CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION | MACHINERY The latest systems to measure pipe
dimensions during extrusion use a number of methods – including X-rays and ultrasonics – to ensure high accuracy and quality
Measure for measure: control in extrusion
Despite its simple shape, an extruded pipe requires many parameters to be measured and inspected – to ensure that the final product meets quality specifications. This has led to a greater sophistica- tion in the systems that inspect features such as wall thickness, eccentricity and concentricity. Pixargus has modified its AllRounDia DV system
so that it can now inspect larger tubes, pipes and hoses. A hardware and software upgrade means it can now inspect round products of up to 70mm in diameter.
Established features – such as the ability to inspect both the surface and dimension with a single sensor unit – are now augmented by new system extensions. These allow enhanced defect recognition capabilities, an expanded range of analysis tools and more automated processes. “The upgrade means that we have now more modules and more performance,” said Michael Frohn, sales manager at Pixargus. In the upgraded version, AllRounDia DV pro- vides defect tracking. It is now possible to view – in parallel – the last 20 defects of the production
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(instead of a previous maximum of five). The upgrade also makes it possible for operators to identify which camera has recorded the defect – al- lowing it to be precisely localised. “We get more detailed information on every single defect, allowing us to better track and analyse the defects and improve the quality of production,” he said. Allroundia DV now also includes an integrated section tracking feature that generates a defect or batch report for every batch produced. This is enabled by linking AllRounDia via interfaces such as OPC-UA or classical direct IO wiring with the main line. In this way, the system can communicate with the cutter or coiler. If the product is recoiled after the cutter, or there is a coil change, AllRounD- ia receives a corresponding signal. The product is now available with an encoder, making it better suited for use with varying extru- sion line speeds. While the basic version makes the defect calculations based on a fixed time se- quence, the encoder makes use of the line speed to calculate the exact defect size. By ensuring that
Main image: Sikora and ConPro have combined their expertise in measuring
technology and gravimetric weighing
Spring 2025 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 23
IMAGE: SIKORA
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