Automated Screw Extrusion Filling Lines for Artillery Shells
Precision Shell Filling Systems for Modern Munitions Manufacturing
The Evolution of Ammunition Screw Extrusion is Here
Screw extrusion has a long, trusted history in ammunition filling. It’s safe. It’s reliable. It works. But much of the equipment still in use today is rooted in legacy designs from the 1940s and ’50s. While no one can dispute the fact that Screw Extrusion is the safest filling process on the market and it creates the most even fill with the fewest voids, we can all agree that it’s slow when compared to the riskier hot pour methods.
At Macrodyne, we want to change that, but we’re not reinventing the process. To be clear, we are not tinkering with what works; we’re modernizing it with state-of-the-art automated material handling to remove all the unproductive cycle time from the process, and we are duplicating the mixing and fill systems to provide a dual-fill process. All with the focus on high-throughput ammunition production without altering the proven process.
Better controls. Better safety. Better material handling. Just better all around.
From TNT Filling Equipment to Fully Automated Production
We’ve partnered with one of the original pioneers of ammunition screw extrusion technology, with over 50 years of hands-on experience perfecting TNT filling. With his proven methods at the core, our artillery shell filling machines are reengineered with automated material handling, PLC-based filling control systems, and built-in safety redundancy.
The result? A fully modernized, production-ready solution that preserves everything that works about the original process, while delivering best-in-class quality, enhanced safety, and dramatically improved throughput.
With smarter explosive filling automation, tighter process control and fewer inefficiencies, our systems are engineered as safe explosive handling equipment that deliver greater output, without compromising on consistency or risk mitigation.
What Our Automated Screw Extrusion Systems Deliver
- Closed-Loop Control Shell Filling: Every parameter, including temperature, flow and fill volume, is monitored and adjusted in real time for consistent, repeatable results.
- Continuous-Feed Ammunition Filling: Designed for uninterrupted, large-scale shell filling with minimal downtime and maximum output.
- Volumetric and Weight-Based Fill Control: Smart systems maintain accuracy and ensure charge integrity with no voids or variation.
- Greater Safety: Sensors with redundant processes monitor all critical parameters. The closed-loop control system ensures that millisecond to millisecond, everything is operating as expected.
We build every system in-house, engineered for safety, uptime, and full traceability. When paired with Macrodyne’s integrated shell manufacturing solutions, from raw bar to painted shell, you get a fully automated, ultra-safe solution that closes the loop on your entire production process.
Key Benefits of Artillery Shell Filling Machines
Artillery shell filling machines deliver more than just speed. They ensure safety, consistency and efficiency at every stage of production. Explore the key benefits that set modern automated systems apart.
Operator Safety: Fully enclosed automation minimizes exposure to explosives and removes manual intervention.
Repeatable Precision: Volumetric and weight-based fill control ensures accuracy with no voids or variation.
High Throughput: Continuous-feed and shell handling designs supports rapid, uninterrupted production.
Smart Control Systems: PLC-based closed-loop control and monitoring with diagnostics and alarms ensures complete oversight.
Software-Level Integration: Easily connects to upstream and downstream systems, such as presses, conveyors, closures, and more.
Better Than Hot-Pour: Screw extrusion avoids the risks and limitations of liquid-pour methods.
No Cooling Challenges: Because the explosive is never fully liquefied, there’s no need for aggressive post-fill cooling.
Minimal Void Risk: Controlled extrusion produces a dense, uniform fill with fewer voids, cracks, or defects.
Safer by Design: With built-in monitoring and redundancy, screw extrusion systems reduce operator risk at every stage.
Greater Efficiency, Lower Operating Costs: Less energy. Less manual intervention. Less waste. More output.
Flexible and Scalable: Supports a wide range of calibres with rapid changeover and seamless integration.
Curious if Ammunition Screw Extrusion Technology Is Right for Your Line?
We’ll walk you through the process, options, and integration approach, no pressure.
