TPT March 2014

Technology News

Turnkey extrusion CUSTOM Downsteam Systems offers turnkey systems that are complete lines starting with the extruder through to the end of the downstream extrusion line. As manufacturers strive to reduce costs and improve productivity, capital investments in equipment must provide a solution to managing operations.

in puller systems, two belts are usually enough, but the choice of a grooved belt is better; to enhance tube centring and traction force without damage on product; at the end of the extrusion process, tube will be cut dustless, either by a fly-knife cutter or a guillotine; and it may also be coiled continuously on a winder. The importance of customisation of machinery is greater than ever. Technology of tubing applications has translated into a need for improved flame retardancy, increased tensile strength, permeation resistance and long-term performance for repeatable accuracy. Medical tubing required specific downstream line with FDA compliant materials, improved cleaning ability and higher control of constraints applied on multi-lumen, ever thinner medical tubes. The downstream extrusion line does not change fundamentally, however, individual system specifications are customised through speed control and pressure applied to the extrudate. CDS has become accustomed to streamlining its clients’ innovations and engineering for the best quality production. For cooling and sizing, the main components that are modified according to customer specifications include vacuum controls, spray nozzles and rollers. Although ovality controls are used most frequently, small tubing of 1 / 8 " or smaller may require Iris controls. Custom Downstream Systems Inc – Canada Email: sscarfone@cdsmachines.com Website: www.cdsmachines.com

The benefits of manufacturing a turnkey system speak for themselves through overall reduced downtime, efficient production and savings in shipping costs. However, customers can expect longer lead times for design, manufacturing, testing and installation. High profile projects may require months of combined planning and execution; on the other hand, they provide for excellent training opportunities that transcend upcoming generations in the workforce. Innovations in extrusion technology for tubing have not advanced as rapidly as tubing applications themselves. Often similar to a pipe, a tube is a closed- section hollowed profile with a relatively thinner wall and smaller size. It is usually non-standardised and then defined explicitly by both its outside diameter and a constant wall thickness. However, the hollow can be not only round, but also square, oval and hexagonal for which applications include fluid distribution, medical device, irrigation, pneumatic and hydraulic pressure distribution and the list goes on. The wall thinness and flexibility have characterised tubing as: various tubes require different types of pressure adjustment where additional control devices may be required to avoid deformation at haul-off entry and exit;

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Turkshead straightener RAFTER Equipment Corporation has finished a new RT-2000S raft set and double-sided turkshead straightener for a North American tube producer. The equipment will replace older American Electric Fusion (AEF) tube mill equipment that is worn and has lived its useful life. The company reversed engineered the raft plates and drive shaft connections so that they would work with the existing equipment. The new driven and idle side roll stands will include updated quick- change features and be more robust than the ones they replace. The turkshead will offer the same improvements.  Rafter Equipment Corporation manufactures tube mills, pipe mills, roll forming machines, cutoff machines, and other related tube and pipe mill machinery. Additional services include rebuilding and upgrading mill equipment. Originally started in 1917, the Rafter name is known for reliable, high-quality tube mill and roll forming equipment. Rafter Equipment Corp – USA Email: sales@rafterequipment.com Website: www.rafterequipment.com

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M arch 2014