There are many types of equipment for TPE molding, including pull rod cold cutting granulation, water ring cutting, underwater cutting, etc. Each type of equipment has different production capabilities and material adaptability, so they should be selected according to specific circumstances.

It is not only necessary for people in the TPE industry to understand how to distinguish between TPE particle shapes based on granulation processes, but it is also essential knowledge for customers. Understanding what kind of machine can produce which effects allows us to have a better understanding of our options.

1) Pull Rod Cold Cutting Granulation Equipment: Particles usually appear cylindrical, with occasional long strip adhesion phenomenon.
This equipment is often used in conjunction with an extruder and consists of a granulator head, cooling tank, cutter, and fan. Its advantages include simple structure, convenient operation and maintenance, neat and beautiful particles, wide applicability, but high power consumption and serious tool wear. Different cutters need to be used for materials of different hardnesses, making it unsuitable for occasions where high insulation requirements apply. Since plastic strips must go through a water tank before cutting, this equipment is not suitable for applications with high moisture content and low output.

2) Underwater Cutting Equipment: Particles are spherical or oval in shape due to swelling expansion immediately after extrusion. The cutting edges are distinctively convex compared to those made by cold cutting.
This equipment is typically paired with an extruder and consists of an underwater cutting head, warm water circulation system, separation system, and screening device. It features uniform and attractive particles that do not adhere easily, sealed operation for good particle quality without dust or impurities, large output, quiet operation as the cut particles can be transported by water. However, it has more ancillary facilities requiring maintenance, high energy consumption, and demanding operating conditions.

3) Water Ring Cutting Equipment: Particles resemble those from underwater cutting but are significantly thinner, appearing disc-shaped.
This equipment works together with an extruder and consists of a water ring cutting head, warm water circulation system, separation system, and screening system. Its advantages include attractive, even and non-adhesive particles, high output, noiseless operation as the cut particles can be transported by water, and sealed operation ensuring high-quality particles free from dust and impurities. However, its auxiliary equipment such as water circulation systems and particle dehydration and drying systems is complex, requiring significant maintenance work.