Single Shaft Shredder for Plastic Recycling

Our single shaft shredder delivers flexible size reduction with precise control for uniform output. The robust rotor design and adjustable screen ensure consistent particle size, ideal for washing lines, extrusion and pelletizing systems.

Throughput: 100–1000 kg/hScreen: Adjustable SizeOperation: 24/7 Ready
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Product Overview

Applications include rigid plastics (HDPE, PP, PVC), film scrap, purgings and in-plant recycling. Low-speed, high-torque operation reduces wear and noise while maintaining throughput. The machine is often used as the first stage before washing or granulating.

Gangsu single shaft shredders are designed for 24/7 operation with easy maintenance, reversible blades and durable construction. Options include hopper design, conveyor integration and custom screen sizes.

Shredder rotor detail

What Is a Film Shredder and How Does It Work?

A film shredder is a size-reduction machine built for thin, flexible plastics — stretch film, agricultural film, shrink wrap, woven bags and plastic bags — producing consistent flakes ready for washing and pelletizing. Standard crushers are intended for rigid plastics; film needs the shear cutting of a single shaft rotor.

A massive, specially shaped rotor runs at low speed (around 74 RPM) with high torque. A hydraulic pusher ram presses condensed film bales into the cutting chamber, where rotor knives shear against stationary counter knives — cutting rather than ripping the material.

Output size is controlled by an adjustable, interchangeable screen mesh (normally 40–100 mm). Material not passing the screen re-enters the cutting chamber. In practice, wet or sand-loaded film bales are often run first through an 80 mm screen, then re-shredded at 40 mm for finer washing feed.

Single Shaft vs Double Shaft

Single Shaft Shredder

Standard for film recycling

One profiled rotor with self-acting knives cuts against stationary counter knives at low speed (60–85 RPM) and high torque.

  • Screen-controlled uniform particle size
  • Less dust, quieter, easier to clean
  • Precise sizing for washing and pelletizing
  • Throughput 300–2,000 kg/h

Double Shaft Shredder

For bulky rigid waste

Two counter-rotating shafts with interlocking blades run at very low speed (15–30 RPM) with extremely high torque.

  • Handles large and heavy items
  • Self-feeding and contamination tolerant
  • No screen — more irregular output size
  • Throughput 500–5,000 kg/h coarse

Materials & Applications

LDPE / LLDPE Stretch Film

LDPE / LLDPE Stretch Film

Common SourcesPallet wrap, stretch wrap, shrink film, silage wrap
Processing NotesOften baled (400–600 kg); hardened knives handle high moisture and contamination
ApplicationsFlakes for washing and pelletizing lines
HDPE / PP Woven Bags

HDPE / PP Woven Bags

Common SourcesFertilizer bags, rice bags, cement bag liners, bulk packaging
Processing NotesShear cutting of woven polypropylene; hardened agitation blades
ApplicationsUniform flakes for washing and granulation
Agricultural Film

Agricultural Film

Common SourcesGreenhouse film, mulch film, tunnel covers
Processing NotesHigh contamination and organic loading; wear-resistant facing available
ApplicationsPre-wash flakes for heavily soiled film
Post-Consumer Plastic Bags

Post-Consumer Plastic Bags

Common SourcesGrocery bags, shopping bags, consumer packaging film
Processing NotesHigh flow, mixed composition; flexible 60–80 mm sizing screens
ApplicationsFirst-pass flakes for downstream washing
Industrial Packaging Film

Industrial Packaging Film

Common SourcesShrink bundles, protective wrap, foam laminates, barrier film
Processing NotesOn-site recycling of post-industrial scrap lowers disposal cost
ApplicationsClean in-house regrind for reuse
Non-Woven & Fiber Waste

Non-Woven & Fiber Waste

Common SourcesPP non-woven, PET fiber, fiber-based materials
Processing NotesBlade and screen design shear thin fibers instead of bunching them
ApplicationsConsistent fiber flakes for reprocessing

Key Features & Engineering Advantages

Single shaft shredder features

V-Cut Rotor Geometry

Angled blade engagement peels through film and thin composites for higher throughput and lower noise.

4-Way Reversible Knives

Each concave ground square knife rotates four times before sharpening; externally adjustable in minutes.

Heavy-Duty Hydraulic Ram

A swing-type pusher presses material against the rotor at precise pressure and prevents film wrap-around.

Overload Protection

Amp-meter control reacts to motor load and reverses the rotor to eject metal, stones and unshreddable objects.

Quick Screen Access

Hydraulic screen cradle swaps screen types in under 15 minutes for fast changeover between material streams.

Robust Safety Systems

Rundown safety device, hinged two-piece guard and CE / UL / CSA compliant protection for safe operation.

Technical Parameters

Model Motor Power (kW) Rotor Diameter (mm) Screen Hole (mm) Capacity (kg/h) Weight (kg)
HS-6001530012–2580–150~1200
HS-8002240012–25150–300~1800
HS-10003050015–30250–450~2500
HS-12003760015–30350–600~3200
HS-15004575020–40500–800~4200

* Parameters vary with material and configuration. Contact us for a detailed proposal.

Standard Equipment & Available Options

Standard Equipment

  • Large diameter flat rotor with machined pocket knife holders
  • Concave ground square knives (4-way reversible)
  • Robust hydraulic swing-type ram construction
  • Heavy-duty guide bearings with universal couplings
  • Low speed, high torque geared drive
  • Oil cooling on ram and gearbox
  • Two-speed hydraulic system with amp meter control

Available Options

  • Hard facing for abrasive applications
  • Multiple rotor designs
  • Ram comb plate and pipe spacer
  • Hydraulic screen cradle for quick screen changes
  • Gearbox with shrink disc and rotor cooling
  • Touch screen PLC control
  • Increased motor drive or hydraulic drive option

Machine Details

Heavy-duty Rotor

Heavy-duty Rotor

Large-diameter flat rotor with machined pocket knife holders for consistent shredding and long service life.

Main Shaft & Gearbox

Main Shaft & Gearbox

Low-speed, high-torque geared drive with heavy-duty guide bearings and universal couplings.

Rotor Knife & Screen

Rotor Knife & Screen

Concave ground 4-way reversible knives and interchangeable screens (40–100 mm) for output control.

Hydraulic Ram & Hopper

Hydraulic Ram & Hopper

Robust swing-type hydraulic ram feeds material continuously; hopper and conveyor options available.

Shredder in Complete Recycling Lines

A shredder is the first step of the recycling process. When integrated with washing, drying and pelletizing, the shredder must be sized to match line capacity — a correctly matched screen aperture and throughput prevent bottlenecks downstream.

Bale BreakingShredderFriction WasherSink-Float TankCentrifugal DryerPelletizerClean PelletsSilo
CEULCSAISO 9001:2015

Every shredder is delivered to the strictest international safety standards, keeping operators protected and simplifying market approval worldwide.

FAQ

What is a plastic film shredder and what makes it different from a granulator?

A film shredder uses a low-speed, high-torque rotor with a hydraulic ram to cut flexible films into uniform flakes. Granulators run at high speed and work best on rigid plastics — film tends to wrap around high-speed rotors, causing jams. The single shaft design with a hydraulic pusher avoids this.

What is the difference between single shaft and double shaft shredders?

Single shaft shredders use one rotating rotor and are ideal for precise output control and uniform particle size. Double shaft shredders use two counter-rotating shafts for higher throughput on bulky items. Choose single shaft for film, washing lines and extrusion; double shaft for primary reduction of large rigid plastics.

What materials can the single shaft shredder process?

The shredder handles PE (LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE), PP (woven and non-woven), PVC film, agricultural film, stretch wrap, plastic bags, non-woven fabrics and rigid scrap. Screen size and blade configuration can be adjusted for your material and desired output.

How do I choose the right screen size?

For direct pelletizing of clean film use a 40 mm screen for fine flakes. For washing lines, 60 mm balances throughput with surface area for contaminant removal. For coarse pre-shredding of baled material, use 80–100 mm screens for maximum throughput.

How often do the shredder knives need replacement?

Each knife has four cutting edges, so you rotate three times before resharpening. On clean PE/PP film a full set lasts 800–1,200 operating hours; abrasive materials reduce this to 400–600 hours.

Can it integrate with washing and pelletizing lines?

Yes. The shredder is the first stage before washing, granulating or pelletizing. We can size the shredder, motor and screen to match your line capacity and provide integration support.

How does the shredder handle contamination?

The overload protection system monitors motor amperage and reverses the rotor to eject metal, stones or other unshreddable objects. For ongoing abrasive contamination, wear-resistant rotor components and hard facing are available.

About Us

Gangsu designs and manufactures plastic recycling machinery, from shredding to pelletizing, for customers worldwide.

Why Us

Robust machines, proven process design and responsive support so your line runs reliably and delivers quality output.

Our Service

Installation, training, spare parts and aftersales support to keep your recycling line running at peak performance.

Get a Quote

Tell us your material, capacity and site conditions. We'll propose a solution and a detailed quote.

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