The MAAG Group’s upgraded strand pelletizer, the PRIMO 60 E and PRIMO 120 E, were designed to meet the challenges faced by masterbatch manufacturers and flexible compounding processes. With frequent color and formulation changes as well as small production batches, the system maximizes equipment availability by drastically reducing downtime.
In modern plastics processing, increasing product diversity and smaller batch sizes are the norm. A plant’s cost-effectiveness therefore depends heavily on how quickly it can be back in operation after a product change. This is where the PRIMO E series comes in: A key benefit for customers is the single-sided mounting of the cutting rotor. This open design provides operators with quick access to the entire cutting chamber. This feature simplifies cleaning and minimizes the risk of material carryover or color contamination in subsequent batches.
“With the PRIMO E series, we achieve the highest possible efficiency during frequent product changes,” explained Alexander Helm, Product Manager for Strand Pelletizing at MAAG Group. “Our customers benefit from a design that reduces unproductive downtime to an absolute minimum. Instead of hours-long changeovers, we ensure maximum flexibility while maintaining consistently high pellet quality—a real competitive advantage for small batches and frequent product changes.”
Another technological milestone is the simple, rapid replacement of cutting tools and feed rollers. To respond flexibly to a wide variety of material properties—ranging from soft and elastic to highly filled and abrasive—MAAG offers a range of more than 150 cutting rotor variants, as well as precisely matched counter knives and feed rollers. High-quality materials such as chrome tool steels, cemented carbide, or powder-metallurgical steel ensure consistently high pellet quality and long service life.
The extremely short, unguided length between the feed and the cut ensures precise strand cutting. An optional dual-drive variant allows for stepless adjustment of pellet length and weight. The systems are available in two adaptable sizes with strand feed speeds of up to 120 m/min:
- PRIMO 60 E: 60 mm working width, 2.2 kW motor power.
- PRIMO 120 E: 120 mm working width, 4.0 kW motor power.
Both models can be seamlessly integrated into complete MAAG strand pelletizing lines. The system demonstrates that modern pelletizing technology is defined not only by throughput but also by overall efficiency and flexibility in day-to-day production.
