"AI is a tool, not the end goal. True leadership is defined by the ability to leverage technology to deliver consistent, tangible, and measurable benefits for our customers."

Amid the digital evolution of plastics machinery, Keya—a veteran with over 30 years in polymer compounding and modification—remains committed to its philosophy: Technology Rooted in Applications, Intelligence Serving Value. By fostering deep integration between industry and academia, Keya is spearheading the transition toward smart manufacturing."

According to Zhao Zhiming, COO of Nanjing Keya Equipment Technology Co., Ltd., intelligence is not about stacking technical modules, but about architecting systems to prioritize customer value. "AI is a tool, not the end goal," he notes. "True leadership is defined by the ability to leverage technology to deliver consistent, tangible, and measurable benefits for our customers."

At the CHINAPLAS fairgrounds, Keya marks a major milestone with the introduction of the KYmach SK36 MT Twin-Screw Extruder. Boasting a powerful "3-in-1" innovative design, this machine has emerged as a centerpiece of the exhibition, drawing significant industry attention.

Zhao Zhiming, COO of Nanjing Keya Equipment Technology Co., Ltd.

Building innovation via industry-academia collaboration 

Driven by real-world industry demands, Keya has developed a seamless innovation ecosystem fueled by deep industry-academia collaboration.

"Technological leadership," Zhao explained, "is not defined by isolated laboratory breakthroughs. It is a closed-loop value chain that begins with customer pain points, matures through collaborative research, and ultimately delivers a superior end-user experience."

In 2025, Keya partnered with Beijing University of Chemical Technology to establish the Joint R&D Center for Polymer Blending and Modification Equipment. This collaboration has yielded significant breakthroughs in modified plastics, high-performance specialty polymers, polymerization, and polymer devolatilization—marking a critical technological leap from qualitative to quantitative process control.

Besides, Keya has pioneered the deployment of intelligent compounding and extrusion plants, successfully implementing smart production lines for industry leaders like CNPC and Sinopec.

"We are delivering more than just production lines; we are implementing a fully integrated, intelligent compounding and extrusion ecosystem," Zhao emphasized. At its core, the system provides end-to-end intelligence—from monitoring gearbox vibration, temperature, and oil quality to predictive maintenance for bearing wear. This technical oversight extends to the processing zone, where real-time feedback on temperature, pressure, and screw speed enables automated optimization and adaptive process control. Seamlessly integrated with the company's KY-Intech system, the solution ensures full-process automation from raw material intake to final packaging.

SK36 MT: A triple-threat in intelligent extrusion excellence

The SK36 MT Twin-Screw Extruder integrates German drive technology with an AI-powered core and a modular, maintenance-friendly design, specifically engineered to enhance long-term reliability and process stability. By streamlining operational efficiency, it powers the next generation of intelligent material production across a wide range of applications, including polyolefin alloys, engineering plastics, biodegradable compounds, and wire and cable formulations. The system is particularly well-suited for compounding plants and new material R&D centers that demand precise temperature control and highly efficient devolatilization.

1. Powerful drive and smart protection: The SK36 MT features a German-engineered SEW drive system delivering a torque density of 15 Nm/cm³. Its reinforced gears and optimized structure are purpose-built for high-load compounding and demanding reactive extrusion. Enhanced by AI-powered condition monitoring, the system tracks vibration, temperature, and oil quality in real time. This enables a shift to predictive maintenance, preempting failures to minimize unplanned downtime.

2. Precise control and integrated design: The extruder ensures an exceptionally stable process window with precise temperature control (±1°C) and minimal vibration (≤0.1 mm), ideal for high-end compounds and biodegradable materials. Its modular base integrates the vacuum and cooling systems directly into the frame, eliminating external piping. This design features quick-disassembly vacuum components with backflow prevention and a centralized, corrosion-resistant cooling system, significantly simplifying maintenance and cleaning.

3. Compact layout and wide material adaptability: The SK36 MT's compact footprint saves valuable floor space and simplifies installation. With high torque output and a dedicated devolatilization design, it offers broad compatibility for materials ranging from polyolefin compounds to wire and cable formulations. The system excels in applications requiring strict thermal management, making it an ideal platform for both new material R&D and production upgrades.

The SK36 MT Twin-Screw Extruder provides an intelligent and efficient solution for hi-end compounding.

Pioneering smart manufacturing to redefine equipment benchmarks

Looking ahead, Keya remains dedicated to advancing high-performance material processing. By leveraging data intelligence to redefine industry standards, the company provides tailored solutions across a diverse range of applications. Its mission is to set a new global benchmark for intelligent compounding and extrusion technology, driving high-quality growth and innovation throughout the polymer industry.

"Industry progress is ultimately measured by the competitiveness of our customers' products," Zhao concluded. "Our goal is to evolve equipment from functional to exceptional, and to transform factories from merely automated to truly intelligent."

By embedding technology into real-world applications and aligning intelligence with value creation, Keya defines the future of compounding through robust, closed-loop innovation. This commitment to tangible results is the core philosophy that sustains Keya's leadership in an ever-changing industrial landscape.

Booth: 6.1C40