TPT November 2007

Technology Update

QuickSwitch system for inline pipe dimension change

This reduces the production time lost to dimension change to a minimum, and makes the production of small batches of a particular dimension financially viable. The company currently offers QuickSwitch for polyolefin pipe in three diameter ranges: 25mm to 63mm, 70mm to 160mm and 160mm to 250mm. QuickSwitch can be used flexibly in the production of both single- and multi-layer polyolefin pipe within the designated diameter range. The PVC QuickSwitch system can process all available PVC dryblends and C-PVC, and covers the diameter range from 90mm to 160mm. The company is also developing QuickSwitch systems for other dimensions and other raw materials. QuickSwitch is available either as a complete fully-automated extrusion line or as an upgrade package for existing conventional lines. The upgrade package allows a phased conversion from conventional pipe production to flexible production with QuickSwitch.

KraussMaffei, Germany, is a supplier of key application technologies for the plastics and rubber compounding and processing industries. Since launching its QuickSwitch system for inline pipe dimension change in 2003, KraussMaffei Berstorff has sold more than 24 systems. Initially available only for polyolefin pipe production, in 2006 the company launched a version for PVC pipe. In Europe, the company has taken orders for a number of complete QuickSwitch systems. A polyolefin line for the diameter range 25mm to 63mm, plus a single-layer pipehead, has been supplied to Italy. A system for the 70mm to 160mm diameter range with a 3-layer pipehead is already installed and in operation with another Italian customer. The technology is also gaining ground in Eastern Europe, where QuickSwitch systems for polyolefin pipe in all three available diameter ranges have been installed. The systems operate with the single-screw extruders KME 60-36 B/R, KME 75-36 B/R and KME 90-36 B/R, respectively, and are teamed up in

› A QuickSwitch system from KraussMaffei Berstorff

each case with a single-layer pipehead. A reference line is due to be commissioned shortly with a customer in Austria, who will be producing polyolefin pipe in the diameter range 160mm to 250mm. Pipe manufacturers outside Europe, for example in Iran and Australia, are also benefiting from QuickSwitch’s dimension change on-the-fly. Extrusion lines for PO pipe will shortly go into operation in these countries. QuickSwitch systems allow press-button change to pipe dimensions – within the designated diameter range – without stopping the production line.

KraussMaffei GmbH – Germany Fax : +49 89 8899 3092 Website : www.kraussmaffei.com

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N ovember /D ecember 2007