Feed Throat

Plastics pellets enter the barrel through the feed throat. This area usually becomes extremely hot as heat from the barrel rises into the feed throat. This heat can cause the plastics pellets to cling or stick together and will sometimes clog the feed throat.

To prevent clogging or bridging, a cool water jacket is placed around the feed throat. This helps maintain a cooler temperature in the feed throat area. (Check to be sure that the water is running because usually someone forgets to open up the valve!) If bridging does occur, you can use a wooden broom handle or plastics rod to break the material free.

WARNING:
Under no circumstances should you use your fingers or a screwdriver.

Do not look directly into the hopper, because hot plastics material can blow back and injure you. A mirror attached to a telescoping rod will allow you to peer into the hopper to see if the feed throat is clogged.