--- title: 10 Tips to Keep Your Extruder Pumping! description: Top 10 maintenance tips for keeping your extruder in optimal condition. Learn how to maximize performance and durability with expert advice from Davis-Standard. --- [Davis-Standard Blog ](https://info.davis-standard.com/en/www.davis-standard.com/blog) # [10 Tips to Keep Your Extruder Pumping!](https://info.davis-standard.com/en/www.davis-standard.com/blog/10-tips-to-keep-your-extruder-pumping) Written by [The Marketing Team](https://info.davis-standard.com/en/www.davis-standard.com/blog/author/the-marketing-team) | Jul 26, 2024 3:16:56 AM In many ways, your extruder is like the engine of your car. You need to keep it fine-tuned and operating at peak performance for best results and fewer breakdowns. When the engine runs well, you get the best mileage and reliability from your investment. Likewise, we want you to get the most from your extruder in terms of performance and durability. In this blog, we once again delve into maintenance by focusing on the extruder. Our team has put together their top 10 tips for keeping your extruder in top condition. **Tip 1** [Download](https://davis-standard.com/DS_wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Extruder-Maintenance-Checklist-1.pdf?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=Extruder+Performance+Checklist) the “Davis-Standard Quarterly Extruder Performance Checklist,” and ensure your team is monitoring and maintaining your equipment in adherence to OEM standards. **Tip 2** Monitor gearcase oil conditions weekly. Change the gearcase oil every six months or 4,000 hours of operation. For more information, check out these references: [GEARCASE OIL CHANGE INTERVALS](https://davis-standard.com/custom_blog/preventive-maintenance-for-davis-standard-gear-reducers-oil-change-intervals/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=Oil+Change+Intervals) [OIL SELECTION](https://davis-standard.com/custom_blog/preventive-maintenance-for-davis-standard-gear-reducers-oil-selection/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=Oil+Selection) [FLUSHING THE GEAR REDUCER](https://davis-standard.com/custom_blog/preventive-maintenance-for-davis-standard-gear-reducers-flushing-the-gear-reducer/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=Flushing+the+Gear+Reducer) **Tip 3** Measure screw OD and barrel ID annually, and keep track of wear for ideal processing conditions. Your regional sales manager can advise you on wear concerns. Check out the screw wear guidelines [here](https://davis-standard.com/custom_blog/feedscrew-wear-guidelines-for-best-results/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022). **Tip 4** Check barrel heater bolts for tightness and correct heater contact every 12 months. **Tip 5** ** **Examine breaker plates and spacer rings for flatness before installation. Confirm there is a tight seal between the barrel and die. **Tip 6** ** **Make sure cooling water is piped and flowing to the feed section in order to efficiently convey pelletized material. **Tip 7** Inspect motor surfaces and air intakes to ensure they are clear of debris. **Tip 8** If you notice a significant performance decline and are seeking improved efficiency, it may be time for an **upgrade**. This can include control systems, dies, process modification, refurbishing the gearcase, and more. Contact your regional sales manager for details. **Tip 9** For advanced machine monitoring for predictive and preventive maintenance consider the DS Activ-Check™ system. More information [contact us here](https://davis-standard.com/contact/?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=DSActiv-Check). You can also watch the recorded webinar hosted back in October 2021 to learn more about how real-time monitoring assists operators in extrusion. Check out this [on-demand webinar here](https://davis-standard.rallypointwebinars.com/demandRecording/4038?source=Blog&utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Purring_May_24_2022&utm_content=DSActiv-Check). **Tip 10** Keep the 844-MYDAVIS **magnet** on every machine in your plant for emergency service and spare parts. We are pleased to send you as many as you need. **[Click here](https://info.davis-standard.com/service-magnets?utm_source=Blog&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=10+Tips+to+Keep+Your+Extruder+Pumping_May_2022)** to receive your free magnet(s). You should receive your magnet(s) within 2 weeks. We are always here if you need us! For additional preventative maintenance questions, **comment below**. Any other questions, [e-mail](mailto:marketing@davis-standard.com) marketing. Don’t forget to rate our blog. Your rating allows us to continually provide the type of content you like. 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