Screw And Barrel Cleaning Procedure

The cleaning procedure for screws and barrels can vary depending on the type of material being processed.

Thermoplastics (such as PVC, PE, PP, and ABS): Soak the screw and barrel in a cleaning solution containing a mixture of acetone and methylene chloride for a few hours. Then, use a brush or cloth to remove any remaining residue from the surfaces.

Thermosets (such as epoxy and phenolic resins): Soak the screw and barrel in a cleaning solution containing a mixture of xylene and methanol for several hours. Then, use a brush or cloth to remove any remaining residue from the surfaces.

Rubber (such as natural rubber, silicone, and EPDM): Soak the screw and barrel in a cleaning solution containing a mixture of toluene and heptane for several hours. Then, use a brush or cloth to remove any remaining residue from the surfaces.

Metals (such as aluminum, brass, and copper): Soak the screw and barrel in a cleaning solution containing a mixture of nitric acid and water for a few minutes. Then, rinse the components thoroughly with water and dry with a clean cloth.

Some general steps to follow:

Disconnect the power and remove any remaining material from the hopper and barrel. Wear protective gloves and eyewear.

Disassemble the screw and barrel assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Some barrels may have a split-line design that allows for easier cleaning.

Soak the components in a cleaning solution. There are different types of cleaning solutions available, such as chemical solvents or mechanical cleaning using abrasive materials. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate cleaning solution.

Use a brush or cloth to remove any remaining residue from the screw and barrel surfaces. Be careful not to damage the threads or other critical surfaces.

Rinse the components thoroughly with water or a cleaning solvent to remove any remaining residue.

Dry the components with a clean, lint-free cloth or compressed air. Do not use any lubricants on the surfaces unless specified by the manufacturer.

Reassemble the screw and barrel assembly, following the manufacturer's instructions. Lubricate the threads and other critical surfaces as recommended.

Conduct a purge of the machine by running a few shots of the material through the system before resuming production.