Conical vs. Parallel Twin Screw Barrels: Which One Is Right for Your Extrusion Line?
Choosing the right extrusion screw and barrel configuration is one of the most important decisions in PVC processing, especially when producing pipes, profiles, or sheets. If you’re searching for “extrusion screws and barrels”, chances are you’re evaluating the two most common twin-screw barrel types: conical and parallel.
So — which one should you choose? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and applications of each to help you make the right investment for your production line.
⚙️ What’s the Difference?
1. Conical Twin Screw Barrel (e.g., 65/132, 80/156, 92/188):
The screws are arranged at a slight angle, and the barrel is tapered — wider at the rear and narrower toward the die.
2. Parallel Twin Screw Barrel (e.g., 52/105, 65/132, 93/188):
Both screws have uniform diameter and are aligned parallel throughout the barrel length.
🔍 Feature Comparison: Conical vs. Parallel
| Feature | Conical Twin Screw | Parallel Twin Screw |
|---|---|---|
| Torque Transfer | High torque, ideal for large-diameter pipes | Limited torque, more suited for profiles |
| Throughput | Higher due to larger feed volume | Slightly lower for same screw size |
| Material Feeding | Better self-feeding for rigid PVC | Requires force-feeding for some materials |
| Space Required | Compact — easier integration in smaller factories | Longer machine length |
| Wear Resistance | Less prone to wear at the feed zone | Uniform wear, easier to refurbish |
| Cost | Slightly higher | More cost-effective for some applications |
| Common Use | Large-diameter PVC pipes, foam boards | Profiles, WPC, cable ducts, window frames |
🏭 What Global Brands Use
- Conical Twin Screw Systems
Popular with AMUT (Italy), KraussMaffei (Germany), and Yizumi (China) for large-diameter PVC pipe production. - Parallel Twin Screw Systems
Found in Battenfeld-Cincinnati (Austria) and USEON lines, especially for precision extrusion of WPC, profiles, and foamed panels.
🔧 Which One Should You Choose?
✅ Choose Conical Twin Screw if you:
- Manufacture large-diameter PVC pipes (75mm to 400mm)
- Need high torque and high output
- Want better self-cleaning and self-feeding performance
✅ Choose Parallel Twin Screw if you:
- Produce profiles, sheets, or WPC decking
- Need more uniform wear and easy screw replacement
- Want a slightly lower-cost investment with modular design
👨🔧 Juyuan: Experts in Both Structures
At Zhoushan Juyuan Machinery Co., Ltd., we specialize in both conical and parallel twin screw barrels, offering:
- Precise CNC-machined twin screw sets with perfect meshing clearance
- Nitrided or bimetallic barrels for long life (HRC 60–65 hardness)
- Chrome-plated and wear-resistant screw surfaces
- Support for custom pitch, flight depth, and compression design
- Compatibility with extruders from KraussMaffei, Battenfeld, Yizumi, USEON, and more
🌐 Real-World Case: Russia PVC Pipe Factory
A customer producing 160mm PVC pipes switched from a generic 80/156 conical screw to our customized bimetallic version with a deeper compression ratio and higher L/D. Results:
- Output increased by 18%
- Screw lifespan extended from 1.5 years to 3.2 years
- Power consumption per kg of product reduced by 12%
📞 Need Help Choosing the Right Twin Screw System?
Let our engineers evaluate your current machine, materials, and output goals. We’ll recommend the best extrusion screw and barrel system for your application — including design drawings and material treatment reports.
Zhoushan Juyuan Machinery Co., Ltd.
🌐 Website: https://juyuan-machinery.com
📧 Email: cxj.job@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: +86 13905808474