Beside-the-Press Granulators Target Closed-Loop Recycling of Sprues, Runners

Wittmann Battenfeld says the G-Max series of compact beside-the-press granulators is specifically designed for closed-loop at-the-machine material recycling of sprues and runners. Featuring a belt drive with automatic tensioning system, Wittmann notes that the G-Max granulators are always under tension. 

The Poly-V belt transmission uses self-pre-tensioning belt drives to ensure greater adaptability to disparate applications when grinding sprues and runners. The G-Max can recycle sprues and runners discharged from injection molding machines with up to 500 tons clamping force. Wittmann says the high torque of the rotor and the solid flywheel provide more cutting power for smooth, steady and reliable operation when processing parts with varying thicknesses.

Wittmann notes that the Poly-V drive protects the motor when overload conditions occur, while also providing “cushioning” when the granulator is in start-up mode. The belt drive also absorbs stress and vibration during operation, thus reducing wear and preventing damage. Wittmann says this is especially true when compared to granulator’s standard gear box and gear motor design. In addition, Wittmann says belt-and-pulley operation is much quieter than a gear-based motor—a bonus given the G-Max’s beside-the-press location.

Since the belt drive has automatic tensioning, preventive maintenance downtime to adjust belt tension is eliminated. Worn belts or loose belts with slippage can lead to granulator jams and higher energy consumption, and therefore, with conventional belt drives, regular checks are required. Wittmann says its application of solid rotor pulleys leads to better cutting force without using more motor power.

The company originally introduced the G-Max at the virtual Fakuma event in the fall of 2020.