Noise Reduction Modifications For the Plastic Granulator

The plastic granulator is a piece of equipment that turns full-sized bottles, jugs, and other containers into smaller pieces of recycled plastic known as flakes. These flakes are used by manufacturers and molders to make new plastic products. Plastic granulators are also often utilized in waste processing plants and recycling facilities to create value from the scrap plastic that is generated by industrial processes.

While plastic granulators are commonly used in industrial settings, they can be modified for home or small business use. These machines can be a noisy addition to any shop or garage, however there are some simple noise reduction modifications that can be made to reduce the level of sound generated by these machines.

Like a shredder, the primary function of a plastic granulator is to cut up larger plastic objects into small flakes or granules. This process can also be known as shearing, grinding, or chopping. In order to perform this task the machine needs to be sharp and sharp.

The power transmission system encompasses the parts that convert electrical energy from the power supply into rotational mechanical energy for the plastic cutting/granulation system to utilize. This includes the motor, rotary valve, and reversing mechanism that is used to transfer plastic from the hopper chute to the granulation chamber and back again.

This system also includes the conveyor belt and any other mechanisms that are used to convey plastic through the granulation chamber as it is being sheared. Lastly, this system includes the hopper lip and any other structures that may be used to guide plastic into the granulation chamber during operation.

The granulation system itself is responsible for converting large blocks of plastic into small granules that can be used as polymer feedstock for recyclebots and direct material extruder-based 3D printers. This system also includes the hopper and any other structures that can be used to guide plastic into the granulation area during operation and a screen that is designed to filter granules from larger solid particles.

During the initial tests of this device it was found that the loudest source of sound in the machine was the vacuum pump. To address this problem the panel gaps were filled in with open-celled foam to increase sound absorption and transmission loss. This resulted in a significant reduction in sound levels with the most notable improvement in the 250Hz one third octave band. This modification was shown to reduce overall sound pressure levels by 4dB and 5dB for the vacuum pump. It is recommended that users of this device wear appropriate hearing protection as required by OSHA guidelines. plastic granulator