Plastic Runner Recycling
Injection-molding runners can be granulated beside the molding machine or in a central recycling area. This page compares HGS slow-speed and HPC high-speed routes, shows how runners reach each machine, and explains material preparation before regrind returns to molding.
What Are Plastic Runners?
Plastic runners are the branches and connecting pieces left after injection molding.
“Runner” describes the waste form, not the plastic type. Runners can be granulated into smaller pieces, called regrind, for reuse in molding. Depending on the plastic and molding process, the regrind may need drying or mixing with new material before it returns to production.
How Are Plastic Runners Recycled?
Runners are cut into smaller pieces in a granulator. The two common handling arrangements are shown below.
Either machine can be used beside a molding machine or in a central recycling area, depending on the runner volume and feeding workflow.
HGS Slow-Speed Granulator
HGS uses slow-speed, screenless granulation for lower-volume runner recycling, with low dust and low noise. It is commonly installed beside the molding machine.
Typical beside-machine flow
- Runners leave molding
- HGS granulation beside the press
HPC High-Speed Granulator
HPC uses high-speed granulation for higher-volume runner recycling. It is commonly installed in a central recycling area where runners are collected and fed to the machine.
Typical centralized flow
- Collect runners
- Transfer to the recycling area
- HPC granulation
Runner Recycling Beside the Molding Machine
The photograph shows an HGS slow-speed granulator beside injection molding equipment, with dryers along the production line.
Returning Runner Regrind to Molding
One beside-machine configuration uses an inlet below an SHD dryer. Regrind enters one side, mixes with dried raw material and goes to the processing machine. The regrind's drying needs and reuse conditions depend on the material and molding process.
Explore SHD Plastic Dryers
Plastic Runner Recycling FAQs
Can HGS process PEEK or glass-fiber-reinforced runners?
Yes. HGS can process these special materials with application-specific, high-strength blades. A material test confirms the blade and machine configuration.
What if I do not know the plastic type?
A photo is enough to start an enquiry. You can include the runner dimensions and the recycling setup you use, if known. The plastic name is not required to begin the review.