Extrusion Equipment

A patent-pending tooling system for pipe and profile extrusion uses what it calls the world's first triple helix calibrator to provide precise adjustability during start-up and operation and dramatically cut start up, changeover, and production scrap. Called the Flextrusion system and produced by HG Engineering (McPherson, KS), the technology features a patent-pending adjustable pipe-sizing sleeve to provide precise adjustability during start-up and operation.

Custom compounder Rissland Kunststoffe GmbH (Katzhütte, Germany) credits its recent installation of a rotary screenchanger/filtration system, the RSFgenius 175, manufactured by Gneuss (Bad Oeynhausen, Germany) for some major cost savings realized as the firm accelerates its reprocessing of heavily contaminated polypropylene (PP).

New from Reifenhäuser Kiefel Extrusion (Worms, Germany), formed last summer through the fusion of Kiefel Extrusion and Reifenhäuser’s blown-film division, is a cooling concept for blown-film extrusion lines based on a cooling ring that can be adjusted in height. The "counter cooling process" used for this air ring design means that the cooling air is not only conveyed upward to the air lips, as is the case in conventional air rings, but also downward to an additional air exit.

Extrusion line manufacturer Cincinnati Extrusion GmbH (Vienna, Austria) has developed a system for extrusion of 3-layer pipes with a glass-fiber-reinforced middle layer. Such pipe can see use in, for example, heating and sanitary lines for hot- and cold-water transport in buildings. The pipe consists of two outer random polypropylene (PP) layers and a middle layer of homopolymer PP filled with a 10-20% (by weight) of short glass fibers.
 

Cast-film extrusion systems manufacturer SML (Lenzing, Austria) reports it has reached its goal of developing a compact, energy-efficient 4-up line able to run with the capacity of a standard 6-up line. The system, on show at the company during an open house there this week, offers processors the potential to run a constant maximum output at standard film thicknesses between 15-23 µm.

Werth (Old Saybrook, CT) recently introduced to the market its FlatScope device for fast, precise, and reliable inspection of flatwork pieces and extrusion profiles. Profiles up to 650 mm (diameter) can be measured on standard models; larger measuring ranges can be supplied upon request.

The IntelliChange concept for fast dimensional alterations of pipe sizes from Cincinnati Extrusion (Vienna, Austria) has been increased to three ranges, from 32-160 mm, 32-250 mm, or 63-400 mm. The system is said to provide precise adjustment of outer diameter/wall thickness, thereby saving polymer. An average size change takes about 15 minutes compared to up to 3.5 hours using a standard pipe extrusion line, says the company.

Ghioldi’s (Marnate, Italy) BGM high-speed winder can handle blown film produced for lamination to heavy and gusseted web for cover-pallets. The BGM offers a new web path with two additional idle rolls, compared to previous models, to make film parting easier during the production of multiple reels and sensitive films. It also includes a support system for the reel to avoid wrinkling of large rolls. The airshaft is pre-accelerated to avoid film breaking during reel changeover cycles.

Apex SC-W Series robots from Sterling (New Berlin, WI) realize less friction and smooth movement with all moving axes riding on hardened steel rails with bearing guides. A ridged steel traverse beam and subweldment provide for a near deflection-free travel.