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Single- and multi-layer extrusion dies are optimized to different material types and pipe diameters up to 24.9 inches.

Norbert Sparrow

May 11, 2021

3 Min Read
extrusion die
Image: Conair

Auxiliary plastics processing equipment supplier Conair introduced today a line of downstream equipment and tooling suited for extruding plastic pipe in diameters up to 24.9 in. (630 mm). The PipeMaster line was unveiled during a virtual press conference presenting innovations Conair had planned to showcase at the cancelled NPE2021 event.

Until now, Conair’s processing equipment was limited to pipe sizes measuring eight inches (200 mm) in diameter or smaller. That needed an upgrade. “We understand that extruded pipe processors compete in a very robust and cost-conscious market and can choose equipment from all over the world, with various levels of quality and price points,” said Ernie Preiato, Vice President, Extrusion, in a prepared statement.

At the press conference, Preiato itemized the priorities of downstream extrusion products based on conversations that Conair had with plastics processors. They were:

  • Ruggedness/durability;

  • repeatability and precision;

  • cost efficiency;

  • a complete equipment and tooling portfolio;

  • US-based sourcing, sales, and service.

“There is some good equipment on the market that meets some — but not all — of those requirements,” said Preiato. “We feel we have met them all.”

"The line — spray tanks, puller/haul-off units, saw cutters, and drop-off tables — combines very rugged construction with simple, but well-engineered controls,” explained Preiato. “It is complemented by an extensive range of the extruder tooling, including pipe dies and calibration sleeves, that most processors need but often have difficulty finding or building at a competitive price. And, the entire PipeMaster line is backed by Conair’s factory service and support.”

In its press release, Conair detailed the features of the PipeMaster line, as follows:

  • Single- and multi-layer pipe extrusion dies are optimized to different material types and pipe-diameter ranges of 2.5, 4.3, 6.2, 9.8, 15.7 and 24.9 in. (63, 110, 160, 250, 400 and 630 mm). Each die is mounted on a movable, height-adjustable stand; internal die surfaces are polished and heat-treated. Interchangeable die pins and nozzles accommodate multiple pipe sizes. Multi-layer dies can extrude up to five layers in a single pipe. 

  • Output rates range from 550 to 3520 lb/hr (250 to 1600 kg/hr).  

  • Pipe calibration tools, with options for dry sizing or water-ring cooling and sizing, are available. 

  • Vacuum immersion, vacuum-spray, or immersion-only cooling tanks with single or dual chambers are part of the line. All tanks feature 304 stainless steel construction on internal/wetted surfaces, durable painted-steel exterior surfaces, simple frame-mounted controls, and adjustable stands.  

  • Cleated puller/haul-off units automatically synchronize speed with extruder screw speed control and integrate with gravimetric material dosing for stable production and consistent pipe unit weight. Inside each puller’s fully-enclosed safety cabinet, brushless AC vector motors provide a steady pulling force using soft, non-marking cleated pads.  

  • Servo-driven pipe cutting units, also synchronized to line speed, measure and cut pipe in a variety of lengths to meet application requirements.

  • Pneumatically operated pipe-tilting/dump-off tables synchronize with line speed to receive and automatically offload finished pipe lengths into stacks for easy removal, packaging, shipment, or storage.

Conair said that it is building a new 6-in. plastic pipe extrusion line at its lab and pilot plant in Pinconning, MI. It plans a live demo of the line in early June and during a customer open house later this year.

About the Author(s)

Norbert Sparrow

Editor in chief of PlasticsToday since 2015, Norbert Sparrow has more than 30 years of editorial experience in business-to-business media. He studied journalism at the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes du Journalisme in Strasbourg, France, where he earned a master's degree.

www.linkedin.com/in/norbertsparrow

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