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The plastics industry relies on robust, high-performance pumps to support a variety of manufacturing processes—from raw material handling to extrusion, cooling, and waste recovery. Pumps must cope with viscous polymers, abrasive additives, and elevated temperatures, all while maintaining precise flow control. Whether in injection moulding, compounding, or resin manufacturing, efficient fluid handling is key to product quality and process uptime.

Key Applications

1. Polymer and Resin Transfer
Raw polymers, liquefied resins, and additives are transferred from storage tanks to processing equipment. Progressive cavity, gear, and diaphragm pumps are commonly used for their ability to handle thick, sticky materials without clogging or excessive shear.

2. Extrusion and Compounding Support
Pumps are used to feed plastic melts, masterbatches, and filler materials into extruders and blending systems. These applications require precise control over flow rate and pressure, with pumps capable of continuous operation under high-temperature conditions.

3. Cooling and Heat Transfer Circulation
Cooling systems are vital to control temperatures in moulds and processing lines. Centrifugal and multistage pumps circulate water or oil-based coolants to maintain consistent thermal conditions, essential for moulding precision and surface quality.

4. Chemical Dosing and Additive Injection
Plastic products often incorporate dyes, UV stabilisers, antistatic agents, or flame retardants. Metering pumps ensure precise dosing of these additives to achieve uniform dispersion and consistent performance.

5. Waste and Regrind Handling
Plastic production generates scrap and wash water containing particulates, pellets, or regrind. Abrasion-resistant pumps are used to transport these materials to reprocessing systems or treatment plants.

6. Solvent and Cleaning Fluid Transfer
Solvents used in mould cleaning or surface preparation require chemically compatible pumps, often with ATEX compliance for flammable liquids. Magnetic drive and diaphragm pumps are ideal for safe, leak-free transfer.

Industry Demands

  • High-Viscosity Capability: Pumps must move thick, semi-solid materials smoothly and reliably.

  • Temperature Resistance: Many applications involve hot fluids or molten materials.

  • Abrasion Resistance: Fillers and regrind can be highly abrasive.

  • Precision Control: Flow stability is essential for process quality and consistency.

How Tomlinson Hall Can Help?

With over a century of experience in pump distribution and engineering solutions, Tomlinson Hall & Co Ltd supports the plastics industry with pump systems designed to handle viscous, abrasive, and high-temperature applications. As a distributor for globally trusted pump manufacturers, we offer tailored solutions for extrusion, blending, cooling, and more.

Our in-house team of technical experts can assist with:

  • Pump selection and specification for polymer, additive, and coolant handling

  • High-viscosity, abrasion- and heat-resistant pump technologies

  • On-site consultations and troubleshooting

  • Bespoke pump builds and modifications

  • Full aftersales support, including servicing and repairs

Whether you’re producing high-volume packaging or technical plastic components, Tomlinson Hall delivers pump solutions that support precision, efficiency, and durability.

Need help finding the right pump for your plastics process?
Get in touch with our team today—we’re here to help.