Granules

Depending on the material and manufacturing process, granules have specific properties:

• Uniform grain size: allows controlled dosing and processing.

• Flowability: easy handling thanks to good flow and transport properties.

• Thermoplastic processability: many granules, particularly plastic granules, can be shaped by heat and pressure.

• Variety of materials: granules can consist of thermoplastics, elastomers or recycled materials.

Granules are divided into different types based on their material and application:

Type	Material	Properties	Typical applications
Plastic granules	Polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS	Light, thermoplastic	Injection moulding, extrusion
Rubber granules	EPDM, SBR	Elastic, shock-absorbing	Sports surfaces, playground flooring
Recycled granules	Recycled plastic, rubber	Sustainable, cost-effective	Building materials, packaging

Granules are produced by various processes that are matched to the starting material and the desired grain size:

Processes for producing granules

• Extrusion: material is melted, pressed through a die and cut into small pellets.

• Agglomeration: powdered materials are formed into granules by pressure and heat.

• Size reduction: larger pieces of material are broken down mechanically.

• Spray drying: liquid materials are converted into granules in a drying process.

Granules are a universal material and are used in many industries:

Plastics industry

• Manufacture of injection-moulded and extruded products such as hoses, profiles and moulded articles.

• Raw material for 3D printers.

Rubber industry

• Use of rubber granules in sports floors, playground surfaces and damping materials.

• Manufacture of new rubber products from recycled granules.

Construction industry

• Use of recycled granules in asphalt mixes or concrete.

• Insulating materials based on granules.

Chemical industry

• Granules as carriers for chemical additives.

• Production of catalysts and fillers.

• Easy dosing: uniform grain sizes enable precise processing.

• Efficient storage and transport: granules can be transported in a space-saving and cost-effective way.

• Material flexibility: a wide variety of materials and applications is possible.

• Recyclability: granules can often be recycled and reused.

• Contamination: granules can become contaminated during production or storage.

• Quality differences: differences in grain size or material composition can affect processing.

• Costs: high-quality granules can be expensive, especially for special materials.

Property	Plastic granules	Rubber granules
Material	Thermoplastics	Elastomers
Processing	Melting and moulding	Mechanical or chemical bonding
Applications	Injection moulding, extrusion	Sports floors, playgrounds
Flexibility	Limited	High
Costs	Variable, depending on the polymer	Lower for recycled material

• What are the main applications of plastic granules? Plastic granules are mainly used in injection moulding and extrusion, for example to manufacture packaging, pipes or technical components.

• Are granules environmentally friendly? Recycled and biodegradable granules can contribute to sustainability. However, environmental compatibility depends heavily on the type of material and the production conditions.

• Which factors influence the quality of granules? Grain size, material purity and homogeneity are crucial for processability and the quality of the end product.

• Can granules be recycled? Yes, many granules, especially those made of plastic and rubber, can be recycled and reused for new applications.

Granules are a universal material that is indispensable in almost every industry. Their properties, such as easy handling, variety of materials and recyclability, make them a key component in modern production. Whether in plastics processing or the rubber industry, granules offer flexible solutions for a wide range of applications.