The oscillating screw shaft ensures an intensive product exchange in the axial direction through multiple division, folding, and reorientation of the kneading mass. This results in an excellent distributive mixing effect through optimal distribution of the raw materials. The BUSS Co-Kneader technology is particularly effective when liquid additives need to be incorporated or a high level of fillers must be added. The interaction of the characteristic kneading flights of the screw shaft and the stationary kneading pins achieves effective mixing. The oscillating movement of the screw shaft allows for an extremely short process length.

Our Compounding Technology

The excellent mixing properties of the BUSS Compounders are due to their unique functional principle: simultaneous rotation and axial oscillation of the screw shaft and the stationary kneading pins.

Our long-standing expertise in process engineering enables us to comprehensively advise and support our customers from the feeding of the pellets into the compounder to the further processing of the compound.

Advantages

and Special Features of BUSS Co-Kneader Technology

  • Uniform, moderate shearing action without temperature peaks

  • Low product temperatures

  • Precise temperature control

  • Narrow residence time distribution

  • Intensive mixing with low specific energy input

  • Extremely short process length

The unique co-kneader principle

This video shows the operating principle of the oscillating shaft of our BUSS co-kneader in conjunction with the kneading elements and pins. It is a unique compounding system with unparalleled flexibility. This allows for customized compounding conditions for versatile applications. Tailored shaft configurations lead to moderate shear and temperature conditions for sensitive materials. The interaction of the kneading flights of the screw shaft and the kneading pins ensures intensive self-cleaning and distributive material mixing.

Discover our co-kneader series

BUSS compounder vs. extruder

Where the co-kneader surpasses the extruder

At first glance, the principle of the BUSS Kneader might be mistaken for a conventional extruder. However, it is crucial to understand the differences between the various systems to make the right choice for the required application, as each system has its specific advantages. The following overview shows key features in comparison. Contact us with your requirements!

Schematic representation/drawing of a BUSS co-kneader.
Schematic representation/drawing of a twin-screw extruder.
Schematic representation/drawing of a single-screw extruder.

BUSS Co-Kneader

  • Rotation + axial oscillation (1 stroke/revolution)
  • Consistent, adjustable shear rates
  • Very good process control
  • Good self-cleaning effect
  • Especially suitable for demanding mixing processes

Twin-screw extruder

  • Two co-rotating screws, varying shear gap
  • Fluctuating shear rate due to tolerances in the shear gap
  • Irregular temperature/material flows with challenging materials
  • Good self-cleaning effect
  • Limited efficiency with challenging materials

Single-screw extruder

  • A rotating screw
  • Low shear and temperature buildup
  • Hardly controllable mixing process
  • No self-cleaning effect
  • Only suitable for simple applications

The detailed comparison between BUSS Kneaders and conventional extruders

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-screw Extruder

Single-screw Extruder

Screw with pins arranged radially in the process bore · Intensive and gentle mixing Two intermeshing co-rotating screws · Mixing through shear forces between the screws Single screw · Mainly for melting and conveying

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-screw Extruder

Single-screw Extruder

Excellent dispersion and homogenization · Ideal for highly filled and difficult-to-mix materials Very good mixing through intensive shearing · High shearing, but local temperature peaks Limited mixing · Mainly suitable for simpler applications

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-screw Extruder

Single-screw Extruder

Very gentle on temperature-sensitive materials due to even temperature distribution Good control, but localized heating possible with more intensive shearing Not ideal for temperature-sensitive materials, localized heating possible

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-Screw Extruder

Single-Screw Extruder

Highest homogeneity and dispersion, better mechanical properties through gentle processing Good homogeneity and material properties, better than single-screw extruder Produces simple product quality

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-Screw Extruder

Single-Screw Extruder

Optimized energy profile due to lower torque requirement and integrated energy-saving measures – despite high throughput Higher energy demand due to more intensive shearing and high torque Low energy consumption, but limited mixing and processing performance

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-Screw Extruder

Single-Screw Extruder

Wear-critical components specifically optimized · Robust construction · Easy maintenance · Long service life Moderate wear, especially with abrasive materials Low wear, but limited process flexibility

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-Screw Extruder

Single-Screw Extruder

Future-proof and sustainable investment – thanks to state-of-the-art technology, energy efficiency, and longevity, economically viable in the long term (TCO-optimized) Cheaper to purchase, but higher operating costs for demanding mixing processes Lowest purchase costs, but limited application possibilities and lower efficiency

BUSS Co-Kneader

Twin-Screw Extruder

Single-Screw Extruder

Specialized in temperature-sensitive, highly filled, and difficult-to-mix materials · Special compounds, engineering plastics, highly filled polymers, elastomers, adhesives, fibers, masterbatches, paints & coatings, powder coatings Wide range of materials · Compounds, masterbatches, fibers, blown films Standard polymers and easily processable materials · Profiles, pipes, films

The COMPEO Compounder in the Context of

Complete Systems

The BUSS Co-Kneaders enable gentle, high-quality processing of materials. With consistent, moderate shear rates that maintain a narrowly defined temperature range and avoid temperature peaks, as well as through intensive, distributive mixing, the production of sophisticated compounds is made possible.

Our BUSS Compounding Technology and these additional technical features lead to the successful use of our BUSS machines in complete systems:

  • Pressure Generation, Discharge Units: In the BUSS Co-Kneader, mixing occurs independently of the pressure build-up of the downstream discharge unit. This allows for individual optimization of both process steps – the material can be gently processed at low pressure and lower temperatures.
  • Filler Feeding: With the BUSS Compounding Technology, filler contents of up to 90% are possible. To achieve these high filler contents, side feeders with multiple feeding positions and gravimetric dosing devices are used. BUSS side feeders significantly improve the efficiency of feeding compared to other systems.
  • Specialized Pelletizing Technology: The proprietary pelletizing technology offers precise control and high efficiency.
  • Integration of Proven Modules: Additional modules from established partners complement the BUSS technology, creating a comprehensive solution for complex production requirements.

Through the seamless integration of the BUSS Compounder into upstream and downstream units, a system is created that meets the highest demands for quality and productivity.

Our experienced project team ensures with enthusiasm and responsibility that BUSS Compounding Systems are optimally tailored to the specific application and operate reliably, continuously, and process-optimized.

Our Plant and System Expertise

Process Engineering & Technical Center

BUSS provides extensive expertise for every step in the compounding process. Based on our many years of experience, we develop customized system concepts with innovative process technology and our own technologies. In our laboratories, our engineers focus on optimizing the entire compounding process – from material feeding to pelletizing. With our modular concept, we collaborate with you at the BUSS technical center to develop the ideal process solution, featuring optimally coordinated co-kneaders.

COMPEO 110 Compounder with an inlet screw, two side feeders, and a BUSS CSS-F discharge unit as an exemplary representation of the process engineering possibilities.

Our Expertise in Process Technology

More about us

Applications

Learn more about the applications that our Co-Kneader series can produce thanks to the BUSS Compounding Process.

Contact

Have you become interested and would like further information without obligation? Then send us an inquiry now and we will get back to you. For specific sales and trial inquiries, we provide you with extensive forms for a detailed inquiry.

Service

In after-sales service, we work closely with our customers globally from our strategically located service centers to provide unbeatable production availability. Our modularly designed service level agreements complete our service offering.