Extrusion International 4-2026

33 Extrusion International 4/2026 Mastering the Critical Startup Phase The startup phase is often one of the most critical moments in pelletizing opera- tions. During this stage, polymer strands must be reliably transferred into the guide system. A newly developed scraper combines high operat- ing speed with particularly gentle strand handling. The strands are cut sequentially at the die plate and fed into the strand guide section and the cutting head with a controlled time delay. This signi cantly reduces the risk of strand sticking, clogging or excessive startup waste, resulting in faster and more reliable process ramp-up. Seamless Transition for Enhanced Stability An optimized water lm on the startup table pre - vents turbulence and reduces the risk of strands stick- ing together. In addition, transport water is injected im- mediately after cutting, preventing potential blockages inside the cutting head, even when processing high- temperature polymers or challenging materials such as polycarbonate. The result is smoother machine operation, improved process stability and increased system availability for the customer. Larger Cutting Rotor for Higher Performance The new cutting head features a compact and opti- mized design with improved sound insulation. The ro- tor diameter has increased from 162.5 mm to 200 mm, while the number of blades has grown from 30 to 36. This upgrade enables signi cantly higher throughput while extending service life by 20%. A stable cutting gap ensures consistently high pellet quality and reduces maintenance requirements and spare-part consump- tion further lowering operating costs. High Capacity in a Compact Design The M²-USG is available in machine widths of 600, 900, and 1200 mm. At 600 mm width, the system achieves throughputs of up to 13,000 kg/h (PET), while the 1200 mm version reaches up to 24,000 kg/h - significantly exceeding the performance of previous models. This higher capacity allows processors to achieve the same output with smaller machine sizes, reducing both capital investment and installation footprint. Integrated Sensors for Maximum Ef ciency Integrated sensors continuously monitor key param- eters such as vibration, temperature, ow rates, and pressure to ensure an optimal production at the sweet spot. Any deviations are immediately detected and re- ported, also via remote monitoring, helping operators prevent process instability and scrap. A camera system monitors strand ow, while com - pressed air consumption is also tracked. In addition, energy-ef cient reluctance motors contribute to lower energy consumption and improved sustainability. Conclusion With its advanced engineering, improved process sta- bility, and outstanding pellet quality, the new M²-USG sets a new benchmark in underwater pelletizing. Customers bene t from reduced operating costs, higher throughput, improved ef ciency, and integrated sensor technology that ensures maximum process reli- ability. Maag Pump Systems AG Aspstr. 12, 8154 Oberglatt, Switzerland www.maag.com New Underwater Strand Pelletizer M2-USG