DIE DEVELOPMENTS | MACHINERY
Developments in die heads include applying double-strand extrusion to multi-layer pipe, a reciprocal die to make drain tubes, and using a ball joint to adjust wall thickness
Forced out: recent die
Despite their simple shape, plastic pipes need careful control to ensure high quality – and much of that begins with the die through which they are extruded. Battenfeld-Cincinnati recently developed a way to make dimensionally accurate pipes quickly – and without manual effort. Its Helix II 400-3 VSI TZ IOA has electromechanical pipe centring, using a ball joint to adjust the pipe gap. “With our patent-pending IOA [Intelligent
Operating Adjustment] technology, every operator can now achieve the defined settings at the touch of a button,” said Heinrich Dohmann, director of mechanical engineering at the company. He said that the time needed to make the
settings, and the material waste generated at start-up, are both reduced. “The lower wall thickness tolerance also enables
annual raw material savings in the six-figure range,” he added. Battenfeld-Cincinnati is using a tilting function via a ball joint in the new version of the Helix version. This tilts the nozzle area of the pipe tool slightly to achieve optimum centring. In contrast to manual adjustment, there is now a smooth transi- tion. Melt burns are eliminated and faster colour changes guaranteed, it says. When one ball joint is adjusted, the others follow, eliminating the need for further iterative steps. IOA can be retrofitted to existing Helix pipe tools. The system is suitable for conventional lines
www.pipeandprofile.com IMAGE:
BATTENFELD- CINCINNATI
developments
and makes sense in fast dimension change lines – allowing dimension changes during operation. Meanwhile, KraussMaffei has developed a PVC multilayer pipehead that can process up to 100% recyclate – even with varying material quality. The layer configuration can be flexibly adjusted depend- ing on the application, it says. A newly designed flow system prevents spiderlines and ensures consistent product quality with optimal material use. The company recently showcased the product in a live demonstration, producing three-layer pipes made from virgin material and foamed core. It will be seen at K2025 later this year.
Consistent performance Rollepaal recently supplied its multi-layer die-head technology to an extrusion customer – which has helped it achieve greater consistency. Variations in wall thickness and material proper-
ties were a consistent issue, leading to product rejections and customer complaints. For multi-layer pipes, adhesion between layers was an extra challenge, especially in co-extrusion processes. “We needed a system that would give us consistency – not just in pipe geometry, but in layer adhesion,” said the customer. “It was clear that Rollepaal’s branching technology was designed for high-performance extrusion.” The die-heads allowed the customer to measure
key performance improvements after running for eight weeks. The streamlined design and low
Summer 2025 | PIPE & PROFILE EXTRUSION 33
Main image: Battenfeld- Cincinnati’s Helix II 400-3 VSI TZ IOA uses a ball joint to adjust the pipe gap
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