How to Make Plastic Powder: A Complete Guide for Manufacturers and Recycling Professionals

Plastic powder is a vital material in modern manufacturing, utilised across industries from injection moulding to 3D printing and rotational moulding. For recycling professionals and manufacturers in the USA and Europe, understanding how to produce high-quality plastic powder is crucial to improving cost efficiency, sustainability, and product consistency.

Rumtoo Machine, a leader in innovative plastic recycling equipment, offers advanced solutions tailored for transforming plastic waste into fine powder. In this guide, we will break down the entire process of making plastic powder, from material selection to machine operation.

What Is Plastic Powder and Why Is It Important?

Plastic powder refers to finely ground particles of plastic material, typically ranging from 30 to 500 microns. It is used extensively in various industries due to its easy handling, uniform flow, and compatibility with automated production systems.

Key Applications of Plastic Powder

• Injection Moulding
• Rotational Moulding
• 3D Printing
• Coatings and Surface Finishing
• Recompounding and Extrusion

Producing your own plastic powder can significantly reduce raw material costs and promote a circular manufacturing process.

Step-by-Step Process: How to Make Plastic Powder

1. Selecting the Right Raw Material

The quality of your plastic powder starts with the feedstock. Choose clean, sorted plastic scrap—common types include:

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)
• PE (Polyethylene)
• PP (Polypropylene)
• PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)
• ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene)

Rumtoo Machine recommends pre-sorted and washed materials for optimal performance.

2. Pre-Processing: Shredding and Granulation

Before pulverisation, plastic waste must be reduced to manageable sizes:

• Shredding: Converts bulky waste into smaller flakes.
• Granulation: Further reduces flake size to prepare for pulverising.

3. Pulverising: Turning Granules into Powder

This is the core process. Using a plastic pulveriser, granules are ground into fine powder. Key parameters include:

• Speed and Blade Configuration
• Cooling System (to avoid material degradation)
• Mesh Size (for desired powder fineness)

4. Sieving and Classification

To ensure uniform particle size distribution, powder is passed through vibratory sieves:

• Removes oversized particles
• Ensures batch consistency
• Supports downstream automation

5. Collection and Packaging

Once sieved, plastic powder is collected in hoppers or bags using dust-free systems. Proper labelling ensures traceability for industrial use.

Types of Plastic Pulverising Equipment

Disc Mill Pulverisers

Ideal for rigid plastics like PVC. Offers high-speed rotation and superior control.

Cryogenic Pulverisers

Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze plastics before grinding, perfect for heat-sensitive materials like TPU or rubber compounds.

Turbo-Type Pulverisers

Efficient and fast, turbo models are suitable for high-volume operations with precision control.

Rumtoo Machine provides all three types, helping clients select the right machine based on material type, volume, and fineness requirements.

Benefits of Producing Plastic Powder In-House

• Cost Savings on raw material procurement
• Quality Control over particle size and purity
• Waste Reduction through full recycling of in-house scrap
• Environmental Compliance with EU and US sustainability regulations

Rumtoo Machine’s equipment is CE and ISO certified, ensuring compatibility with regulatory requirements.

Equipment Workflow Diagram

Performance Comparison Chart

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why Choose Rumtoo Machine for Your Plastic Powder Production?

Rumtoo Machine combines engineering excellence with years of experience in plastic recycling. Our plastic recycling equipment is trusted by manufacturers across Europe and the USA for its durability, innovation, and precision.

Key Advantages:

• Turnkey solutions for plastic powder production
• Customisable systems for varied material types
• Full technical support and installation service
• Efficient after-sales support and parts availability