MACHINERY | CONTROL & INSTRUMENTATION
Right: Pixargus has modified its AllRounDia DV system to inspect pipes up to 70mm in diameter
the resolution at which the defects are recorded is always adequate and constant, the encoder makes defect detection more accurate and dependable. One pipe producer – Becker Plastics, based in
Datteln, Germany – has already tested the new system. The company produces plastic and com- posite pipes for heating and plumbing systems. After successful pilot tests, which confirmed the performance capabilities of the new AllRounDia DV, Becker wants to use it for quality control in its production processes. “It is vital for us to recognise defects and the
sources of defects early on in the production process and be able to take immediate remedial action,” said Pierre Baranowski, head of operations at Becker Plastics.
Measured partnership Sikora has teamed up with ConPro in a partnership that combines their expertise in measuring technology and gravimetric weighing. Tube and pipe manufacturers can now directly combine Sikora measuring systems with gravimet- ric systems from ConPro, to increase efficiency and quality in tube and pipe production. The integra- tion of the two systems is made possible by a new interface. This is based on the latest industrial communication standards and ensures seamless communication between the Sikora and ConPro systems. “Tube and pipe manufacturers who use our
measuring devices can now intelligently combine them with ConPro’s gravimetry and benefit from the advantages,” said Holger Lieder, a member of the executive board at Sikora. During production, the measured tube or pipe
parameters such as diameter, 360° wall thickness distribution, and ovality are continuously compared by the Sikora measuring system. The weight per metre can also be quickly adjusted in real time with the gravimetric system, allowing precise control of minimum wall thickness, maximum material savings and compliance with the product specification. The graphical integration of ConPro gravimetry into the Sikora Ecocontrol 6000 user interface enables simple, intuitive operation. Both systems work in real time. On extrusion lines with existing ConPro gravimetry and new lines, the Sikora device can be connected directly to the ConPro gravim- etry via the new interface without having to go through an extruder control. Andreas Meyer zu Küingdorf, general manager
at ConPro, added: “Both systems complement each other and ensure consistently high tube or pipe quality. Material and costs are also saved.”
24 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | Spring 2025
AI control Sikora has also developed X-Ray 6000 Pro C-Pipe AI, a system that measures layer transitions in the production of corrugated pipes. Combining AI-based software with an X-ray based system allows precise evaluation of the X-ray data of corrugated pipes. There are two crucial phases during the produc-
tion of corrugated pipes. At the start of manufactur- ing, the different layers of the pipes must be concentric. This evaluation can take several minutes – even hours – where only scrap is produced. After start-up, the products must be evaluated so they comply with predefined specifications at a certain line speed. Scrap can be minimised by implementing a permanent wall thickness and eccentricity measure- ment as early as possible in the process – and to use these values to control the process and enable fast centring. Due to its hill-valley outer pipe contour, measuring corrugated pipes is challenging. X-Ray 6000 Pro C-Pipe AI enables precise
measurement of the hill-valley outer contour of corrugated pipes in the extrusion process. Measur- ing wall thickness and eccentricity at an early stage ensures fast centring and the reduction of start-up scrap. As well as adding reliable process control during production, this continuous quality control enables maximum cost savings, says Sikora.
Saving grace
US-based pipe manufacturer SWM International has achieved significant savings by using a UMAC ultrasonic measuring system from Zumbach Electronic. The company estimates it has saved around US$40,000 in a single year. “We studied machine time, manpower costs and
scrap costs, and the return on our investment was about three to four months,” said Todd Clarke,
www.pipeandprofile.com
IMAGE: PIXARGUS
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