Rapid launches low height granulators for sheet and film scrap

Size reduction equipment specialist, Rapid, has launched a new series of granulators with a very low height for handling sheet and film scrap.

The new LBB 300 series (LBB stands for Low Built Base) is intended principally for use in-line with a thermoforming unit, where its very low height allows it to be located directly under the output conveyor, saving valuable floor space.

The LBB 300 series, which appeared in prototype form at K 2013 in Düsseldorf two years ago, made its official commercial debut at the Fakuma show in Friedrichshafen, Germany, on October 13-17 and is now available worldwide.

The height of the LBB 300 series is 600 mm (excluding feeder) and it is available in three widths: 900, 1200 and 1500 mm. The unit can be equipped with a rollfeed unit synchronised to the thermoforming line speed, or with a simple tray that collects skeletal frames as they fall from the line.

Rapid says the modular granulator can also be configured to fit directly under a shredder to provide final size reduction, without the need for the conveyor belt used commonly practice for connecting the two units. Rapid offers the LBB granulator in versions with various types of rotors and hoppers, depending on the application.

The very compact design of the LBB 300 series means that it takes up very little extra space on the production floor. Depending on the model, width is between 2000 and 2300 mm, and depth is 700 mm. It is designed to handle film and sheet up to 8 mm thickness, depending on material.

”We are really delighted with our latest addition to the extensive Rapid range of granulator solutions,” said Bengt Rimark, Sales and Marketing Director at Rapid. “The new LBB 300 series represents what we are all about at Rapid - innovative, flexible and highly-efficient space and cost beneficial granulator systems that meet our customers’ needs.”

The LBB 300 series uses a true scissor-cutting action to provide clean and precise cutting of sheet and film, and high quality regrind. The rotor on all models is 300 mm in diameter, fitted with six, eight or ten blades depending on model size. The two smaller units have six fixed knives, while the largest has nine. Units can be fitted with motors rated at between 7.5 and 30 kW. Maximum throughput capacities range from 800 to 1200 kg/h. Output can be transported via a vacuum conveyor straight back to the production line for reprocessing.

All units are fitted with a rotor stand-still guard for operator safety. The two larger units both feature split screens and split screen boxes for extra ease of service and maintenance. The equipment is mounted on a solid stand with castors for ease of movement when required. Basic units weigh between 1200 and 1500 kg, depending on size.