Lindner has unveiled the Micromat IV, the latest generation of its stationary single-shaft shredder for plastics. Building on the established Series III, the new model targets higher energy efficiency, wider material compatibility and simplified servicing. At its core is a state-of-the-art synchronous reluctance motor, specified at IE6 with efficiency greater than 97 percent. The new drive concept is designed without rare earths and is characterised by reduced losses in the windings and bearings. A maintenance-free coupling concept complements the drive, with automatic belt tensioning to keep the system at the optimum operating point. If a foreign body is detected, pressure is released from the hydraulic cylinder to protect the drive unit. Belt changes can be carried out on site by the customer, and a proprietary belt running-in system ensures correct tensioning after replacement. The Micromat IV also introduces an adjustable, modular rotor that allows users to switch between pointed and step knives without replacing the rotor. Cutting gap adjustment and counter-knife replacement are now performed from the outside, eliminating the need to open the maintenance flap or stop the machine. Additional updates include effective counter-knife cooling and an optimised control concept with intuitive menu navigation. The series is offered in four models with different torque and performance levels tailored to specific input material requirements.
Energy efficiency and drive system
The fourth-generation Micromat centres on an energy-efficient, maintenance-free drive architecture. The synchronous reluctance motor reaches an IE6 efficiency class and more than 97 percent efficiency. By avoiding rare earth materials and reducing electrical and mechanical losses, the motor concept is intended to enhance durability and robustness under recycling conditions. The automatic belt tensioning maintains consistent transmission, while the protective hydraulic pressure relief helps prevent damage from contaminants. Quick belt replacement on site, combined with the belt running-in routine, shortens service interventions and reduces downtime.
Cutting system and servicing
The new multicut rotor is configured for rapid adaptation to changing input streams and reduced maintenance effort. It supports four knife setups for different plastics applications:
- Step knives arranged in a row, for films and rigid plastics
- Step knives that are offset with elevations, for plastic panels and lumps
- Pointed knives in a row and offset, for films, fibres and woven plastics such as big bags
The knife configuration can be changed quickly without replacing the entire rotor. Using screwed, non-welded interfaces, the conversion can be completed in about five hours. According to Lindner, this improves adaptability across materials and simplifies maintenance procedures. Product Manager Christoph Gaschnig commented: "The new cutting system with a row of step knives has already proven itself many times over in customer tests. Applications with films in particular have shown the system to achieve up to 40 percent more throughput."
The multicut rotor in the new Micromat series offers maximum flexibility with its different knife systems for changing material flows and covers films, rigid plastics, sheets and lumps of plastic, as well as woven plastics such as big bags.
Control and configuration
For process stability, the cutting gap between rotor blades and counter knives can now be adjusted externally, and the counter knives can be replaced from the outside. This approach enables quick interventions without opening the maintenance flap or stopping the shredder. The Micromat IV additionally features counter-knife cooling and a simplified, intuitive control interface. The series is available in four versions with torque and performance levels matched to specific input materials.
