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The plastics industry depends on durable, high-performance pump systems to meet the demands of modern manufacturing. From resin transfer to additive dosing and cooling, the right pumping technology is essential to keeping processes efficient, clean, and cost-effective.

Across injection moulding, extrusion, and compounding, the plastics industry handles complex materials that require accurate flow control and high chemical compatibility. Pumps must perform reliably under elevated temperatures and with viscous or abrasive substances.

Plastics Industry Key Applications

1. Polymer and Resin Transfer

Raw polymers, liquefied resins, and process additives are pumped from storage tanks to feeders or mixers. Progressive cavity, gear, and diaphragm pumps are often selected for their ability to move high-viscosity materials smoothly and without pulsation.

In the plastics industry, flow stability during resin transfer is critical to ensuring consistent product quality and preventing shear damage. Pump systems must also be compatible with sticky or chemically active compounds.

2. Extrusion and Compounding Support

Extrusion lines and compounding systems rely on pumps to deliver a steady supply of melts, filler materials, or masterbatches. These processes require consistent pressure and thermal stability, especially during continuous high-volume production runs.

Pumps used here must be capable of operating under high temperatures and providing precise metering. The plastics industry often uses custom-configured systems to meet specific pressure and throughput requirements.

3. Cooling and Heat Transfer Circulation

Thermal regulation is a key factor in plastics manufacturing. Pumps are used to circulate water or oil-based coolants through moulds, dies, and process equipment, maintaining temperature control throughout each production cycle.

In the plastics industry, centrifugal and multistage pumps offer reliable heat transfer performance, helping prevent defects caused by overheating or uneven cooling.

4. Chemical Dosing and Additive Injection

Plastic formulations frequently include chemical agents such as UV stabilisers, pigments, or flame retardants. Metering pumps allow manufacturers to dose these additives precisely for uniform distribution and predictable product properties.

The plastics industry often relies on low-pulsation, high-accuracy dosing systems to ensure each batch meets regulatory and performance standards.

5. Waste and Regrind Handling

Recycling and waste handling are important in sustainable plastics production. Pumps are used to move wash water, slurry, or regrind between cleaning systems and granulators. These applications require abrasion-resistant designs.

Progressive cavity and submersible pumps help the plastics industry reduce waste and support circular manufacturing processes by recovering usable material efficiently.

6. Solvent and Cleaning Fluid Transfer

During mould maintenance or surface preparation, solvent transfer must be handled safely. Magnetic drive and diaphragm pumps are often used for their compatibility with flammable cleaning agents.

In many plastics industry settings, ATEX-rated pumps are essential for ensuring compliance when working with volatile substances.

To understand how these pumping applications fit into sustainable plastics manufacturing, see this helpful overview of plastics in the circular economy from the British Plastics Federation.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With decades of experience supplying durable and efficient pump systems, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the plastics industry with solutions engineered for high-viscosity fluids, abrasive additives, and high-temperature applications.

We offer a wide selection of pumps for polymer transfer, extrusion support, cooling circuits, and additive dosing—sourced from world-class manufacturers and configured for process reliability and control.

Our team can assist with:

  • Selection and supply of pumps for resin, melt, and filler handling
  • Systems compatible with high-temperature and high-viscosity processes
  • Solutions for dosing stabilisers, colourants, and chemical additives
  • Abrasion-resistant designs for regrind and solids-laden materials
  • Custom builds, servicing, and application-specific advice

Whether you’re running a compounding line or moulding facility, we can help you select the right pump to enhance productivity and process performance.

Get in touch with our team today — we’re here to help.

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