1. Check temperature of die and pellet mill when installing the die!
Fitting new respectively cold dies to a warmed up machine can cause problems because steel expands on getting warm. Avoid using force. Hammer strokes may lead to damage. If using a hammer is unavoidable use a 10 cm thick woodblock between hammer and die/machine to cushion the hammer blows.
2. Check the die holder before mounting the die!
Worn out die holders allow the die to move slightly during operation. However small this movement may be it has the effect of heavy hammer strokes upon the die transmitted via the die bolts and keys. This leads to material fatigue and a premature end of the die.
3. Carefully check the die seat on the die holder!
A loose seat causes hammering in the keyways and bolt holes with same results as above.
4. Pay utmost attention when setting the pressure rollers.
Rollers pressing tightly on the die cause oval deformation. The frequent and rapid change of tension in the rotating die can lead to material fatigue and cracking. -Rollers adjusted too tightly may also cause deformation of the bore hole ends. Capacity is reduced and early wearing out of the die occurs.
5. Protect your die against damages from tramp iron!
Install reliable magnets or, if required, sieve the meal before palletizing. If tramp iron gets into your die remove it immediately.
6. Make it a rule to start every new die with new pressure rollers!
Used and worn pressure rollers cause uneven pressure on the bore holes. This leads to lower capacity and inferior pellet quality. It is wrong to try to solve this by tightening the position of the rollers. This only leads to deformation of the bore hole ends, as under 4.
7. Preserve the die when not in operation!
Even when stopping only for a short time a fatty meal should be left on the die before stopping. If the die is not to be used for a longer period it should be stored in neutral and stabilized feed oil. That will facilitate restarting of the die, especially when dies with small perforations are concerned.
8. By all means avoid mechanical damage of the bore holes!
Clogged dies may be drilled out. However, to burn them out is better. Before doing this please contact us for advice to avoid annealing of hardened die.
9. Use a special meal mixture when re-installing a drilled out or burnt out die!
Use an 80:20 mixture of bran to grinding powder. Grinding powder should be 90-100 microns. Dry sand or silicon carbide may be used for this
10. Avoid unnecessary abrasive friction by proper opration and economical running of your pellet mill!
In order to reach the best possible pellet quality the required thermal energy should initially be taken from the available steam and not from heat generated by friction in the bore hole.
