A process for producing a uniform particle size of virgin or recycled plastic resins. Molten polymer from an extruder is forced through a die to form multiple strands of resin (similar to the chopping of spaghetti from extruded dough). Traditionally the strands are pulled by nip rolls through a water bath to cool and solidify and then into a cutting chamber where they are chopped into approximately 1/4" lengths. Modern systems incorporate underwater pelletizers where the strands are cut by a rotating knife immediately upon exiting the die. This operation takes place in a closed head as water circulates through to cool and carry the pellets away. Both methods move the pellets to a dewatering/drying system prior to final packout. (Modern Plastics encyclopaedia 1995).