Why choose a bimetallic barrel for your plastic extrusion or injection

Why choose a bimetallic barrel for your plastic extrusion or injection?

When it comes to injection or extrusion molding, the barrel and the screw are the most critical components in the machine. They must be made from high-quality materials that are exceptionally strong and offer high temperature, wear, and corrosion resistance.

Most barrels are made from 4140 and micro-alloy series steel due to the strength of the material. The barrel can then be lined to resist wear, abrasion, and corrosion better while increasing strength, extending the overall life of the component, and improving production throughput. Linings available include bimetallic, nitriding, tool steels, and more.

How is a bimetallic barrel lined?

Cast bimetallic barrels are created through a metallurgical bond. A lining alloy (typically 1mm-2mm in thickness) is bonded to the inside of a seamless pre-machined steel tube. The bond is achieved by heating the barrel as the lining material melts. They are then rotated at high RPM’s and cooled – centrifugally casting the lining alloy onto the inner surface of the barrel to achieve an inseparable bond.

Why would you select a bimetallic barrel?

As a plastics manufacturer, you know that your end product is only as good as the machine that produced it. You also understand that extruding or injection molding certain plastics or plastic polymers (such as recycled materials, glass fibers, mineral filler, engineering plastics, PVC, reinforced plastics, and many more) can take a toll on your machine. Bimetallic barrels may be a bit more costly at the front end; however, their extended life and better resistance to wear and corrosion mean you will save money in the long run. An investment in your machinery, ensuring the highest quality components and tools, is essential for manufacturing the best quality products.

What makes bimetallic barrels such a great choice?

The features of a bimetallic barrel are uniquely engineered and designed to allow them to better cool or heat with precise control for uniform zone temperatures.

They also offer:

  • Improved process control
  • Optimized performance
  • Improved barrel and screw life
  • Wear, abrasion, and corrosion resistance
  • Fatigue resistance
  • And much more

Bimetallic barrels from Santa Fe Machine Works, Inc.

The bimetallic barrels offered by Santa Fe Machine Works, Inc. are of the highest quality on the market today. The barrels are made from top-quality Japanese and US materials and are available with various lining options, depending on your specific application requirements.

Tan Star High-Performance Bimetallic Barrel linings offeredOther High-Performance Bimetallic Barrels linings offered
TP-F Nickel base for corrosive resistance F10 Iron/Boron for general purposeR241 Nickel base with carbide for high wear and moderate corrosion resistance
T10 Nickel base with carbide for <15% glass fiberR112 Iron base for general purpose
T25 Nickel base with carbide for <30% glass fiberBO55 Nickel base and 0% iron content casted by HIP (Hot Isostatic Pressing) for severe corrosive resistance
T40 Nickel base with carbide for <50% glass fiber 
T60 Nickel base with carbide for Halogen free materials with high corrosion resistance 

How can we help you?

The doors have been open at Santa Fe Machine Works, Inc. since 1923, and for the past 45 years we have been dedicated solely to the manufacture and supply of new & rebuilt injectionextrusion screws, barrelsvalves to the plastics industry. We also offer custom-tailored screw, barrel, and valve combinations, allowing our customer’s production goals to be met in the best, fastest, and most cost-effective ways possible. Our employees have over 200 years of combined experience in the plastics industry and are eager support your specific extrusion or injection needs. Have a question, need assistance, or looking for a quote? Contact us today!