Founded in 1945 in Switzerland, Buss AG is the global pioneer in reciprocating single-screw Co-Kneader continuous compounding systems (COMPEO, Quantec, MKS, PR, and CP anode paste lines). We deliver complete industrial compounding installations, genuine wear elements, bimetallic barrels, and pelletizing lines worldwide.
Modular continuous Buss COMPEO Co-Kneaders (Sizes 55, 88, 110, 137, and 176) represent the benchmark in continuous compounding for thermoplastics, masterbatches, cable compounds, and thermosets. The patented kinematics combine uniform rotation with reciprocating axial strokes, delivering intense dispersive and distributive mixing without thermal degradation of sensitive polymer matrices. The modular process section features customizable L/D ratios spanning 11 to 28+. Depending on formulation rheology, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-flight screw segments are integrated alongside stationary pin rows. Process lines are coupled with discharge screw extruders or melt gear pumps for smooth pressure buildup and die-face pelletization.
High-throughput Buss Quantec kneaders (Models 50, 65, 85, and 110) are engineered for large-scale manufacturing of PVC, halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) cable formulations, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), and semiconductive compounds. The 4-flight reciprocating screw design with enlarged channel volumes maximizes volumetric throughput per unit of barrel length. Balanced shear kinematics between rotating screw flights and stationary pins prevent hotspot formation and polymer matrix degradation. The horizontally split clamshell barrel pivots open on hinges, providing full access for rapid barrel cleaning, screw reconfiguration, and minimal turnaround downtime.
Classic heavy-duty and laboratory Buss kneaders Series MKS (Sizes 30, 70, 100, 140, 200), PR (Models 46, 140, 200, 300), LR 100, and KX form the operational backbone across powder coating plants, toner manufacturing, and thermoset molding lines globally. They are recognized for robust crank gearboxes and enduring barrel frames. For installed legacy lines, we supply comprehensive wear parts and retrofit assemblies, including precision splined shafts, replaceable screw kneading rings, hardened barrel pins, stuffing box packing, and oscillation gearbox spares. Screw geometries can be modernized for advanced compound formulations.
Specialized heavy-duty continuous Buss kneaders Series CP 350, CP 400, CP 500, CP 600, and K 350/500/600 are developed for high-temperature carbon paste compounding in the production of prebaked anodes and cathode blocks for aluminium smelting. Continuous kneading of calcined petroleum coke, crushed butts, and molten coal tar pitch delivers uniform pitch coating across all coke fractions. The machinery operates continuously at process melt temperatures up to 250 °C under severe abrasive wear. Working surfaces are shielded by replaceable high-chromium alloy plates and tungsten carbide overlays. Throughput ratings of heavy CP series installations reach 60+ tons of carbon anode paste per hour.
Buss screw assemblies are built from modular screw elements mounted on precision-machined splined drive shafts. The portfolio includes 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-flight conveying segments, compression/decompression zones, kneading flight rings, and shear rings with clearance slots designed for stationary pin engagement during reciprocating strokes. Elements are manufactured from premium through-hardened tool steels (1.2379, 1.4112), powder metallurgy steels (CPM 9V, CPM 10V), and corrosion-resistant nickel alloys (Hastelloy C-276). Precision CNC profile grinding maintains radial clearances, eliminating clash during axial oscillations.
Kneading pins are fastened into radial threaded ports across the split barrel of the Buss kneader, acting as stationary obstacles that split and recombine the polymer melt stream during rotating and oscillating strokes. Configurations include standard cylindrical pins, aerodynamic teardrop pins, and profiled shearing wedges. Specialized options include thermocouple sensor pins (PT100, Type J/K) providing in-melt temperature telemetry without interference from barrel walls. Liquid injection pins feature internal micro-channels and check valves for direct pressurized feeding of plasticizers, silanes, and liquid additives.
The processing section of the Buss kneader utilizes a horizontally split clamshell barrel design hinged on one side. This structure allows maintenance personnel to swing open the barrel in minutes for immediate visual inspection of screw elements, carbon buildup removal, process section reconfiguration, and thorough cleaning during color transitions. The heavy-duty steel outer half-shells house replaceable bimetallic wear liners featuring centrifugally cast tungsten carbide matrices. The barrel blocks incorporate precision-drilled spiral channels for liquid temperature control (pressurized water or thermal oil), ensuring multi-zone temperature stabilization.
Because the Buss Co-Kneader operates under near pressureless conditions to prevent frictional melt overheating, pressure generation for die extrusion and pelletization is handled by a dedicated discharge unit. Process configurations utilize slow-rotating single-screw discharge extruders (Series CSS-F and CD) or heated precision melt gear pumps. To convert polymer melt into uniform pellets, lines integrate hot die-face pelletizers (water-ring pelletizers, air-cooled die-face cutters), strand extrusion heads, and underwater pelletizing systems. We supply replacement perforated die plates, rotating cutter heads, blades, and drive components.
Our process engineers perform comprehensive compounding configuration calculations: optimization of barrel L/D ratios, sequencing of 2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-flight screw segments, selection of kneading pin geometries, liquid temperature zoning, and devolatilization sizing tailored to specific formulations.
Buss Co-Kneader compounding systems operate at major international cable manufacturers (Prysmian, Nexans, Leoni), polymer producers (BASF, Clariant, Covestro), and primary aluminium smelters for continuous carbon anode paste preparation.
All genuine Buss screw elements, splined drive shafts, and kneading pins are manufactured under ISO 9001 quality controls. Advanced CPM powder metallurgy steels and bimetallic carbide alloys ensure dimensional stability under severe abrasive wear.
Buss machinery and spare components are supplied in heavy-duty export packaging accompanied by technical manuals, precision dimensional inspection sheets, and material alloy test certificates, backed by flexible international trade settlement and reliable logistics.
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