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tools:plastics:plastic_grinder [2023/09/24 19:36] – ↷ Page moved and renamed from tools:imported:plastic_grinder_tool_guide to tools:plastics:plastic_grinder smartin015tools:plastics:plastic_grinder [2024/03/07 16:41] (current) – georgiabc92
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-====== Plastic Grinder (Please check, needs manual & pics, are we still going to use this?) ======+====== Plastic Grinder ======
   * Model: [[https://community.preciousplastic.com/academy/build/shredder|Precious Plastic V1 Plastic Grinder]]   * Model: [[https://community.preciousplastic.com/academy/build/shredder|Precious Plastic V1 Plastic Grinder]]
   * Manufacturer: [[https://preciousplastic.com|Precious Plastic]]   * Manufacturer: [[https://preciousplastic.com|Precious Plastic]]
-  * Manual: [[https://example.com|Link]]+  * Manual: [[https://community.preciousplastic.com/academy/build/shredder|Grinder Operations Guide]]
  
 This machine allows you to shred plastic into small flakes. This machine allows you to shred plastic into small flakes.
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 ⚠️ Always use the plunger to guide plastic into the blades—no hands!\\ ⚠️ Always use the plunger to guide plastic into the blades—no hands!\\
 ⚠️ Power off the machine before clearing a jam. ⚠️ Power off the machine before clearing a jam.
 +⚠️ Always wear safety goggles while operating the grinder.
  
 See the [[#tool-safety|Safety Section]] for more information. See the [[#tool-safety|Safety Section]] for more information.
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 ===== Tool Anatomy ===== ===== Tool Anatomy =====
  
 +  - E-Stop Switch - This button cuts power to the machine. 
   - Power Switch - The lever turns the machine on and off. It can move the blades forward or in reverse to help clear build up.    - Power Switch - The lever turns the machine on and off. It can move the blades forward or in reverse to help clear build up. 
   - Hopper - Funnels new material into the blades to be shredded   - Hopper - Funnels new material into the blades to be shredded
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   - Receptacle - Removable bin that captures the freshly shredded material   - Receptacle - Removable bin that captures the freshly shredded material
   - Maintenance Tag - Manually tracks the usability status with Green/Yellow/Red cards   - Maintenance Tag - Manually tracks the usability status with Green/Yellow/Red cards
- 
  
  
 ===== Tool Safety ===== ===== Tool Safety =====
 +
 +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". 
  
 ===== Personal Protective Equipment ===== ===== Personal Protective Equipment =====
  
-When using the Plastic Grinder, Hearing Protection, Closed-toed Shoes, and Safety Goggles are also required.+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. 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.
- 
  
 ==== Common Hazards ==== ==== Common Hazards ====
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   * Always ensure safety goggles are on before use   * Always ensure safety goggles are on before use
   * Be aware of others in your space at all times   * Be aware of others in your space at all times
 +  * Use the plunger to block escaping plastic particles
  
 The most significant hazard is getting caught in the rotation of the motor or blades and being drawn into the grinder. The most significant hazard is getting caught in the rotation of the motor or blades and being drawn into the grinder.
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 ===== Operation ===== ===== Operation =====
   - Plug in the machine and power on the grinder   - Plug in the machine and power on the grinder
-  - Load the plastic and wait +  - Load the plastic just a few pieces at a time and guide them using the plunger 
-  - Check the blades periodically, gently guiding with the plunger+  - Occasionally, run the blades backwards to clear any clogged plastic 
 +  - If running the machine with the mesh filter installed, be sure to clear the plastic from the filter if it starts to build-up inside the grinder. This build-up can heat-up and melt if left circulating in the grinder for too long.  
 +  - Check the blades periodically
  
 ===== Cleanup ===== ===== Cleanup =====
  
   - Power off and unplug the grinder   - Power off and unplug the grinder
-  - Vacuum the interior and mesh to avoid cross contamination+  - Use pressurized air to blast extra plastic out of the grinder blades. Use the provided wooden filter to prevent plastic from aerating  
 +  - Remove the mesh filter (if using), clean, and replace
   - Sweep debris from surrounding area   - Sweep debris from surrounding area
  
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 ===== Troubleshooting ===== ===== Troubleshooting =====
 ^ Common Issues ^Possible Causes ^ Resolutions ^ ^ Common Issues ^Possible Causes ^ Resolutions ^
-|The motor makes a gnarly sound when powering on| The ignition switch is not fully engaged| Power off immediately, then restart while making sure that the switch is fully engaged|+|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 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. | |:::|The blades may be operating in reverse |Flip the ignition switch in the opposite direction. |
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 When using plastics other than #5 (Polypropylene), please be extra careful to properly clean up and avoid cross contamination. 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. 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.
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 ===== Tools ===== ===== Tools =====
  
-The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the....+The following should be in a Maintenance tool kit for the Grinder...
  
  
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 ===== Regular Maintenance ===== ===== Regular Maintenance =====
 +
 +  * Every XXX hours of use, replace the oil in the gear box with XXXX. Wear a respirator, gloves, and be sure to do this somewhere with good ventilation
tools/plastics/plastic_grinder.1695584206.txt.gz · Last modified: 2023/09/24 19:36 by smartin015