DSM Research developed a twin-screw extruder with a capacity of just a few grams of material that fits easily on your laboratory bench or in a fume cupboard! This micro-extruder, which is the smallest in the world, is an unique asset for the development of new plastic compounds: Where in the past, testing and evaluating of new polymeric materials or additives was not possible because not enough of the new polymer was available or because the additives were too expensive, now this micro-extruder offers the solution to all these problems. Even more when it is used in combination with our laboratory injection moulding machine. The core of the micro-extruder is formed by a divisible mixing compartment containing two detachable, conical mixing screws. Both the screws and the housing are specially treated to minimize wear. The main drive is continually digitally variable and allows for torque measurement. The processing temperature can be adjusted in 2 separately controlled heating zones and the mixing time can be varied via recirculation of the melt. Other standard features are air and water cooling, manually operated control unit, axial force measurement, temperature measurement in the melt and the possibility to connect the machine to a PC for software control of the parameters and for data acquisition (RS 232). Control- and acquisition software are available on request but not included with the standard machine. Some of the specifications of the 5 cm3 micro-extruder are given below.

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