This machine allows you to shred plastic into small flakes.
The Tool Safety, Tool Care, Operation, section of this guide are what instructors use to ensure that you can use the equipment according to community expectations.
Plastics clearance or class equivalent is required before use.
⚠️ Always use the plunger to guide plastic into the blades—no hands!
⚠️ Power off the machine before clearing a jam.
⚠️ Always wear safety goggles while operating the grinder.
See the Safety Section for more information.
Always cut power the the Plastic Grinder when servicing or putting you hands inside of the hopper.
Always use the plunger when grinding plastic to prevent plastic from shooting out of the hopper.
Only grind known plastics and never grind parts thicker than 1/8“.
When using the Plastic Grinder, Hearing Protection, Closed-toed Shoes, and Safety Goggles are required. A face mask is recommended to prevent the inhalation of small plastic particles and irritants.
Long sleeves must be rolled up and long hair and scarves must be tied back. Avoid any dangling drawstrings or other articles of clothing that may come in contact with the motor and blades.
The most common hazard is flying debris that causes injury to the eye
The most significant hazard is getting caught in the rotation of the motor or blades and being drawn into the grinder.
If you encounter any of the issues listed in the Inspection area or have any other issues with the tool not working properly:
Common Issues | Possible Causes | Resolutions |
---|---|---|
The motor makes a gnarly sound when powering on | There is melted plastic trapped between blades | Power off immediately. Allow blades to cool, and clear out any trapped plastic |
The blades are not grabbing the plastic | Sometimes weight or shape lends itself to needing a helping guide. | Use the push tool to move the plastic towards the blade. Never attempt to do this with your hands. |
The blades may be operating in reverse | Flip the ignition switch in the opposite direction. | |
Machine stops mid shred | There is likely too much plastic. The resistance exceeds the maximum torque of the motor, causing it to stall out |
When using plastics other than #5 (Polypropylene), please be extra careful to properly clean up and avoid cross contamination.
We generally recommend first grinding your plastic with the mesh filter removed, then replacing the mesh filter for a second, finer, grind. The Pelletizer can also be used for this second step.
We’ve set up our machines to focus on diverting Plastic #5 (Polypropylene) from the landfill, which doesn’t currently have an easy municipal solution! Of course, you are welcome to bring in different Plastic materials to use on our machines.
The reason we love the global Precious Plastic community is because they provide a wealth of open source community resources! Here are some resources you may find helpful:
⚠️ AUTHORIZED MAINTENANCE GROUP ONLY |
If you are part of the maintenance group please log on to the #maintenance channel of our Discord server to:
The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the Grinder…