LABOTEK PLASTIC DRYING MACHINES
HIGH-PERFORMANCE DESICCANT DRYING SOLUTIONS FOR INDUSTRIAL PLASTIC PRODUCTION
One of the most critical parameters directly affecting final product quality in plastic processing is raw material moisture content. Especially hygroscopic plastics such as PA, PET, PC, PMMA, PBT, TPU, and other engineering polymers must be dried at the correct temperature, for the correct duration, and under controlled air conditions prior to processing. Otherwise, surface defects, reduced mechanical strength, gas formation, silver streaks, and color inconsistencies become unavoidable. Labotek eliminates these risks with advanced drying technologies while simultaneously ensuring high energy efficiency and process reliability.
Labotek plastic drying machines cover a wide range of applications in injection moulding, extrusion, blow moulding, and compounding lines through mobile desiccant dryers, compact rotor-based systems, and intelligent gravimetric-controlled drying units.
PRINCIPLE OF DESICCANT DRYING TECHNOLOGY
Labotek drying systems are based on closed-loop desiccant dehumidification technology. Drying air passes through desiccant beds containing molecular sieves, reducing the dew point to levels between -35 °C and -50 °C. This allows the drying air to effectively absorb moisture from plastic granules, reducing residual moisture content to below 0.02 percent. In high-temperature versions, residual moisture levels as low as 0.002 percent can be achieved.
The dual desiccant bed architecture ensures that while one bed is actively drying, the other is automatically regenerating. This design guarantees continuous operation and stable process conditions without production interruptions.
LABOTEK DDM SERIES
MOBILE DESICCANT DRYING SYSTEMS
The DDM series consists of mobile desiccant dryers designed for continuous and reliable drying of free-flowing plastic granules. Thanks to their compact design, these units can be positioned directly next to injection moulding machines.
Standard technical features include:
• Drying temperature range: 60 - 140 °C
• High-temperature version: 60 - 180 °C
• Dew point: -35 °C (up to -50 °C in HT version)
• Final moisture content: below 0.02 percent
• Drying hopper capacities: 60 / 120 / 180 / 225 litres
• Electrical power supply: three-phase, no compressed air required
• Integrated dry-air conveying system
• Built-in SVR vacuum receiver
• Noise level: 63 - 65 dBA
• Compact footprint: approximately 0.82 m²
Depending on the material type, the DDM series offers drying capacities ranging from approximately 12 kg/h to 135 kg/h for materials such as ABS, PC, PA6.6, PET, PMMA, and PBT. Energy consumption typically ranges between 0.048 and 0.087 kWh per kilogram, depending on resin type and process parameters.
The LESS (Labotek Energy Saving System) automatically reduces drying air temperature once the material reaches the required dryness, preventing over-drying and unnecessary energy consumption. This feature delivers significant energy savings, particularly in 24/7 production environments.
LABOTEK DMR SERIES
DESICCANT ROTOR MOBILE DRYERS
The DMR series uses desiccant rotor technology to deliver high drying performance in an even more compact footprint. The rotor structure ensures a constant dew point and dust-free drying air, maximizing process stability and repeatability.
Key technical highlights include:
• Air flow rate: 30 - 180 m³/h
• Dew point: -35 °C
• Drying temperature range: 60 - 140 °C (optional up to 180 °C)
• Hopper capacities: 40 / 110 / 200 / 300 litres
• PLC-controlled automation
• Insulated drying hopper made of AISI 304 stainless steel
• Footprint requirement: approximately 0.60 - 0.90 m²
The DMR series is ideal for small to medium-sized injection moulding machines, especially in applications requiring frequent material changes. Optimized energy consumption combined with constant air quality ensures high process repeatability and consistent product quality.
LABOTEK DDM 30-G
GRAVIMETRICALLY CONTROLLED INTELLIGENT DRYING SYSTEM
The DDM 30-G represents one of Labotek's most advanced solutions, combining gravimetric drying technology with mobile desiccant systems. An integrated load cell automatically adjusts drying capacity in real time according to actual material consumption.
Technical and functional advantages include:
• Drying hopper capacity: 30 litres
• Dew point range: -40 °C to -50 °C
• 7-inch full-color touch screen control
• OPC-UA ready Industry 4.0 connectivity
• Material database with up to 100 recipes
• Adaptive ramp-up and ramp-down drying logic
• Extremely compact footprint of only 0.46 m²
This system is ideally suited for low-throughput but high-precision applications, including medical, automotive, electronics, and additive manufacturing sectors.
APPLICATION AREAS
• Injection moulding lines
• Extrusion and compounding systems
• Blow moulding and film lines
• Medical and technical plastic production
• Moisture-sensitive engineering polymers
• Post-recycling regrind drying
ADVANTAGES OF LABOTEK DRYING MACHINES
• Extremely low residual moisture levels
• Continuous and stable drying performance
• Energy-efficient operation
• Mobile and compact system design
• Industry 4.0 and OPC-UA compatibility
• Broad raw material compatibility
• Three-year warranty excluding wear parts
