What types of materials can your custom screws process?
Our custom-designed Posi-Melt™ screws and extrusion screws are engineered to process virtually any thermoplastic material, including commodity resins, engineering polymers, medical-grade materials, moisture-sensitive resins, filled compounds, and liquid silicone rubber (LSR). We analyze each material's melting point, thermal sensitivity, shear sensitivity, flow characteristics, moisture absorption, and additive interactions to design the optimal screw geometry, compression ratio, and surface treatment for your specific application.
How long does a custom screw design and manufacturing project typically take?
The timeline varies based on project complexity, but typically ranges from 4-8 weeks from initial consultation to delivery. This includes data gathering and analysis (1 week), design and mathematical modeling (1-2 weeks), manufacturing (2-4 weeks), and testing/tuning (1 week). Rush services may be available for urgent needs. We provide detailed project timelines during the initial consultation phase.
What surface treatments do you offer for wear resistance?
We offer multiple proprietary surface treatment options to combat abrasive, corrosive, and adhesive wear: nitrided tool steel for general applications, PTA welding for high-wear zones, Colmonoy or Stellite for extreme abrasion resistance, Armoloy XADC coatings for corrosion protection, and HVOF tungsten carbide coatings for maximum durability. Our engineers recommend the optimal treatment based on your specific materials and processing conditions.
Can you upgrade my existing equipment without replacing the entire system?
Yes, absolutely. We specialize in optimizing existing equipment through targeted upgrades including downsizing/upsizing injection units, vented barrel conversions, LSR conversions, screw replacements, non-return valve upgrades, and nozzle tip installations. Our application engineers assess your current system and recommend cost-effective improvements that deliver significant performance gains without major capital investment.
What kind of performance improvements can I expect?
Results vary by application, but our clients typically see measurable improvements including reduced melt viscosity variation, increased throughput (10-30%), extended equipment life, reduced scrap rates, shorter cycle times (15-25%), improved shot-to-shot consistency (up to 58%), and extended mold maintenance intervals (20-40%). We document baseline performance and track improvements to demonstrate ROI.
Do you provide ongoing support after installation?
Yes, we provide comprehensive ongoing support including operator training, process optimization assistance, troubleshooting support, performance monitoring, preventive maintenance guidance, and application engineering consultation. Our team doesn't just deliver equipment—we partner with you to ensure sustained performance improvements and maximum profitability from your investment.
What is the Melt-Profiler™ system and how does it improve quality?
The Melt-Profiler™ is our proprietary inline melt temperature measurement system that provides real-time monitoring and calculates metrics to predict and document part quality. It enables tighter process control by reducing variability and ensuring repeatable results—critical for medical-grade polymers, food-contact products, and precision parts with tight tolerances. The system integrates seamlessly with our Posi-Melt™ screw designs for comprehensive process control.
How do I know if I need a custom screw versus other upgrades?
Our application engineers conduct a thorough analysis of your current process, material behavior, and production challenges to recommend the most effective solution. Signs you may benefit from a custom screw include inconsistent melt quality, high scrap rates, poor mixing, material degradation, excessive cycle times, or difficulty processing certain materials. We evaluate all options and recommend the upgrade path that delivers the best ROI for your specific situation.