MACHINERY | CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION
Designed as an accessory for UltraGauge Above:
Bechton has used a Sikora Centrewave 6000 system from in its PVC-O extrusion line
The extrudate continues into a Conair MedVac 238 vacuum cooling tank, equipped with a PAVC vacuum control that uses multi-step pressure regulation to ensure a laminar flow of cooling water over the tube OD. The tank is optimised for medical production, including electropolished stainless steel surfaces, UV light water purification, and a 5-micron filter system. Inside, a Zumbach UMAC ultrasonic device measures the tube wall thickness; at the tank exit, a Zumbach ODAC laser device measures tube OD – providing full OD-ID- Wall dimensions of the tubing.
Laser triangulation LaserLinc has launched several new systems and refinements to help extruders check the dimen- sional accuracy of their products. Its new FlawSense II system uses laser-line
triangulation to generate a true 100% surface map of a product. Unlike camera-based vision systems – which infer surface condition from lighting and contrast – laser-line triangulation directly measures surface geometry. This enables the system to spot defects based on physical surface variation rather than visual interpretation, it says. By mapping the full surface, FlawSense II elimi-
nates shape-related error. Variations in roundness, ovality or part orientation can affect the accuracy of conventional systems, masking defects and shape variations and leading to inconsistent results. The updated system claims to improve durabil-
ity, compactness and speed in demanding produc- tion environments. Designed for continuous in-line operation, it gives consistent defect detection without relying on manual inspection or post-pro- cess checks. In addition, its new AutoPilot positioning system
overcomes the need for manual centring during ultrasonic wall-thickness measurement.
26 PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION | Spring 2026
ultrasonic systems, AutoPilot automatically posi- tions the transducer assembly to align with the product, for optimal signal strength and consistent measurements. In initial testing, the system achieved proper alignment in under a minute, compared to extend- ed manual adjustment times. By automating transducer positioning, the solution reduces startup time and cuts operator-dependent variability. AutoPilot uses motorised positioning and adjustable roller guides to centre the product within the ultrasonic field without the need for fixed inserts. This avoids part abrasion, reduces wear components and supports a range of product sizes without reconfiguration. Finally, it has introduced a ‘bump and taper’ solution for in-process measurement of complex extrusions using a unique virtual ring gauge. This identifies and measures feature transitions and feature lengths during manufacturing, allowing operators to quickly dial in production. Correlating length, diameter and ovality meas-
urements at a single location – and synchronising them with the bump-and-taper process – provides a unified view of part geometry during production, says LaserLinc. Defining a zone for each section of the product profile supports measurement and verification of designs of unlimited complexity and detailed tolerance requirements.
PVC-O line
Suzhou Bechton Plastic Machinery, a Chinese manufacturer of PVC-O plastic pipe extrusion equipment, has incorporated a Centrewave 6000 system from Sikora into its latest model. Bechton’s PVC-O pipe production line is for
pipes of 90-400mm diameter range. Sikora showcased a Centerwave 6000 in a live demonstra- tion during a Suzhou Bechton open day. It says it addresses three production challenges in large pipe production: comprehensive monitoring; easy operation; and increased automation. The system uses millimetre wave technology to achieve a 100% coverage of the pipe circumference during measurement, for precise monitoring of wall thickness. This overcomes measurement challenges encountered with traditional methods, ensuring homogeneity of the pipe wall thickness – and enhancing the pipe’s pressure rating and durability. The system can also automatically identify the
refractive index of the material without calibration. It is easy to operate and provides precise control over wall thickness, preventing the production of overly thin or thick pipes. Through intelligent
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IMAGE: SIKORA
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