Abstract: A barrel alignment structure for a pair of barrel sections each defining an end surface configured to abut each other is disclosed. The barrel alignment structure comprises of a plurality of alignment pins distributed on the end surface of the first barrel section. The barrel alignment structure further comprises of a corresponding number of slots defined on the end surface of the second barrel section, each slot configured to receive one alignment pin, wherein the slot has a width substantially equal to that of the alignment pin and a length larger than the width of the alignment pin permitting relative thermal expansion between the pair of barrel sections. An extruder barrel section is also disclosed. The extruder barrel section defining an end surface configured to abut the end surface of another extruder barrel section. The extruder barrel section comprises of a plurality of alignment pins distributed on its end surface.

Abstract: A system for clamping together a pair of extruder barrel sections of an extruder is disclosed. The system comprises of a clamp that includes an upper arm, and a lower arm connected to the upper arm at one edge of the upper arm. The upper and lower arms cooperating to define a recess configured to receive a pair of extruder barrel sections. The clamp further includes a locking structure configured to lock the upper arm to the lower arm with the pair of extruder barrel sections therebetween. The system further comprises of a support structure for the clamp that includes a bracket connected to the clamp and a column connected to a base of the extruder. The bracket and column are connected to each other such that relative movement between the bracket and the column is permitted axially along the extruder barrels sections. An extruder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for clamping together a pair of extruder barrel sections of an extruder is disclosed. The system comprises of a clamp that includes an upper arm, and a lower arm connected to the upper arm at one edge of the upper arm. The upper and lower arms cooperating to define a recess configured to receive a pair of extruder barrel sections. The clamp further includes a locking structure configured to lock the upper arm to the lower arm with the pair of extruder barrel sections therebetween. The system further comprises of a support structure for the clamp that includes a bracket connected to the clamp and a column connected to a base of the extruder. The bracket and column are connected to each other such that relative movement between the bracket and the column is permitted axially along the extruder barrels sections. An extruder is also disclosed.

Abstract: A barrel alignment structure for a pair of barrel sections each defining an end surface configured to abut each other is disclosed. The barrel alignment structure comprises of a plurality of alignment pins distributed on the end surface of the first barrel section. The barrel alignment structure further comprises of a corresponding number of slots defined on the end surface of the second barrel section, each slot configured to receive one alignment pin, wherein the slot has a width substantially equal to that of the alignment pin and a length larger than the width of the alignment pin permitting relative thermal expansion between the pair of barrel sections. An extruder barrel section is also disclosed. The extruder barrel section defining an end surface configured to abut the end surface of another extruder barrel section. The extruder barrel section comprises of a plurality of alignment pins distributed on its end surface.