Extrusion Production Line Operation Guide: Startup, Parameter Setting, and Shutdown Procedures

Extrusion Production Line Operation Guide

Proper operation of the extrusion production line is essential for maintaining product quality, equipment longevity, and operator safety. This guide covers the complete operational workflow from pre-startup preparation through shutdown.

I. Pre-Startup Preparation

1. Safety Check

• Confirm that equipment power connections are normal with no exposed wires.
• Check that all safety protection devices (emergency stop buttons, protective covers, etc.) are fully functional.
• Confirm the cooling system is operating normally, with water temperature within the specified range (recommended: 20-30 degrees Celsius).
• Check whether the hydraulic system pressure is within the normal working range (e.g., 15-25 MPa).

2. Material Preparation

• Check whether raw materials are dry and whether moisture content meets process requirements (typically 0.2%).
• Confirm raw material batch consistency to avoid mixing different batches.
• Clean the hopper to ensure no residual foreign objects.

3. Parameter Settings

• Set the extruder temperature curve according to product requirements (general range: 180-280 degrees Celsius).
• Set the screw rotation speed according to material characteristics and product specifications.
• Configure the traction speed to match the extrusion output rate.

II. Startup Procedure

1. Turn on the heating system first. Allow the barrel and die to reach the set temperatures gradually. Heat to 140 degrees Celsius first, hold for 30-40 minutes, then raise to the production temperature.
2. Once temperatures have stabilized for at least 10 minutes, start the screw motor at low speed.
3. Begin feeding material slowly while monitoring the ammeter. The screw torque should not exceed 65-75% of the rated value.
4. Start the traction unit and calibration system once the extrudate appears from the die.
5. Gradually adjust all parameters to reach normal production conditions.

III. Monitoring During Production

During normal production, operators must continuously monitor:

• Barrel and die temperatures in each zone
• Screw speed and motor current
• Traction speed and synchronization
• Vacuum system pressure in the calibration table
• Product appearance quality and dimensional accuracy
• Cooling water temperature and flow rate

IV. Shutdown Procedure

1. Stop feeding material into the hopper.
2. Allow the extruder to purge remaining material from the barrel.
3. Gradually reduce screw speed to zero.
4. Turn off heating power and close cooling water valves.
5. Clean the die, screw, and barrel using appropriate cleaning materials.
6. Apply anti-rust agent to all exposed metal surfaces if the equipment will be idle for an extended period.