A Dolci extruder in operation for 44 years

A paradigm for the reliability of Italian technology and of the made in Italy, a Dolci extruder is still in full operation after 44 years of service with the British company Luxus. As explained by the company's Chief Operating Office, Ian Pigot, it is a 35-mm single-screw extruder that was put into operation in the Louth production facility in 1970.
The machine was originally acquired for development purposes, producing samples for clients and preparing batches of material for use in the production lines, a function that it performed for thirty years. It currently produces mixtures for test batches in small 25-kg samples. According to Pigot, the fact that it represents a sort of "plug and play" technology is what has ensured its long life: since going into operation, it has contributed to the production of some 400,000 tons of recycled polymers.