TPT September 2013

Technology News

Compact measurement system for single layer products

combination with the processor system ECOCONTROL 600, 1000 or 2000 enables the automatic and reliable control of the extruder speed or line speed, taking account of the minimum values. This technique has a great advantage over alternative technologies – the X-RAY 6035 requires no calibration. “The device works regardless of the ambient conditions, such as the temperature of the product to be measured,” said Mr Prunk. The X-RAY 6035 is available for single layer products with a diameter of 5 to 30mm. For multilayer pipes and hoses, Sikora offers the X-RAY 6000 PRO. Ranges up to 650mm are available on request.

of inner and outer diameter, wall thickness and eccentricity of single layer tubes and hoses. Besides various products made of PE, HDPE, PVC and EPR, foamed pipes and hoses of EDPM, nylon, rubber or silicon can also be measured reliably. With the X-RAY 6035, the engineers at Sikora have succeeded in reducing the dimensions by 20 per cent – which not only saves space but also resources. In the ongoing process the product is X-rayed while the data of the high- resolution CCD sensors provides the basis for preparation of the measured values in a split second. The production data is displayed on a 7" monitor with touch screen operation that is integrated directly into the measuring system – at a glance, the operator has all the data required for accurate centring of the crosshead. The optional

CUSTOMERS that buy an X-ray instrument from Sikora expect an improvement in production processes and simple handling as well as the simple integration of the new product into the production line. To meet these needs, the engineers at Sikora designed the X-RAY 6035 to be even more compact. “Saving space is a critical aspect during the integration of a new device,” said Harry Prunk, CEO of Sikora AG. “If the line has to be rebuilt it can be expensive.” Sikora provides two X-ray measurement systems for quality control during the hose and tube extrusion process: the X-RAY 6000 and the PRO version. The X-RAY 6035 is specially designed for product lines where only one layer of material or the total wall thickness is measured. It is a cost-effective yet highly powerful instrument for continuous measurement Olicana Products Ltd, a tube bending specialist, has recently completed the production of its five millionth tubular steel bath leg using an unmanned robotised manufacturing cell supplied by Unison Ltd. Olicana purchased the automated 5-axis tube bending cell eight years ago. The process includes automated loading of the cut lengths of tube into the automated 5-axis tube bending machine, and robot removal and placing of the complex bent tube into an all-electric press that punches holes into the product in different planes. A robot then moves the finished product from the press and places it onto the collection rails ready for packing and distribution. Olicana’s managing director, Rupert Pearson, attended Unison’s 40 th anniversary dinner and official opening of its new manufacturing facility in June. Tube bending YORKSHIRE, UK-based

Sikora AG – Germany Email: sales@sikora.net Website: www.sikora.net

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Olicana Products Ltd – UK Fax: +44 1943 816298 Website: www.olicana.com

39 Enterprise Drive #2, Windham, ME 04062 USA • T 1.207.892.8899 • F 1.207.892.8863 • TubeHollows.com

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S eptember 2013