PLATEX by Takımsan
The Planetary Group
The planetary group is the core of every PLATEX extruder. It consists of a planetary barrel, a central sun spindle, and a set of satellite spindles rotating in mesh between them.
System Structure
How the system is built
The inner surface of the barrel and the outer surfaces of the sun and satellite spindles are cut as 45° helical teeth. The group is machined from special steel and case-hardened by our own process for wear resistance.
This geometry is what separates the planetary system from single- and twin-screw designs. The material is rolled between many meshing surfaces at once, so mixing and plastification are completed over a far shorter length — and in far less time — than a screw-based extruder needs.
The number of satellite spindles can be changed to suit the formulation, which widens the process window without changing the machine.
Components
- 1
Satellite spindle
Six to fourteen helically toothed spindles orbit the sun spindle and rotate on their own axes at the same time — like planets around a sun.
- 2
Sun (main) spindle
The driven central spindle. Its helical teeth mesh with every satellite spindle and set the whole group in motion.
- 3
Plastic melt
Rolled between the meshing surfaces and spread into a thin film of typically 0.1–1 mm against the barrel wall.
- 4
Planetary barrel
Helically toothed on the inside. Heated and cooled from outside, its wall is wiped continuously by the orbiting satellites.
- 5
Cutting / stop ring
Sits at the outlet end of the planetary section and holds the satellite spindles in position along the axis.
Manufacturing
Machined and hardened in our own İstanbul facility
Takımsan began in 1981 as a maker of precision gear cutting tools. The machining capability developed for hobs, shapers and broaches is the same capability that cuts the helical teeth of every sun spindle, satellite spindle and planetary barrel we build. The components that determine machine performance are manufactured in-house, and every critical part is inspected against its drawing before assembly.
- 45°
- helical teeth on barrel, sun and satellite spindles
- 6–14
- satellite spindles, depending on model and formulation
- 0.1–1 mm
- typical melt film thickness
- In-house
- special steel, case-hardened by our own process
Contact Surface
More contact surface over a very short distance
Example: with a simple cylinder calculation, a module 3 planetary group with 165 mm diameter, 1,000 mm length and 10 satellite spindles at 50 rpm has approximately 352 m²·min of contact surface area.*
To obtain the same or a similar surface area:
- a 140 mm twin screw would need to be at least 4 m long;
- a 165 mm single screw would need to be at least 14 m long.
Thanks to its rolling design, the planetary extruder processes material gently and efficiently, without stagnation and stress. Regrind material can be processed without difficulty.
* Simplified geometric calculation for comparison purposes.
All eight PLATEX advantagesAdjustable Configuration
Satellite count sets the process window
The number of satellite spindles in a PLATEX barrel can be changed to alter mixing intensity, throughput capacity and the processing window for a given formulation. Fewer spindles increase throughput and reduce mixing intensity — suited to less demanding compounds. More spindles increase contact surface area — appropriate for high-filler or difficult-to-disperse systems.
This configurability also makes PLATEX suitable for regrind and post-consumer recyclate: the gentle rolling contact processes irregular feed without the stress peaks that damage twin-screw kneading blocks on contaminated material.
Compare all PLATEX models| Model | Capacity (kg/hr)* | Number of satellites |
|---|---|---|
| PLATEX 80 (Lab. Scale) (Lab scale) | Max. 45 | Max. 14 |
| PLATEX 100 | 100 – 200 | Max. 8 |
| PLATEX 155 | 450 – 800 | 8 – 13 |
| PLATEX 165 | 600 – 1,100 | 10 – 14 |
| PLATEX 185 | 750 – 1,500 | 12 – 16 |
| PLATEX 200 | 850 – 1,800 | 10 |
| PLATEX 215 | 1,000 – 2,000 | 12 – 14 |
| PLATEX 290 | 1,500 – 2,500 | 14 – 16 |
* Capacity values are approximate and vary depending on material type, formulation, filler loading and operating conditions.
Optional Parts
Configurable planetary barrels
PLATEX units are built to order. Depending on the target compound and production requirements, the planetary group itself can be configured:
Modular barrel lengths
Planetary sections can be built in different lengths or combined in series to lengthen the processing zone for demanding formulations.
Heating and cooling zones
Separate temperature-controlled circuits along the barrel, heated with oil or electric elements depending on the model.
Sensors and injection ports
Melt temperature and pressure sensors, and ports for liquid additives at specified barrel positions.
Custom tooth profiles
Non-standard barrel size and module profiles for specialised compounding tasks.
Spare Parts
Planetary group parts for PLATEX and other planetary extruders
Takımsan manufactures satellite spindles, sun spindles, planetary barrels and stop rings as spare parts — for PLATEX machines and for planetary roller extruders from other manufacturers, produced to drawing or sample.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What does the planetary group of an extruder consist of?
A planetary group consists of a planetary barrel, a central sun (main) spindle and a set of satellite spindles that rotate in mesh between them. In PLATEX extruders the barrel inner surface and the outer surfaces of the sun and satellite spindles are cut as 45° helical teeth.
How many satellite spindles does a PLATEX extruder use?
Between six and fourteen satellite spindles, depending on the model and the formulation. The number can be changed to adjust mixing intensity, throughput and the processing window without changing the machine.
What material is the planetary group made from?
The planetary group is machined from special steel and case-hardened by Takımsan’s own process for wear resistance, in the company’s İstanbul facility.
Why does a planetary group mix better than a screw?
Material is rolled between many meshing surfaces at once. A 165 mm planetary group 1 m long with 10 satellites at 50 rpm provides approximately 352 m²·min of contact surface — a 140 mm twin screw would need at least 4 m, and a 165 mm single screw at least 14 m, to match it.
Talk to our team
Over 30 years of planetary roller technology. Tell us your process — we will size the right machine.
