Wanner ThermoGranulator (TG) Series
Extruder-Based Regranulation System for Challenging Plastic Waste
The Wanner ThermoGranulator Series is a compact, extruder-based regranulation system developed for plastic waste that cannot be efficiently processed using conventional mechanical granulation methods. It enables the direct conversion of highly dusty materials, irregularly sized scraps, small parts, and sprues into high-quality granules. Developed in Germany, this system stands out by delivering regranulate whose flow and dosing behavior closely matches that of virgin raw materials.
ThermoGranulator is not merely a grinder; it is an advanced recycling solution that integrates plasticizing, homogenizing, cooling, and pellet cutting processes into a single, compact system. In this respect, it provides a reliable, process-oriented alternative for applications where mechanical shredding reaches its limits.
ThermoGranulator Operating Principle
At the heart of the Wanner ThermoGranulator system is a compact extruder with a low-speed drive and a specially designed screw geometry. Thanks to a wide feed area and an auxiliary feeding screw working in conjunction with the main screw, even materials with poor flow characteristics can be conveyed safely and continuously.
Dusty recycling material containing small fragments or complete sprues is plasticized in a controlled manner inside the extruder. The resulting melt strand is stabilized in an integrated water bath and then cut into defined pellet sizes by the pelletizing unit. The result is a regranulate that is:
Highly homogeneous
Low in dust content
Free-flowing
Precisely and consistently dosable
These granules can be reliably reused in injection molding and extrusion processes.
TG20 Model - Technical Design and Numerical Data
The Wanner ThermoGranulator Series is offered in the TG20 model. Despite its compact footprint, the TG20 provides sufficient performance and stability for industrial recycling applications.
Technical specifications:
Extruder motor power: 4.0 kW
Crusher motor power: 0.37 kW
Number of heating zones: 3 (extruder barrel)
Total heating power: 3 × 3 kW
Extruder screw speed: 0-34 rpm
Maximum output capacity: approx. 20 kg/hour
Feeding system: main screw + auxiliary screw
Power supply: 400 V / 50 Hz
Control system: PLC-controlled with touchscreen interface
Machine weight: approx. 650 kg
This configuration is ideal for recycling applications with relatively low throughput requirements but high expectations for granule quality.
Intelligent Control System and Process Stability
The TG20 is equipped with a touchscreen-based PLC control system. In automatic operation mode, the system dynamically adjusts the extruder speed according to the feeding characteristics of the material. At the same time, the pellet cutter speed is synchronized to compensate for process fluctuations.
As a result:
Feeding irregularities are balanced
Pellet size remains stable
Product quality is maintained throughout the entire cycle
The control system minimizes operator intervention while maximizing overall process reliability.
Application Areas
The Wanner ThermoGranulator Series is particularly suitable for the following applications:
Highly dusty plastic grinding waste
Small-sized and irregularly shaped sprues
Recycling materials with poor flow behavior
Micro-pellet production
Simple masterbatch or coloring applications
Specialized processes where mechanical granulation is insufficient
Granules produced with the TG20 go beyond the capabilities of standard mechanical granulation in terms of both process reliability and product quality.
Ease of Maintenance and Compact Design
Thanks to its compact layout, the ThermoGranulator TG20 can be installed with minimal space requirements in production environments. The accessible extruder design simplifies maintenance and cleaning operations. Components exposed to wear are engineered for long service life.
These features reduce total cost of ownership while ensuring stable and reliable performance over many years of operation.
Conclusion
The Wanner ThermoGranulator Series is a professional, extruder-based regranulation solution developed for the direct conversion of challenging plastic waste into high-quality granules. The TG20 model delivers homogeneous, free-flowing, and process-compatible regranulate even from dusty, irregular, and small-part materials, significantly enhancing quality and efficiency in recycling operations. For companies looking to go beyond the limitations of mechanical granulation, the ThermoGranulator Series represents a strategic and long-term investment.
