In the world of twin screw extrusion, barrel wear is a persistent challenge that directly affects production efficiency, product consistency, and maintenance costs. Choosing the right wear-resistant material is not only about durability—it’s also about balancing cost, application environment, and corrosion resistance.
In this article, we explore the most effective materials for twin screw extruder barrels and introduce Zhitian’s advanced alloy options to help you make a smarter, long-term decision.
Wear resistance determines how long your barrel can withstand the constant mechanical abrasion from screw elements and filler-loaded materials. In high-throughput applications, improper material selection can lead to frequent barrel replacement, downtime, and increased production cost.
Key factors that affect barrel wear:
Zhitian offers a diverse range of barrel materials, each engineered for specific wear and corrosion conditions:
Material Code | Type | Alloy System | Key Properties | Applications |
---|---|---|---|---|
ZT610 |
Ni-Cu | Nickel–Copper Alloy | Excellent corrosion resistance; moderate wear resistance | Corrosive but low-abrasive processes |
ZT615 | Ni-Cr | Nickel–Chromium Alloy | Balanced corrosion + wear resistance | Universal-grade for mixed applications |
ZT715 | Ni–WC | Nickel–Tungsten Carbide, 15% WC | Entry-level wear protection | Moderate filler content |
ZT725 | Ni–WC | Nickel–Tungsten Carbide, 25% WC | Enhanced wear resistance | High filler or glass-fiber loading |
ZT735 | Ni–WC | Nickel–Tungsten Carbide, 35% WC | Strong wear protection | High-output or abrasive environments |
ZT818 | Co–WC | Cobalt–Tungsten Carbide, 82% WC | Ultra-high hardness, best-in-class wear resistance | Extreme wear conditions |
Scenario | Recommended Material |
---|---|
High corrosion, low wear | ZT610 |
Balanced corrosion + wear | ZT615 |
General plastic compounding | ZT715 |
High filler content (CaCO₃, GF) | ZT725 or ZT735 |
Long lifespan, extreme abrasion | ZT818 |
Q1: What’s the difference between nickel-based and cobalt-based materials?
A: Nickel-based materials like ZT610–735 offer a range of corrosion and wear protection. Cobalt-based ZT818 has superior hardness and is ideal for ultra-abrasive applications.
Q2: Can ZT818 be used as a full barrel or only as a lining?
A: Due to its extremely high hardness and cost, ZT818 is typically used for barrel lining or cladding, especially at high-wear zones like feed sections or vent ports.
Q3: Are these materials compatible with laser cladding?
A: Yes. Zhitian applies precision laser cladding technology, allowing these alloys to bond effectively with base metals like 38CrMoAl, ensuring both mechanical integrity and longevity.
Q4: Which material offers the best cost-performance ratio?
A: ZT725 is widely regarded as the best balance between cost and performance for typical filler-loaded extrusion lines.
Q5: How can I customize my barrel with Zhitian materials?
A: Zhitian supports full customization, including twin-barrel assemblies, lined barrels, vented designs, and multi-material segment transitions based on your extrusion recipe.
With over 15 years of experience and two fully equipped factories in Nanjing and Anhui, Zhitian serves customers across Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Americas. Our CNC-machined barrels are trusted by OEMs and rebuilders alike.
Whether you're in plastic compounding, masterbatch production, or high-volume extrusion, choosing the right wear-resistant barrel material can significantly extend equipment life and improve ROI.
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