ZE series parallel twin-screw extruders are equipped with easily interchangeable barrels and screws; conveying, reverse-conveying, kneading and mixing segments can be combined in the desired configuration. The series is grouped into two families: a compact benchtop laboratory family with 5–18 mm screw diameters, and a production family with 18–100 mm screw diameters; the manufacturer draws a clear line between the two groups.
In both families, each heating zone is independently controlled and logged together with motor torque; the logs can be exported via USB or Ethernet. Control is provided by Siemens hardware/software, with operation via a Siemens HMI Comfort Panel. Higher-level control systems are available for multi-extrusion or multi-component processes.
- One-piece or split barrel option — leak-free assembly, connected with a single Triclamp
- Steep temperature gradients possible thanks to deep cross-sections between segments
- Each heating zone independently controlled; optional water/air cooling
- Multiple solid/liquid dosing points; dies that can be removed and refitted quickly with four screws
- ATEX Category 3D/3D (up to 230 °C), IP54 standard — higher available as an option
- Standard traceability: per-zone temperature, torque, torque trend, speed, USB/Ethernet data output
Choosing a Family — Benchtop Laboratory or Production?
The manufacturer defines the models in two clear groups: 5–18 mm screw diameter table-top laboratory models; 18–100 mm screw diameter production models. The ZE 18 is available in both families (with a benchtop or production housing option).
| Feature | Benchtop Laboratory (5–18 mm) | Production (18–100 mm) |
|---|---|---|
| Models | ZE 5 · ZE 9 · ZE 12 · ZE 18 (benchtop) | ZE 18 · ZE 24 · ZE 32 · ZE 50 · 100 HMI |
| Typical sample quantity | Batch from 0.5 g | Continuous feeding, kg/h – t/h scale |
| Housing | Compact, portable, glove-box compatible | Integrated or external control unit, production line integration |
| Weight | ~45–58 kg | Hundreds of kg – ~2,500 kg (ZE 50) |
| Typical use | Formulation development, small quantities/expensive active ingredients | Pilot/production-scale compounding, continuous line |
Benchtop Laboratory Models — ZE 5 / 9 / 12 / 18 HMI
| Parameter | ZE 5 | ZE 9 | ZE 12 | ZE 18 (benchtop) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. pressure (die) | 200 bar | 200 bar | 250 bar | 250 bar |
| Max. torque (per screw) | 2.5 Nm | 14.5 Nm | 20 Nm | On request |
| Die diameter range | 0.2–3 mm | 0.2–5 mm | 0.2–8 mm | 0.2 mm+ |
| Empty volume (L:D 15:1) | 1.2 cm³ | 6 cm³ | 14 cm³ | – |
| Weight | ~45 kg | ~49 kg | ~51 kg | – |
| L/D ratio options | 15:1 · 20:1 · 25:1 · 30:1 · (up to 40:1 on 18 mm) | |||
| Screw speed | 1–300 rpm (higher on request) | |||
| Max. temperature | 230 °C (optional 400 °C) | |||
| Control | Siemens HMI Comfort Panel, independent heating-zone control | |||
Example output rates (stearyl alcohol / Soluplus®, 1 mm round die, standard screw): range from 0–0.45 kg/h for the ZE 5, 0–1.7 kg/h for the ZE 9, and 0–2.7 kg/h for the ZE 12; actual values depend on the material and screw configuration.
Production Models — ZE 18 / 24 / 32 / 50 / 100 HMI
| Parameter | ZE 18 | ZE 24 | ZE 32 | ZE 50 | 100 HMI |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max. pressure | 250 bar | ||||
| Max. torque | 60 Nm | 120 Nm | On request | On request | |
| Max. temperature | 230 °C (optional 400 °C) | ||||
| Cooling | Water / air | ||||
| Number of heating zones | 1–8 zones | ||||
| L/D ratio options | 15 · 20 · 25 · 30 · 40 · 50 · 60 or on request | ||||
| Screw speed (ZE 50) | 0.1–300 rpm (optional 1–1000) | ||||
| Output (ZE 50) | Up to 150 kg/h | ||||
| Weight (ZE 50) | ~2,500 kg | ||||
| Drive (ZE 50) | Low-noise servo motor | ||||
The 100 HMI is the largest production model in the series; the full series from 5 mm to 100 mm together covers a wide processing range, from 0.5-gram samples up to 2 tons. For the 100 HMI, torque, temperature and L/D values are determined per project.
Screw and Barrel Design
- Barrels are manufactured entirely in-house; leak-free assembly with one-piece or split (openable) options
- Different process lengths are always interchangeable; barrel combinations are possible with clamp connections
- Compact, weight-saving design; the free-standing barrel allows dosing and sensor access from all four sides
- Modular screws can be machined 1:1 from a single piece — easy to clean
- Conveying, reverse-conveying, distribution, backfeed and kneading segments; stop elements to increase pressure
Heating and Cooling
| Parameter | ZE 5 | ZE 9 | ZE 12 | ZE 16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating zone power | 50 W | 100 W | 100 W | 200 W |
| Heat-up time to 100 °C | 3 min | 3 min | 4 min | 5 min |
| Heat-up time to 200 °C | 8 min | 9 min | 11 min | 13 min |
Each heating zone includes two heating cartridges and one PT100 for temperature measurement (48 V, standard 230 °C, max. 450 °C). Heat-up times can be shortened by increasing heating cartridge power. Water, air or liquid nitrogen cooling options are available.
Materials
| Product-contact parts | Stainless steel, DIN Pharma grade 1.4404 (AISI 316L) or higher, polished |
|---|---|
| Non-contact parts | Steel and aluminum (motor, transmission) |
| Seals | PTFE, silicone (heat-resistant up to 230 °C, optional 400 °C) |
Options & Accessories
Quality & Certification
A quality management system compliant with ISO 9001:2008 requirements; optional GMP compliance. Risk assessment, GMP documentation, user manual, and material and surface certificates are provided. Spare parts availability is guaranteed for ten years; instrument damage not caused by the user is covered by a one-year warranty.