Flat Die vs Ring Die Pellet Mill: How to Choose the Right One for Your Needs

Amy     06/17/2025

When starting pellet production, selecting the right pellet mill is crucial for efficiency and ROI. This guide compares flat die and ring die pellet mills to help you make an informed decision.

Feature Flat Die Pellet Mill Ring Die Pellet Mill
Structure Simple vertical design Complex horizontal/vertical design
Capacity 50-800 kg/h 1-20+ tons/h
Power Consumption 15-75 kW 55-315 kW
Pellet Quality Good (density: 1.0-1.2 g/cm³) Excellent (density: 1.2-1.4 g/cm³)
Maintenance Easy (quick die replacement) Technical (requires training)
Ideal For Small farms, startups, lab R&D Industrial production, large biomass plants
Price Range $3,000-$25,000 $50,000-$500,000+

When to Choose a Flat Die Pellet Mill

  1. Small-Scale Production (<1 ton/day)

    • Ideal for: Animal feed, small biomass projects

    • Advantages:

      • Lower upfront cost

      • Easier operation

      • Portable models available

  2. Variable Materials

    • Handles: Feed mixes, soft biomass

    • Tip: Use 6-8mm die holes for best results

When a Ring Die Pellet Mill Excels

  1. Industrial-Scale Needs

    • Minimum: 5 tons/day

    • Typical users: Wood pellet plants, large feed mills

  2. Premium Pellet Quality

    • Produces:

      • Higher density pellets (better for export)

      • More consistent size/shape

Decision Checklist

Which Type is Right For You?

  • Is your daily production under 1 ton?
  • Is budget under $30,000?
  • Will you process multiple materials?
  • Do you need industrial-grade pellets?
  • Is 24/7 operation required?

Selecting 3+ checkmarks from the top suggests a flat die may suffice.