ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator Machine 5.5kW 220-300kg/h
Buyers searching for 'plastic granulator' often confuse granulators with crushers and shredders. The ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator Machine uses rotor-and-screen technology (the defining feature of granulators) to convert rigid plastic waste into uniform 6-12mm flakes at 220-300 kg/h. Unlike shredders (slow, high-torque, for large bulky items) or hammer mills (high-speed impact for fine grinding), the ZL-PC300 granulator's 9 SKD-11 blades rotating at controlled RPM pass plastic through interchangeable screens to produce consistent particle size-critical for downstream extrusion, injection, or compounding.
The granulator vs crusher comparison is straightforward: crushers use impact force to break plastic (faster but more fines), while granulators use shearing action against a screen (slower but cleaner cuts, fewer fines, more uniform output). For buyers specifically searching 'plastic granulator machine' or 'granulator for plastic', the ZL-PC300 is a true granulator with industrial features at mid-volume pricing.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model | ZL-PC300 |
| Motor Power | 5.5 kW (3-phase, custom voltage available) |
| Capacity | 220-300 kg/h sustained (PET bottle flakes, <5% moisture) |
| Rotating Blades | 9 pcs SKD-11 (HRC 60-62) |
| Fixed Blades | 2 pcs SKD-11 (matched set) |
| Feed Opening | 310 x 220 mm (accommodates whole 2L bottles, larger rigid items) |
| Screen Mesh | 8mm default (6/10/12/14/16/18/20mm interchangeable) |
| Rotor Speed | 500 RPM (low-speed high-torque for clean cuts) |
| Noise Level | Max 85 dB at 1m |
| Net Weight | 300 kg |
| Machine Size | 1100 x 730 x 1200 mm |
| Power Supply | 3-phase 380V/50Hz (220V/415V/440V/480V custom available) |
| Compliance | CE, ISO 9001, IEC 60204-1 |
Buyers often search for both 'plastic granulator' and 'plastic crusher', but these are technically different machines. Understanding the difference helps select the right equipment for your application:
| Feature | Plastic Granulator (PC300) | Plastic Crusher | Plastic Shredder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Working Principle | Rotating blades pass material through screen (shear cut) | Hammer/impact force breaks plastic (impact cut) | Slow high-torque rotation with hook blades (tear cut) |
| Output Size | Uniform (determined by screen mesh) | Variable (more fines, dust) | Chunks (requires downstream granulation) |
| Typical Throughput | Medium-high (200-500 kg/h) | Medium (100-300 kg/h) | High (500-2000 kg/h) |
| Material | Rigid plastic (PET, HDPE, PP, ABS) | Most plastics including soft film | Bulky items (bins, large parts, pipes) |
| Fines/Dust | Low (under 5%) | High (10-20%) | Very low (chunks only) |
| Downstream Use | Direct extrusion, injection re-feed | Wash lines, density separation | Requires secondary granulation |
| Price Range | USD 800-3000 (mid-tier granulators) | USD 500-2000 (most crushers) | USD 2000-10000+ (industrial shredders) |
When to choose the ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator Machine: If your application requires uniform 6-12mm flake output for direct re-feeding to extrusion or injection lines, with minimal fines and dust, a granulator is the right choice. The PC300 delivers industrial-quality granulation at mid-tier pricing-perfect for plastic processors who need consistent particle size without the cost of high-end European granulators.
The defining feature of a granulator (vs crusher) is the rotor-and-screen mechanism. Understanding how this works helps buyers appreciate why granulators produce more uniform output:
Rotor design: The ZL-PC300's rotor carries 9 SKD-11 blades in a helical arrangement, rotating at 500 RPM. As plastic enters the cutting chamber, blades engage material in sequence (rather than simultaneously, as in crusher hammer mills). This sequential engagement produces cleaner cuts with less impact force-resulting in less fines and dust.
Screen function: Material remains in the cutting chamber until it can pass through the screen mesh. The PC300's standard 8mm screen produces uniform 8mm flake; smaller screens (6mm) produce finer output for extrusion; larger screens (12-20mm) produce coarser output for wash lines. Screens can be changed in 90 seconds without tools.
Throughput optimization: Screen mesh size directly affects throughput. An 8mm screen allows faster material passage than a 6mm screen. Buyers should match screen size to downstream requirements: extrusion re-feed typically uses 6-8mm; wash line feed uses 8-12mm; baling preparation uses 12-16mm.
Blade geometry: The ZL-PC300's SKD-11 blades have a specialized hook angle (vs straight angle in cheaper granulators) optimized for clean shearing cuts. This hook angle reduces fines by 30-50% compared to straight-blade designs, while extending blade life by 20-40% due to better stress distribution.
Different downstream applications require different particle sizes. The ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator Machine offers 8 standard screen sizes (6/8/10/12/14/16/18/20mm) for precise particle size control:
| Screen Size | Best For | Throughput vs 8mm | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6mm | Fine extrusion re-feed | -25% throughput | More fines; not for wash lines |
| 8mm (default) | Most applications | Baseline | Optimal balance uniformity/speed |
| 10mm | Wash line feed | +15% throughput | Common for PET recycling |
| 12mm | HDPE rigid, thicker items | +25% throughput | Less fines, faster |
| 14-20mm | Large parts, pre-grind for shredders | +30-50% throughput | Output is chunks, not flake |
Best practice for plastic processors: Most operations use 1-2 standard screen sizes (typically 8mm + 10mm or 12mm) for 90% of applications. Order spare screens with the machine to enable quick changes as production needs shift.
For plastic processors running 8-16 hours/day, electricity cost is a major operating expense. The ZL-PC300's granulator design delivers best-in-class throughput per kW, reducing both upfront equipment size and ongoing electricity cost:
Annual electricity cost (8h/day, 300 days/year, $0.10/kWh):
Cost per ton processed: ZL-PC300 = USD 1.32/ton (lowest among mid-tier options). The PC300's throughput-per-kW advantage translates directly to lowest electricity cost per ton of material processed.
Q1: What is the difference between a plastic granulator and a plastic crusher?
A granulator uses rotor blades passing material through a screen for uniform output. A crusher uses impact force, producing variable size with more fines. Granulators are better for applications requiring uniform particle size (extrusion, injection re-feed); crushers are better for higher-volume size reduction where uniformity is less critical.
Q2: Can the ZL-PC300 granulator replace a crusher in an existing recycling line?
Yes, in most cases. The PC300's 220-300 kg/h output is directly compatible with downstream wash lines, extruders, and injection machines. Existing sorting tables, conveyors, and wash tanks work without modification.
Q3: What screen mesh produces uniform 6mm PET flake for extrusion?
Use the 6mm screen for fine extrusion re-feed. Note that 6mm screen reduces throughput by ~25% (to 165-225 kg/h). For most applications, 8mm screen produces acceptable output for extrusion at higher throughput.
Q4: How often do the SKD-11 blades need sharpening or replacement?
For typical plastic processing (PET, HDPE, PP), SKD-11 blades last 800-1500 hours before requiring sharpening. Rotating blades (use second edge) extends life. Full replacement: 1500-3000 hours. Costs: blade sharpening USD 30-50, full replacement USD 300-450.
Q5: Is the ZL-PC300 suitable for processing PVC and engineering plastics?
Yes, with screen mesh adjustment. PVC requires 10-12mm screen (vs 8mm for PET) due to chlorine additives that make it more abrasive. Engineering plastics (ABS, PC, PA) process well at 6-10mm screen. Blade life is reduced 20-30% for PVC and 10-15% for engineering plastics.
Q6: What is the noise level of the ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator?
Max 85 dB at 1 meter-meets EU workplace safety standards. Standard hearing protection is sufficient. The PC300's sound-dampening chamber design is 5-10 dB quieter than comparable granulators from other Chinese manufacturers.
Q7: Can the ZL-PC300 granulator be integrated with automatic feeding systems?
Yes. The PC300's feed hopper accepts conveyor belt feed, auger feed, or robotic pick-and-place. For 2-shift operations, conveyor feed is standard to maintain consistent throughput without operator intervention. Optional level sensors can auto-stop feed when chamber is full.
Q8: What is the FOB price and lead time for the ZL-PC300 Plastic Granulator Machine?
FOB price: USD 1050/set. MOQ: 1 set. Lead time: 15 working days. Volume discounts available: 5-9 sets 3% discount, 10-19 sets 5% discount, 20+ sets 8% discount.
Q9: How does the ZL-PC300 compare to European granulators (Italy, Germany)?
European granulators (e.g., Italy's CMG, Germany's Wittmann) typically cost USD 5000-15000+ for comparable capacity, with 6-12 month lead times. The ZL-PC300 delivers 80-90% of the performance at 15-20% of the price, with 15-day lead time. Trade-off: less refined controls and shorter warranty.
Q10: What spare parts should I keep in stock for continuous operation?
Recommended: 1 rotating blade set (USD 350), 1 fixed blade set (USD 150), 2 spare screens (one each of most-used sizes, USD 100 each), 1 V-belt (USD 30), 1 bearing set (USD 80). Total spare parts inventory: USD 810. Sufficient for 6-12 months of operation.