The WEIMA W5.18 is an industrial shredder designed for the shredding of plastic waste in in-house and post-consumer recycling, and is also capable of processing paper and cardboard. Within the W5 series, it combines compact dimensions with an increased material capacity and offers flexible application options in recycling.
The wider rotor width compared to the W5.14 enables the efficient processing of wider and bulkier plastic parts as well as mixed material streams, such as those encountered in both production waste and recycling operations. A modern machine control system with integrated sensors supports consistent throughput and ensures high process reliability during continuous operation. This makes the W5.18 suitable for plastics processors and recyclers who need to respond flexibly to changing material requirements without compromising on automated processes.
The technical equipment options and integration possibilities within existing recycling lines are described below.

Maximum throughput with a solid V-rotor
The W5 series V-rotor, measuring 500 mm in diameter and up to 2,200 mm in length, has been designed to meet ambitious throughput targets whilst offering high flexibility. Thanks to its innovative design, even large start-up lumps, hollow bodies and very bulky parts are no problem.

Reliable shredding of fibres and films using the F-rotor
The F-Rotor is specifically designed for the shredding of fibrous materials and films, ensuring reliable feed and controlled material guidance. The optimised cutting geometry prevents material from wrapping around the blades, produces uniform particle sizes and stabilises the shredding process in downstream industrial applications.

Consistent cutting quality with externally adjustable counter blades
Externally adjustable and reversible counter blades ensure a constant cutting gap throughout their long service life. The simple adjustment reduces downtime and maintains shredding performance even when material requirements change.

Efficient maintenance thanks to a large hydraulic inspection hatch
The hydraulically operated inspection hatch provides quick and safe access to the cutting chamber at working height. Maintenance and cleaning tasks can be carried out efficiently, thereby minimising unplanned downtime.

Continuous material feed via a vibrating feeder
The hydraulically controlled swing gate feeds the material evenly to the rotor and prevents bridging. The material slides towards the rotor under its own weight and is then pressed against it continuously or intermittently by the hydraulically movable swing gate. Optional pressure-feeding systems increase the feed rate and stabilise the throughput when processing challenging materials.

Adaptable drive technology for different load profiles
Depending on the application, we offer two drive concepts: The high-torque drive, featuring a high-torque, multi-pole synchronous motor, is manufactured by Baumüller in Germany and is characterised by its resistance to foreign objects. With no gearbox, the drive withstands shocks and vibrations, ensuring a particularly long service life. The hydraulic drive from Hägglunds / Bosch Rexroth is highly responsive – even at low power consumption. Stopping, starting and reversing are possible even under full load. Speed and torque can be continuously adjusted without a frequency converter.

Robust frame construction designed for continuous operation
The solid steel structure, fitted with vibration-damping mounts, reduces mechanical stress and wear. This increases machine uptime and reduces maintenance costs over the entire lifecycle.

Reliable process control with a PLC touch panel
WEIMA’s latest generation of shredders also features state-of-the-art technology in a compact control cabinet. The Siemens PLC control system allows not only the shredder but also the peripheral equipment – including conveyor belts, separation technology and secondary shredders – to be controlled centrally. This enables material flows to be processed in an energy-efficient manner. For even greater flexibility, including during maintenance, WEIMA offers an optional, handy remote control for machine operation.

Time savings during loading and unloading thanks to the large feed opening and wide conveyor belt opening
The large feed opening with a low loading sill allows for direct loading using a forklift or wheel loader, thereby reducing handling times during operation. The wide conveyor belt opening is designed to handle high discharge volumes and enables the rapid, clean removal of the shredded material. This increases the plant’s throughput and minimises downtime caused by material jams.








