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Application · Thermoplastic Elastomer

TPE/TPU/TPR Pelletizing: Hardness 30–90A

Elastomer compounding is dominated by oil: SEBS takes 100–300 phr, and injecting it all at once makes the screw slip instead of mix. Split the injection and the same machine behaves. A reference tpe tpu tpr pelletizing page from Kerke.

Updated 6 November 2026

Output 200–1,500 kg/h

Line type Co-rotating twin screw KTE

Basis parameter table + material trial

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 1, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 2, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 3, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 4, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 5, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing — workshop photo 6, Kerke workshop, Nanjing

Running video — TPE TPU TPR Pelletizing, Kerke workshop

Quick answer

TPE, TPU and TPR compounds from Shore 30A to 90A run on a twin screw with L/D 44–52 and underwater pelletizing for round, free-flowing pellets. Output 200–1,500 kg/h. SEBS oil absorption and TPV dynamic vulcanization need different screw designs.

30–90Ahardness range

44–60screw L/D

2 injectionsoil dosing

Workshop photos and a running video — shot on our own lines, not stock images.

What sets the limit

SEBS or base polymer is fed with oil in a dedicated absorption zone, compounded with PP and filler, then underwater pelletized. TPV requires a dynamic vulcanization zone with controlled residence time.

**Table 1.** Key parameters for tpe / tpu / tpr elastomer line. Reference values — confirm on a material trial.
Parameter	Value / range
Hardness	Shore 30A–90A (TPE/TPU/TPR range)
L/D	44–52
Oil absorption	Up to 3× rubber weight for SEBS
Pelletizing	Underwater (round pellets, no blocking)
Output (reference)	200–1,500 kg/h
Model	KTE-65B, KTE-75B

Output figures are measured on the reference material stated above. Filler grade, bulk density and moisture move output by ±15% — that is why every quotation we issue is tied to a trial report.

Process flow, step by step

FeedingLoss-in-weight dosing of polymer and filler; side feeder or liquid injection where the formulation needs it.
Melting and dispersingScrew geometry with 45°/90° kneading blocks; barrel profile set by the polymer.
DevolatilizationVacuum vent at −0.06 to −0.09 MPa removes moisture and volatiles before the die.
Pressure build-upThrottle or discharge section stabilises die pressure; a melt pump where gauge control matters.
Pelletizing and packingUnderwater (round pellets, no blocking); then centrifugal dryer, vibrating screen and bagging.

Equipment configuration

**Table 2.** What the line is made of, and why each part is specified that way.
Stage	Equipment	Why this choice
Main machine	Co-Rotating Twin Screw Extruder	Architecture follows the filling level and the mixing duty, not the required tonnage.
Screw geometry	Building-block elements, W6Mo5Cr4V2, bimetallic liner	Wear package for abrasive filler; mixing blocks only where dispersion demands them.
Feeding	Loss-in-weight feeder, side feeder where needed	Recipe accuracy: ±0.5% short term on the weighed component.
Pelletizing	Pelletizing system	Chosen by polymer and filler ceiling — water contact is the deciding column.
Downstream	Centrifugal dryer, vibrating screen, bagging	Fines below 2% and moisture below the specification of your downstream process.

Output by model

**Table 3.** Co-rotating twin screw KTE — reference output. Full range on the machine page.
Model	Dia. (mm)	Speed (rpm)	Motor (kW)	Torque (N·m)	Output (kg/h)
KTE-50B	50.5	500–600	55–75	2×525	80–200
KTE-50D	50.5	300–800	75–90	2×860	100–300
KTE-52B	51.4	500–600	55–75	2×720	80–200
KTE-52D	51.4	500–600	75–110	2×1050	100–400
KTE-65B	62.4	500–600	90–110	2×860	200–450
KTE-65D	62.4	300–800	132–160	2×1530	350–600
KTE-75B	71	500–600	132–160	2×1530	300–800
KTE-75D	71	300–800	200–315	2×2100	500–1000
KTE-85B	85	500–600	220–315	2×2100	550–1000
KTE-95B	93	500–600	250–315	2×3000	800–1500
KTE-95D	93	500–800	315–500	2×4800	1000–2000
KTE-135B	135	500–600	315–500	2×4800	1500–3000
KTE-135D	135	500–800	500–1000	2×7800	1500–4000

Three mistakes that cost the most

1. Oil added too early

Oil added too early — the feed throat slips and output fluctuates.

2. Strand pelletizing TPE gives sticky, blocking pellets; underwater is the practical choice.

Strand pelletizing TPE gives sticky, blocking pellets; underwater is the practical choice.

3. TPU run wet

TPU run wet — 0.1% moisture gives bubbles in the pellet and drifting hardness; dry 80–90 °C for 2–3 h and keep the opened bags resealed.

FAQ

Can one line run TPE and TPV?

Yes with a screw set change; TPV needs a longer vulcanization zone and tighter temperature control.

What oil ratio is feasible?

Up to 3:1 oil to rubber for soft grades; above that the melt strength is too low for pelletizing.

What output can you guarantee for this application?

The reference band is 200–1,500 kg/h, measured on the stated material. We quote a guaranteed figure only after a trial on your own material, because filler grade, bulk density and moisture move output by ±15%.

Can we run our material before ordering?

Yes — send 25–50 kg. We return pellets, a running video and a report with temperatures, screw speed, feeder settings and output per hour. The trial is free; you cover the freight.

What is the delivery time?

30–45 working days for standard configurations, 45–70 for custom screw geometry and ODM work. Voltage and frequency are built for the destination country.

Where these numbers come from

Parameters are taken from the Kerke product parameter table and the product master data sheet, and cross-checked against commissioning records for lines in the same application. Formulations and temperature windows are typical industry values, not a recommendation for your specific compound — every figure marked reference must be confirmed on a material trial before it becomes a contractual number.

Reviewed by the Kerke process team, Nanjing. Page updated 6 November 2026.

Tell us your material — we will tell you the line

Send 25–50 kg and we run it on our lab extruder: pellets, running video and a capacity report back in 3–7 days.

Get a quote Send material for trial

TPE TPU TPR pelletizing — the short version

Note on tpe tpu tpr pelletizing: the numbers above are reference ranges from Kerke's own trial runs, not catalogue promises. Screw geometry, wear package and pelletizing method are set on the trial bench first, so the output you compare is the output you get. If your grade is not in the tables, send it — the closest configuration is usually a change of screw set, not a different machine.