Laboratory-scale extruders are  used for processing plastics, rubbers, food products, and many other materials. These extruders feed materials through a hopper, heat them to a predetermined temperature, and then perform kneading and shaping processes.

Laboratory-scale extruders are typically used in research and development stages before production. These extruders are ideal for small-scale production and sample preparation. Additionally, they are used to test and improve material properties.