The PET pelletizer Tornillo 120 is a specialized screw-based machine designed for processing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into uniform pellets. These pellets are essential for creating new plastic products in a sustainable and efficient way. The Tornillo 120 refers to the screw (Spanish: tornillo) diameter of 120mm, which directly influences production capacity and material throughput.
What Does a PET Pelletizer Do?
A PET pelletizer takes in shredded or melted PET plastic—often sourced from used bottles or packaging—and transforms it into reusable pellets. These pellets serve as raw material for manufacturing fibers, containers, films, and other plastic goods. The pelletizing process is a vital link in the circular economy and plastic recycling ecosystem.
Key Features of the Tornillo 120
The Tornillo 120 model is built to handle medium to high output needs. Key specifications typically include:
Screw diameter: 120mm
Processing capacity: 300–800 kg/h (varies by configuration)
Screw L/D ratio: Optimized for PET melting and devolatilization
Cooling system: Integrated water or air cooling for pellet solidification
Die face or strand-cut pelletizing option
Thanks to its large screw diameter, the Tornillo 120 offers improved plasticizing performance, better devolatilization, and more stable pellet output.
Why It Matters in PET Recycling
Using a PET pelletizer like the Tornillo 120 ensures consistent pellet size and shape, which is crucial for downstream molding or extrusion. It's particularly valuable in:
Bottle-to-bottle recycling
Textile fiber production
Food-grade rPET manufacturing
Packaging and film reuse
The high torque screw design allows for efficient processing of even low-quality or contaminated PET flakes.
Maintenance and Reliability
For operators, the Tornillo 120 is easy to maintain. Regular cleaning of the screw and die head, proper cooling system checks, and monitoring of torque/load can extend the machine’s operational life. It's usually built with wear-resistant alloy steels, ensuring durability in harsh recycling environments.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re scaling up your PET recycling operation or looking for a robust solution for consistent pellet production, the PET pelletizer Tornillo 120 is a reliable workhorse. Its blend of capacity, efficiency, and build quality makes it a popular choice for recyclers and plastic processors worldwide.
