a solid face die plate for an underwater pelletizer includes a carrier or holding plate having a circular slot for holding a hard anti - wear element of highly wear - resistant material through which the extrusion orifices open for extruding polymer . the solid face die plate eliminates the need for insulation or plugging material in the center of the die plate and , by embedding the hard anti - wear element within the carrier , protects the edges of the hard anti - wear element for longer wear life .