Single-shaft Shredder

Standard Single-Shaft Shredder

A proven, ram-fed single-rotor shredder design built for controlled size reduction of rigid plastics, wood, pallets, and production scrap—ideal when you need consistent output for downstream recycling.

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Standard Single-Shaft Shredder Overview

RTM RTMS series shredders follow the industry-standard single-shaft (single-rotor) layout: a slow-speed rotor, fixed counter-knives, a hydraulic pusher (ram) and a sizing screen. Material is continuously presented to the cutting zone until it meets the required size and discharges through the screen.

Best for: Rigid plastics (purge, lumps, runners, sprues, crates), wood waste & pallets, light production scrap, and mixed bulky items that benefit from a ram-fed cutting chamber.

What makes it different from twin-shaft machines: A standard single-shaft shredder produces a more controlled, screen-defined output—ideal as a primary or secondary shredder in a recycling line.

RTMS standard single-shaft shredder with ram-fed cutting chamber

Standard Single-Shaft Shredder Core Modules

A standard single-shaft shredder is defined by its single rotor, ram-fed cutting chamber and sizing screen. These modules work together to deliver consistent discharge size and stable throughput.

Single Rotor

A slow-speed, high-torque rotor with knife pockets provides steady cutting and high resistance to shock loads—ideal for rigid plastics and bulky items.

Knife System

Rotary knives cut against fixed counter-knives to shear material efficiently. Knife arrangement and material options are selected for wear life and your feedstock.

Hopper & Hydraulic Ram

The hopper loads parts into the chamber while the hydraulic pusher presses material into the rotor for consistent bite—especially important for large, hollow or bulky pieces.

Screen & Discharge

A sizing screen controls the discharge size. Material circulates in the chamber until it can pass through the screen, producing a more uniform output.

Drive & Controls

Motor + gearbox drive the rotor; PLC logic can manage ram cycles, overload protection and auto-reverse to keep production stable and reduce downtime.

Working Principle (Ram-Fed Single Rotor)

Material enters the cutting chamber through the hopper. The hydraulic ram pushes it into the rotor, where rotary knives cut against fixed counter-knives. Pieces remain in circulation until they can pass through the sizing screen, which controls the final discharge size and improves uniformity for downstream recycling.

Standard Single-Shaft Benefits:

  • Screen-defined output size for consistent downstream processing
  • Hydraulic pusher improves bite on bulky and rigid materials
  • Low-speed, high-torque cutting reduces heat and dust
  • Stable, automated operation with overload protection and auto-reverse
  • Designed for continuous industrial duty with serviceable wear parts
Rotor knives and counter-knives of a standard single-shaft shredder

Single-Shaft vs. Twin-Shaft: Choosing the Right Shredder

FeatureSingle-Shaft ShredderDouble-Shaft Shredder
Primary RoleControlled size reduction with a screen-defined outputHigh-torque pre-shredding / tearing for bulk reduction
Output Size ControlYes (screen controls discharge size and uniformity)Typically no screen; output is larger and less uniform
Typical MaterialsRigid plastics, wood waste, pallets, production scrapMixed waste, bulky items, film bundles, hollow plastics
Feeding & ControlHydraulic ram feeds the rotor for consistent biteSelf-feeding dual rotors; aggressive pull-in
Best Use in a LinePrimary/secondary shredder before granulation or washingPre-shredder before single-shaft shredding or crushers
Operating ProfileStable, consistent output; good for controlled productionHigh bulk reduction; best when uniform size is not required

Single-Shaft Shredder Demo Video

Watch how a standard single-shaft shredder produces a controlled, consistent output for recycling and waste volume reduction.

Technical Specifications

These are standard RTMS series configurations. For your material and target output, we can recommend rotor size, screen configuration, knife setup, and automation options.

ModelRTMS-600RTMS-800RTMS-1000RTMS-1200
Capacity (kg/h)300–500500–800800–12001200–1800
Main Motor Power30 kW45 kW2 × 37 kW2 × 45 kW
Hydraulic Motor Power4 kW4 kW5.5 kW5.5 kW
Blade MaterialSKD11SKD11SKD11SKD11
Rotor Diameter (mm)Φ400Φ400Φ450Φ500
Rotational Speed (rpm)85858070
Output Size (mm)400–600600–800800–12001500–2000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a standard single-shaft shredder? +

A standard single-shaft shredder is a ram-fed, single-rotor machine that cuts material against fixed counter-knives. A screen controls the discharge size, producing a consistent output that is easier to handle in downstream recycling.

How do I choose the screen size (output size)? +

Screen size is chosen based on your target output and downstream equipment. Smaller screens produce a more uniform output for granulation or washing lines; larger screens increase throughput for pre-sizing. Share your feedstock and target size and we’ll recommend the best configuration.

Can a single-shaft shredder handle bulky rigid plastics and wood? +

Yes. The hydraulic pusher (ram) presses bulky parts into the rotor, improving bite and throughput on rigid plastics, pallets and wood waste. For extremely large or mixed waste, a twin-shaft pre-shredder can be added upstream.

Is it used as a primary shredder or secondary shredder? +

Both. Many recycling lines use a standard single-shaft shredder as a primary shredder for rigid plastics and wood. It’s also commonly used as a secondary shredder after a pre-shredder to achieve a more uniform, screen-defined output.

What routine maintenance is required? +

Routine maintenance includes knife inspection/rotation, counter-knife setting, screen inspection, lubrication, and checking hydraulic oil level and filters. We provide maintenance guidance and spare parts support for RTMS series machines.

Inquiries

Warranty

All our recycling machines include a one-year limited warranty.

To get current pricing and lead times, please submit your request using the form below.

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Author: Rumtoo Plastic Recycling Machine

Rumtoo Plastic Recycling Machine, the leading manufacturer of high quality PET Bottle、PP / PE Film Recycling Machinery. Our PE film washing lines offer reliability, efficiency and maximum durability in recycling dirty and soiled PET bottle、PE film back into plastic granulate. With more than two decades of service to the plastics recycling industry, Rumtoo is proud to be responsible for recycling thousands of tonnes of plastic films such as plastic bags, PP non-woven supersacks and LDPE film every month at hundreds of recycling facilities worldwide.

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