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Extrusion

Unitemp manufactures Pekutherm® mechanical-action purging compounds for plastics processors requiring fast, complete material and color changeovers. Our formulations are engineered for extrusion systems across a wide range of processing temperatures and machine sizes.

The effectiveness of a purge often depends on the type of purge compound used. Understanding the differences between mechanical and chemical purging compounds can help processors choose the best method for extrusion equipment.

 

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/mechanical-vs-chemical-purging-compounds-2026

Extrusion-Pekutherm-Products-2026

Pekutherm® Purging Compounds for Extrusion

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EX

All Sizes 375°F – 572°F (190°C – 300°C)

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HLT

All Sizes 300°F – 752°F (149°C – 400°C)

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ULT

All Sizes 175°F – 625°F (79°C – 330°C)

Pekutherm® EX

Extruder Purging Compound (375°F – 572°F)

Pekutherm® EX is a mechanical “soft-scrub” purging compound designed specifically for extrusion systems. It physically scours residual plastic, built-up material, burnt polymer, color contamination, and off-spec residues from screws and barrels.

 

Unlike traditional purging products, EX contains:

 

  • No chemical reactants

  • No hybrid lubricants

  • No carrier resins

  • No abrasive additives

Pekutherm EX does not melt. During processing, it softens to the consistency of a pencil eraser. This elastic-like behavior enables a controlled mechanical scrubbing action that removes contamination down to polished metal surfaces.

 

Applications:

 

  • Extruder color changes

  • Resin transitions

  • Removal of carbon and degraded polymer

  • High-performance polymer extrusion

Pekutherm® HLT

High-Temperature Purging Compound (300°F – 752°F)

Pekutherm® HLT is formulated for injection molding and extrusion applications requiring a broad working temperature range. It delivers aggressive yet controlled mechanical cleaning for high-temperature resins and demanding production environments.

 

HLT physically scours:

 

  • Residual plastic

  • Burnt-on material

  • Color contamination

  • Off-spec polymer and gas residues

HLT contains no carrier resins, chemical reactants, lubricants, or abrasives. It is 100 percent pure mechanical-action purge material.

 

During use, HLT softens to a resilient, elastic consistency similar to “pencil eraser.” This mechanical behavior enables effective contamination removal without smearing or dilution.

 

Applications:

 

  • Injection molding changeovers

  • High-temperature polymers (PEEK, PTFE, PAI)

  • Carbon removal

  • Production and maintenance cleaning

Pekutherm® ULT

Ultra-Low Temperature Purging Compound (175°F – 625°F)

 

Pekutherm® ULT is engineered for lower processing temperatures while maintaining the same mechanical “soft-scrub” performance as other Pekutherm formulations.

 

ULT physically removes:

  • Outgoing plastic

  • Built-up previous materials

  • Burnt polymer residues

  • Color contamination

  • Off-spec contaminants

Like all Pekutherm products, ULT contains no carrier resin, no abrasives, and no chemical reactants. It does not melt. Instead, it softens into an elastic, controlled scrubbing material that mechanically cleans screws and barrels.

 

Applications:

 

  • Low-temperature extrusion

  • Specialty materials

  • Preventative maintenance purging

  • Frequent material transitions

Why Pekutherm® Mechanical Purging Is Different

Pekutherm purging compounds rely on controlled mechanical action rather than dilution or chemical reaction. This approach allows processors to:

 

  • Reduce downtime during changeovers

  • Minimize scrap and startup waste

  • Remove carbon buildup effectively

  • Simplify screw and barrel maintenance

  • Achieve predictable, repeatable cleaning results

Technical Support & Product Selection

Selecting the proper purging compound depends on:

  • Machine type (injection molding or extrusion)

  • Processing temperature

  • Resin type

  • Color change requirements

  • Maintenance schedule

Learn the full step by step process in our guide:

How to Purge an Extruder

Carbon contamination inside extrusion equipment can lead to black specks and production defects. Learn how processors remove carbon buildup from extrusion screws and barrels.

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/carbon-buildup-extruder-cleaning-2026

For formulation guidance or to request a sample, contact Unitemp at:

Phone: (269) 408-0280

Email: pekutherm@gmail.com

Learn About Plastic Purging Compounds

 

PEKUTHERM® mechanical purging compounds are used by plastics processors worldwide to clean injection molding machines and extrusion equipment. Our technical guides explain how purging compounds work, when to use them, and how operators can reduce downtime during color or material changeovers.

 

Explore our latest guides:

 

What Are Purging Compounds? A Complete Guide for Plastics Processors (2026)

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/what-are-purging-compounds-a-complete-guide-for-plastics-processors-2026

Mechanical vs Chemical Purging Compounds: What Plastics Processors Need to Know

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/mechanical-vs-chemical-purging-compounds-2026

How to Purge an Extruder (2026 Guide)

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/how-to-purge-an-extruder-2026

 

How to Purge an Injection Molding Machine (2026 Guide)

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/purge-injection-molding-machine-2026

 

Carbon Buildup in Plastic Processing Equipment: Causes and Cleaning Methods

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/carbon-buildup-extruder-cleaning-2026

 

PEKUTHERM® ULT: Ultra-Low Temperature Purging for Injection Molding

https://www.pekutherm.org/post/pekutherm-ult-ultra-low-temperature-purging-injection-molding

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