For any plastics extrusion operation, having the right loading and feeding system is critical for consistent production, quality, and efficiency. The feeding system controls the rate at which raw material is delivered into the extruder barrel for melting and extrusion. An improper feeding system can lead to issues like inconsistent extrudate properties, surging, excessive material waste, and even equipment damage. With the variety of loading and feeding solutions on the market, how do you determine the ideal setup for your application? Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a loading and extruder feeding system: Material Characteristics The first major consideration is the type of raw material being used. Plastics come in many different forms — pellets, powders, regrinds, liquids, etc. The bulk density, particle size, flowability, and melting properties will influence the optimal feeding system design. For example, lighter, fluffier materials often require a speciali