DIE DEVELOPMENTS | MACHINERY


Their compact size and flexibility make them ideal for applications from urban environments to rural areas. The die head is designed to achieve high


production speeds of up to 400 meters per minute (for diameters of 7/3.5), and up to 200 meters per minute (for diameters of 14/10). Tecnomatic says the high speed and precision lies in the die’s geometry, as well as precise line adjustment. Optimising these factors has helped it reach high production speeds, it says. Another feature of the die head is its ability to maintain accurate sizing at high speed – with the ability to make microduct pipes with minimal tolerance and ovality. The die head is also engineered for efficiency


individual temperature control of the connection, head, and die, says the company. The crosshead is mounted directly on a swivel


arm, which offers space-saving and user-friendly handling during cleaning or tool-change operations. The head includes ports for pressure and tempera- ture gauges, which are both supplied with the head. Benefits include: production of single-layer tubes in diameters of 0.25 to 8.0mm; three individual heating zones; and, manual adjustment on the die.


At the other end of the production scale, the company provides solutions for large pipes in the oil and gas field – including specialist crossheads. Its series of Very Large CrossHeads (VLCHs) can


reach die diameters 650 mm and weigh nearly 6 tonnes. The company can provide in-depth 3D analysis, using finite element modelling (FEM) methods, to create the correct design. An example might be FEM analysis on a radial distributor. The design aim here would be to optimise circumferential distribution of the molten polymer, to obtain a layer of constant, controlled thickness.


Extrusion heads developed by Maillefer are designed to transform complicated engineering polymers that have varied and critical properties. To optimise the technical characteristics and process capability offered by these heads, Maillefer first performs a theoretical analysis, which is later validated experimentally with the client.


Microduct production Tecnomatic says that its technology for microduct pipe production – especially its die heads – set high standards in terms of speed, efficiency, and quality. Microduct pipes are small, flexible conduits that


protect optical fibres from environmental factors while allowing easy installation and maintenance.


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and flexibility, allowing for fast skin and colour changes through the use of special valves and multiple extruders. This feature enhances produc- tivity and helps manufacturers meet the needs of their customers.


Locking assembly Guill Tool has made its Cam-Lock design available on a number of different crossheads. The Cam-Lock – the same as used on the Bullet – can now be applied to other heads where applicable. It allows quick, easy assembly and disassembly of the crosshead and eliminates the socket head caps screws. By removing and replacing the inter-


nals, a different profile can be extruded in minutes rather than hours. Because the device resets the internals in the correct configuration every time, there is less chance of error compared to the assembly and misalignment issues with socket set screws, said the company. The Cam-Lock only needs half a turn to


remove and install the deflector tip and no fastening hardware is required. Other features include: fast tool changes (with a threaded retaining ring for the die and threaded tip retainer); dies are removed from the front, and tips from the back; tooling retainers for gum space adjustment; vacuum connections; and simplified cleaning.


CLICK ON THE LINKS FOR MORE INFORMATION: � www.plasticflow.com � www.conextru.eu � www.maillefer.net � www.tecnomaticsrl.net � www.guill.com


Summer 2024 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 39


IMAGE: GUILL TOOL


Left: Tecnomatic says its die head allows microduct pipe to be made at production speeds up to 400 m/min


Below: Guill’s Cam-Lock can now be applied to a range of the company’s crossheads


IMAGE: TECNOMATIC


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