Plastic Screen Changer

A Plastic Screen Changer is a vital component in plastic extrusion processes, such as film, pipe, or recycling lines, acting as a filtration system to remove contaminants and impurities like dirt or unmelted particles from the molten polymer melt before it reaches the die head. This mechanism uses a metal filter screen, often housed in a movable slide plate or piston, to ensure a consistent flow of clean material, thus enhancing product quality and protecting downstream equipment like gear pumps. Available in manual, semi-automatic (hydraulic), or fully continuous types, screen changers minimize production downtime by allowing for quick, sometimes non-stop, filter replacement. The device operates by diverting the melt flow to an alternate, clean screen when the working screen is clogged, indicated by a pressure buildup.