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Screw Pull Aid for Injection Molding & Extrusion | PEKUTHERM®

Screw Pull Aid for Clean, Efficient Screw Removal

In plastics processing, screw removal is one of the most labor-intensive and time-consuming maintenance tasks. Residual plastic, carbon buildup, and degraded polymers often make screw pulls difficult, messy, and inefficient.

 

PEKUTHERM® functions as a high-performance screw pull aid, enabling maintenance teams to remove screws cleanly, safely, and with significantly reduced downtime.

What Is a Screw Pull Aid?

A screw pull aid is a material used prior to maintenance shutdown to:

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  • Displace residual plastic inside the barrel

  • Encapsulate degraded material

  • Leave the screw clean for removal and inspection

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Unlike traditional purging compounds or carrier resins, PEKUTHERM® uses a mechanical thermoelastic action to physically remove contamination rather than relying on chemical reactions or dilution.

The Maintenance Problem

Maintenance teams routinely face:

 

  • Screws packed with degraded polymer

  • Carbon buildup deep in screw flights

  • Difficult, time-consuming cleaning after removal

  • Increased labor costs during scheduled downtime

  • Safety risks from hot or partially molten residues

 

In many facilities, screw pulls require:

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  • Manual scraping

  • Secondary cleaning processes

  • Extended downtime windows

How PEKUTHERM® Works as a Screw Pull Aid

PEKUTHERM® behaves differently than traditional purge materials.

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During processing, it softens into a thermoelastic, self-adhering mass that:

 

  • Forms a solid purge plug

  • Adheres to itself, not the machine

  • Encapsulates residual plastic and contamination

  • Travels through the screw and barrel as a unified mass

 

When the screw is pulled, PEKUTHERM® leaves behind a thin, peelable film, often described by operators as similar to clear cellophane.

 

This allows maintenance teams to:

 

  • Remove screws with minimal residual plastic

  • Peel off remaining material quickly and cleanly

  • Inspect screw condition without interference

Injection Molding Applications

In injection molding environments, PEKUTHERM® is used prior to shutdown to:

 

  • Clear color and material contamination

  • Remove carbon buildup from screw flights

  • Prepare the machine for maintenance or inspection

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Result:

 

  • Cleaner screw removal

  • Reduced post-pull cleaning time

  • Faster return to operation

Extrusion Applications

For extrusion operations, PEKUTHERM® is especially valuable during:

 

  • Planned maintenance shutdowns

  • Material transitions involving high-temperature polymers

  • Screw inspections and replacements

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Field-proven performance includes:

 

  • Ultra-low-temperature purging (~175°F for rubber applications)

  • Reduced need for manual screw scrubbing

  • Improved uptime and maintenance efficiency

Step-by-Step: Using PEKUTHERM® as a Screw Pull Aid

  1. Run PEKUTHERM® at appropriate processing temperature

  2. Allow material to fully displace existing resin

  3. Form a consistent purge plug through the system

  4. Shut down and begin screw pull procedure

  5. Remove screw with minimal residual contamination

  6. Peel off remaining film for final cleaning

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Benefits for Maintenance Teams

PEKUTHERM® directly supports maintenance KPIs:

 

  • Faster screw pulls

  • Reduced labor requirements

  • Cleaner inspections and measurements

  • Less downtime during maintenance cycles

  • Reduced need for manual scraping and solvents

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In many operations, screw pulls are reduced to:

 

  • Inspection-only events

  • Wear verification

  • Preventative maintenance

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Field-Tested and Maintenance-Approved

Maintenance professionals and third-party service crews consistently report:

 

  • Cleaner screw removal across varied operating conditions

  • Reliable performance regardless of temperature or cycle speed

  • Reduced dependency on secondary cleaning processes

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In some cases, contractors require PEKUTHERM® prior to performing screw pulls to ensure efficient service.

Dual-Use Advantage: Purging + Screw Pull Aid

PEKUTHERM® is uniquely positioned to serve both:

 

  • Production teams (purging during operation)

  • Maintenance teams (screw removal and cleaning)

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This eliminates the need for separate products and simplifies plant-wide material management.

Why PEKUTHERM®

  • Trusted in continuous production use since 1985

  • Mechanical, thermoelastic cleaning — not chemical

  • Non-abrasive and safe for screws and barrels

  • No carrier resin or blending with production material

  • Wide operating temperature range across formulations

Request a Sample

Experience cleaner screw pulls and reduced downtime with PEKUTHERM®.

 

👉 Request a Sample of PEKUTHERM®

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