Micro Extruder ZE12: Compact and Powerful Lab Extrusion

The standard ZE 12 HMI mini extruder is a powerful and versatile tabletop micro extruder designed for precision processing in research and development as well as small-scale production. This 12 mm twin-screw system slips easily onto any bench, making it a perfect laboratory extruder for space-constrained environments without sacrificing functionality or performance. Engineered for consistent, repeatable output, the mini micro extruder supports a broad array of applications, ranging from plastics and polymers to pharmaceuticals, food science, and advanced materials research.

One of the standout features of the ZE 12 HMI micro extruder is its flexible cooling platform. Users can select water, air, or liquid-nitrogen cooling to maintain precise barrel temperatures during micro extrusion runs. This adaptability creates optimal conditions for diverse materials—particularly heat-sensitive compounds—by preventing degradation or thermal runaway. Having three cooling modes integrated into a single micro compounder accelerates formulation trials and safeguards consistent product quality batch after batch.

To further tighten process control, the ZE 12 incorporates pressure measurement directly at the nozzle, supplying real-time feedback for rapid parameter adjustment and defect avoidance. The unit can also be outfitted with automatic solid or liquid feeders that support gravimetric loss-in-weight dosing, guaranteeing an even, continuous flow of material. This automated delivery stabilizes residence time, maximizes productivity, and makes the extruder ideal for continuous or semi-continuous small-batch production.

A key advantage of the ZE 12 HMI lies in its configurable twin-screw, co-rotating conveyors. Modular screw segments can be arranged for conveying, kneading, mixing, compacting, pressing, decompressing, or reverse conveying, allowing the system to transition smoothly from standard compounding to devolatilization or reactive extrusion workflows. Acting as a true micro compounder, the ZE 12 provides torque and temperature capabilities that outclass many legacy micro extruders—surpassing comparable Xplore systems in both operational range and control—while still accommodating delicate development batches with ease.

User experience is streamlined by an intuitive HMI touch panel, which offers at-a-glance visualization and precise manipulation of every processing variable. The smart control suite shortens setup time, enforces recipe consistency, and empowers even novice operators to achieve repeatable results, while the compact chassis frees valuable bench space for downstream analytics.

Reliable and efficient, the ZE 12 HMI mini micro extruder supports industries that demand precise micro extrusion and compounding—from medical polymers and specialty food additives to high-performance composites and pharmaceutical actives. With flexible cooling, gravimetric feeding, and an adaptable twin-screw architecture, it enables innovators to develop new products, refine existing formulations, and run pilot-scale campaigns. In short, this small-scale production micro compounder delivers the throughput, precision, and versatility required for cutting-edge work, all packaged in a convenient tabletop format.