EuroWire September 2024

Corporate News

Measuring and control technology in filament extrusion lines

Flawless optimal material flow during printing. This prevents feeding errors, clogging of the extruder and damage to the print head and nozzle. In addition to devices for diameter measurement, PMH’s extrusion lines use Laser Lump 2000 systems for quality control. The Laser Lump 2000 precisely measures the diameter using laser technology, and simultaneously detects lumps and neckdowns on the filament surface. filaments ensure and process surveys to assist customers in meeting these targets. Waste reduction is addressed through optimal material usage. Maillefer’s stable and precise extruders run production at minimum tolerances, while ensuring quality and performance. In terms of water conservation, the cooling required during cable production is important. A closed-loop cooling circuit that filters, refreshes and reuses the process water will help reduce overall consumption. Fresh water only enters the system to compensate for losses such as evaporation. The cooling system also acts as a buffer against pressure variations, for process stability. Optimising the process is another factor. For maximum efficiency, the extrusion process needs to be continuously analysed and optimised.

PMH GmbH, based in Königswinter, Germany, knows from many years of experience how important the production of high-quality filaments is for the 3D printing industry. For more than 30 years, the company has been developing customised extrusion lines, and equipping its lines with measuring and control technology from Sikora to ensure product quality. Particularly in the production of filaments for 3D printing in medical technology, quality assurance is increasingly the focus of manufacturers. An extrusion process involves various factors to minimise environmental impact and resource consumption. Extrusion specialist Maillefer favours exchanges that focus on maximising efficiency; the company has identified the factors that should be addressed first. Material consumption is one key ele- ment, incorporating scrap management and limiting overuse. Sustainability becomes a fundamental part of an investment strategy that brings benefit. Producers are encouraged to engage in eco-friendly practices and to use environmentally responsible materials throughout the manufacturing process. Energy consumption is considered by optimising the extrusion equipment to be energy efficient. Regularly maintained and upgraded machinery works in favour of minimising energy consumption. Maillefer offers upgrades, service audits

Michael Kinnart, technical manager at PMH GmbH (left), with Aguinaldo Ramalho, head of sales – wire and cable at Sikora, at the filament line with the integrated diameter measuring head and Laser Lump 2000 lump detector from Sikora

Sikora AG www.sikora.net PMH GmbH www.pmh-extruder.de Sustainable factors for efficient cable production

Advanced technologies and automation can help improve precision and reduce material waste, but the tools must be combined with the right know-how. Maillefer’s R&D centre serves as an exchange with customers around common projects that focus on maxi- mising efficiency. Collaboration efforts are extended to material suppliers, who help Maillefer identify sustainable materials and processing conditions. Employee training puts forward best practices for energy efficiency and waste reduction. For customers who regularly assess and improve existing capacity, Maillefer offers a large range of upgrades, service audits and process surveys to help improve overall production efficiency. Maillefer Extrusion Oy www.maillefer.net

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September 2024