Design for plastics pelltizing machines

Together with the MAAG Group, defortec has developed the new generation of laboratory systems for underwater pelletizing. As a machinery design agency with strong expertise in technical product design, a brand-defining, compact and highly efficient system was created that can process up to 250 kg of granulate per hour. Flexibility, reliability and intuitive handling are key priorities for this laboratory system designed for small to medium production volumes.

A central outcome of the collaboration was the structural and design-based simplification of the machine architecture—an approach that is essential both from a product design perspective and from the standpoint of a modern agency for capital goods design. The optimized structure has a direct impact on the system’s spatial efficiency, usability and cost structure. This becomes visible through the significantly reduced footprint compared to the previous model, providing a clear competitive advantage in a highly contested production environment.

The new machine structure becomes tangible through the system’s newly introduced accessibility from both sides for operation, maintenance and cleaning. This consistent enhancement of operator ergonomics greatly improves usability and enables flexible application in production settings. The optimized structure is further noticeable through a significantly improved cost structure: right- and left-hand variants are no longer necessary, as the critical, cleaning-intensive process areas are now optimally accessible from both sides. The touch panel, which can be swiveled up to 180°, supports this flexibility requirement and enables ergonomic operation from either side—an excellent example of how thoughtful product design and engineering-oriented design within a machinery design agency can create real added value in practice.

Extensive ergonomic considerations led to simplified handling processes for maintenance, service, and regular cleaning activities. The entire process area was mounted on a height-adjustable stainless steel support, allowing flexible adjustment of the system height and simplifying pre-assembly even before delivery.

The powerful, clear design emphasizes the performance and reliability of the system. The clear structure makes the machine easy to understand, and process components and piping blend harmoniously into the high-performance overall picture. The design also proves to be a functional tool in the front area of the machine: with good accessibility, reduced interference edges, and maximum user flexibility, it specifically addresses ergonomic requirements. Horizontal stainless steel surfaces under the process components not only simplify cleaning and ensure that the machine retains its high-quality appearance even after many years of operation and repeated cleaning processes, but also underline the “Made in Germany” quality.

The compact Pearlo CS underwater pelletizer was presented at K 2025, the world's leading trade fair for plastics technology and processing.

defortecs services at a glance:

• Optimization of machine structure
• Ergonomic optimization
• Industrial design
• Cost reduction