KUHNE Extruders are also used for processing biodegradable materials, wood flour-filled or glass fiber-reinforced plastics and other extrudable materials.
With more than 200 extruders leaving our plant in Sankt Augustin every year, we underline our reliability and commitment to quality. Our range includes customized Extruders as well as certain machine types that are produced in series.
Basics and functionality of Extruders
An Extruder is an indispensable machine in industrial production that efficiently processes materials such as plastics, food or pharmaceutical substances. The principle is based on using mechanical movement, temperature and pressure to shape raw materials into the desired form. The central component is the screw, which transports, heats and homogenizes the material in the heated cylinder. The drive ensures precise control of the screw speed and thus influences the throughput. This combination of mechanical and thermal processes enables the production of high-quality products in continuous processes.
Snail
The screw is the heart of every Extruder and performs the central task of conveying the material evenly through the barrel. It is designed in such a way that it not only transports the raw material, but also compresses and homogenizes it at the same time. Its special geometry - consisting of conveying, compression and discharge zones - ensures that the material is optimally processed on its way through the Extruder. The screw speed is precisely controlled to ensure both the material quantity and the desired processing quality. The adaptation of the screw shape to specific materials enables a wide range of applications, whether in plastics processing, food production or other industries.
Cylinder
The barrel is the heated cavity in which the screw rotates and processes the material. It plays a decisive role in the thermal control of the extrusion process. Heating and cooling systems along the barrel ensure that the material is brought to exactly the required temperature - a prerequisite for uniform melting and processing. In addition, the barrel protects the material from external influences and ensures that the pressure in the system remains constant. The choice of material for the cylinder is crucial, as it must be able to withstand high mechanical and thermal loads . In practice, high-strength steels or special alloys are often used to minimize wear and corrosion.
Drive
The drive of an Extruder is responsible for the precise control of the screw speed and is therefore a key factor in the performance of the entire system. Modern drive systems rely on energy-efficient motors that not only deliver high torques, but also reduce operating costs. Precise control of the drive makes it possible to optimally adapt the conveying speed to the material properties and production requirements. In addition, innovative control technologies help to minimize vibrations and mechanical loads, which significantly extends the service life of the machine. A reliable drive therefore guarantees a smooth production flow and high-quality end products.
Extruder application areas
Extrusion lines are used in a variety of industries and offer enormous flexibility. In plastics processing , for example, they are used to produce films, sheets, pipes and profiles. The food industry uses Extruder machines to produce packaging for snacks, cereals and even pet food. They also play a key role in the pharmaceutical industry , for example in the production of packaging for medical components or medicines. This versatility makes the Extruder a central tool in modern production that is indispensable for a wide range of industries.
Types of Extruders
Single-screw extruder
The single-screw extruder is the most commonly used type of extruder and is ideal for processing homogeneous materials such as plastics, rubber or similar raw materials. Its simple design and high efficiency make it particularly versatile and cost-effective. The screw ensures uniform processing of the material through a precise combination of conveying, compacting and melting. Typical applications include the production of films, sheets, pipes and profiles. Single-screw extruders are known for their reliability and are ideal for production processes with consistent material properties.
Laboratory extruder
Laboratory extruders are indispensable for research and development. These compact systems enable precise testing under controlled conditions and are ideal for developing new materials or products. Laboratory extruders offer precise control of temperature, pressure and screw speed so that even the smallest quantities of material can be reproducibly processed. Typical areas of application include material tests in the plastics industry, the development of new food formulations or the optimization of pharmaceutical processes. Thanks to their modular design, laboratory extruders can be flexibly tailored to specific research requirements and make a significant contribution to a company's innovative strength.
High Speed Extruder
High-performance extruders are used when maximum productivity is required. These machines are designed for high throughput rates and continuous operation without sacrificing precision. They are often used in the plastics and packaging industry, where large quantities of raw materials need to be processed. Thanks to their robust design and energy-efficient systems, they reduce operating costs and increase profitability. High-performance extruders are characterized by exceptional durability and are the perfect choice for companies looking for a reliable solution for high production requirements.
Degassing concepts
Without degassing
The single-screw extruders without degassing are specially designed for applications in which no volatile components need to be removed from the material. This design is ideal for processing materials that are already in an optimum condition for the extrusion process. The elimination of degassing units provides a cost-effective solution for specific production requirements without compromising on quality or performance.
With degassing
The variant with degassing is intended for the extrusion of materials where the removal of moisture or other volatile components is necessary. This process significantly improves the quality of the end product by preventing bubble formation, irregularities and potential material weakening. The degassing option ensures that the final product meets the highest standards in terms of clarity, strength and aesthetic properties.
With double degassing
For more demanding applications where even more intensive cleaning of the material from volatile components is required, Extruders with double degassing offer an excellent solution. This configuration doubles the effectiveness of degassing by passing the material through two separate degassing zones. This is particularly beneficial for high quality end products or materials that tend to have a higher concentration of volatile ingredients. Double degassing guarantees even better homogeneity and quality of the extruded product.
Advantages of KUHNE Extruders
KUHNE extruders combine state-of-the-art technology with decades of experience and offer unique advantages for any production environment. Their outstanding energy efficiency reduces operating costs and protects the environment at the same time. Precise control systems ensure consistently high product quality, even with demanding materials. The flexibility of the systems makes it possible to adapt them precisely to the specific requirements of each customer. As a renowned Extruder manufacturer, KUHNE places particular emphasis on longevity and minimal maintenance, which creates a clear competitive advantage in the long term.
Energy efficiency
KUHNE extruders set standards in terms of energy efficiency. By using the latest technologies, such as energy-optimized drive systems and precise temperature control, energy consumption is reduced to a minimum without compromising the performance of the machines. This not only contributes to sustainable production, but also significantly reduces operating costs.
Flexibility
The flexibility of KUHNE extruders makes them a preferred choice for a wide range of production requirements. Thanks to adaptable designs, the machines can be tailored exactly to the specific needs of each customer. Whether special material requirements, industry-specific solutions or integration into existing production lines - KUHNE offers customized extruders that fit seamlessly into any process. This flexibility allows companies to react quickly to market changes and implement new product lines efficiently.
Precision
A key advantage of KUHNE extruders is their exceptional precision. Sophisticated control systems ensure that all process parameters such as temperature, pressure and speed are precisely monitored and controlled. This guarantees consistent results, even with complex or sensitive materials. KUHNE extruders ensure exact material processing and maximum product safety, especially for packaging such as medical or food packaging, where the highest quality standards are required. This precision enables companies to reliably meet even the most demanding customer requirements.
Reliability
KUHNE Extruders stand for reliability and durability. As an experienced Extruder manufacturer with decades of expertise, KUHNE develops machines that work reliably for many years, even under demanding conditions. High-quality materials and precise workmanship ensure that the extruders require minimal maintenance, even when used intensively. However, should service be required, KUHNE provides a comprehensive range of spare parts and technical support to minimize downtime. This combination of quality and service makes KUHNE extruders a reliable partner for long-term production reliability.
Technological features
The extrusion lines from KUHNE impress with highly developed technological features that optimize the entire production process. Intuitive control systems enable simple operation and monitoring in real time, minimizing downtimes. Advanced temperature controls guarantee optimum conditions for processing a wide range of materials, from conventional plastics to innovative biopolymers. In addition, the machines offer an outstanding variety of materials and can be flexibly adapted to specific customer requirements thanks to their modular design - a perfect symbiosis of efficiency and versatility.
Maintenance and longevity
The longevity and reliability of an Extruder are crucial for trouble-free production. KUHNE offers comprehensive services to ensure the long-term operation of its machines. Regular maintenance, calibration and cleaning help to maintain the optimum performance of the system. If a replacement is required, a comprehensive range of high-quality spare parts is readily available. With the professional support of the KUHNE team, individual requirements are analysed and solutions developed to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
Single-screw extruder for plastics processing
Single-screw extruders play a central role in the plastics processing industry, especially when it comes to the production of wood flour-filled plastics and glass fiber reinforced plastics. These specialized extruders are characterized by their ability to efficiently process complex materials with fillers by ensuring uniform distribution and homogenization.
An essential element of these extruders are the barrier screws, which have been specially developed for processing polyolefins. They offer significant advantages by enabling better melt filtration, resulting in increased product quality.
By separating the molten and unmelted material along the screw, barrier screws improve the homogeneity and mechanical properties of the end product while increasing energy efficiency and throughput. These technologies make single-screw extruders an indispensable solution for demanding plastics processing applications by supporting the production of high-quality, reinforced plastic products with improved physical properties and performance.
The screw is at the heart of every single-screw extruder and is crucial for the efficiency and quality of the extrusion process.
Specialized screws such as the barrier screw are tailor-made for processing specific types of material, especially polyolefins. These innovative screw designs enable optimized separation of the molten and unmelted material, resulting in a more homogeneous and higher quality plastic melt. Thanks to their ingenious geometry, barrier screws not only promote the efficiency of the extrusion process by increasing throughput and reducing energy consumption, but also make a significant contribution to improving the mechanical properties and consistency of the end product.
These specialized screws are therefore a key element that makes the single-screw extruder indispensable for a wide range of applications in plastics processing.
KUHNE single-screw extruder - The product features
- Screw diameter between 25mm and 250mm
- Barrel length 24 to 45D (with and without degassing)
- High Speed Extruder 60mm, 72mm and 90mm screw diameter, screw speed up to 1,500 rpm, output rates of up to 2,500kg/h PS, 2,100kg/h PP. Also suitable for ABS, with low energy input.
- Water-cooled, low-noise motors with direct drive
- 3-zone screws, degassing screws, barrier screws with shearing and mixing section
- Barrier screws for processing polyolefins without changing screws
- Screw extension optionally to the front or rear
- Single degassing, double degassing and quadruple degassing (for hygroscopic polymers)
- Water-cooled drive technology with maximum efficiency as asynchronous, synchronous and torque motors
Sustainability & progress
The development and use of single-screw extruders underlines the industry's growing commitment to sustainability and technological progress.
These machines are now capable of efficiently processing a wide range of biodegradable materials, representing a decisive step towards more environmentally friendly plastics production. They also enable the processing of innovative materials such as wood flour-filled and glass fiber reinforced plastics, which improve both the functionality and environmental impact of plastic products.
These advances demonstrate how modern extrusion technology is helping to advance materials science while developing sustainable solutions to the pressing environmental issues of our time.
Innovation & drive technology
Water-cooled drive technologies and their advantages for Extrusion
This advanced cooling technology offers significant advantages for the extrusion process. Water-cooled drives allow precise control of operating temperatures, which is essential to prevent the drive units from overheating. This precise temperature control leads to improved energy efficiency as it minimizes energy consumption while extending the service life of the drive units. In addition, a more stable operating temperature contributes to consistent product quality by ensuring that processing conditions remain constant throughout the extrusion process.
The integration of water-cooled drive technologies into extruder systems is therefore a clear example of the use of innovation to increase performance and sustainability in plastics processing.