TPT March 2013

Technology News

Multifunctional layered pipes KRAUSSMAFFEI Berstorff produces multifaceted systems for manufacturing multi-layered pipes with multifunctional layers. of complex system also plays a critical role. It ensures, for instance, that the layer thicknesses of the barrier layers can be minimised and thus the pipe manufacturer saves on costs. In addition, the market demands for flexible solutions are also met.”

The company’s direct extrusion systems allow extrusion of mineral-filled pipes in a single-stage procedure. By using these systems for the production of polypropylene pipes filled with barium sulphate, for example, individual components can be processed directly or the finished compound can be used. A second, downstream production process can be completely eliminated. The particular use for these kinds of pipes is as wastewater pipes in large residential buildings due to their noise- dampening properties. Multilayer adapters are used when manufacturing thin outer layers. These can be installed on any KraussMaffei Berstorff standard pipe head entirely without issue. Due to slight modifications of the flow contour, almost any material (including adhesive, EVOH and PP) can be shaped into a uniform layer. KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH – Germany Web: www.kraussmaffeiberstorff.com

The company reports that there is a trend towards increasingly complex plastic pipes with various functional layers. Reducing material costs plays a large role in this, such as with foam core or mineral-filled pipes. On the other hand, individual layers meet technical requirements for the functionality of a pipe. For instance, barrier layers reduce diffusion, fibre-reinforced pipes increase internal crush resistance and pipes filled with glass fibre reduce linear expansion. KraussMaffei Berstorff offers extrusion systems using specifically designed multilayer pipe heads. “We will be able to meet all inquiries for producing multilayer pipes involving up to seven layers with our pipe head product line,” said Michael Hofhus, manager of the company’s pipe extrusion product group. “In addition to that, the well-considered process technology concept of this kind

KraussMaffei Berstorff’s customised co-extrusion solutions are designed for manufacturing pipes with high filler content or foamed pipes. This is necessary, since the portion of filler increases continuously, which allows the processor to create a high-quality product with significantly reduced weight with cost savings. “We offer our customers an intelligent machine arrangement for manufacturing multi- layered pipes with an installation area the same size as a system for manufacturing single-layer pipes,” commented Mr Hofhus. “Using our co- extrusion solutions, the processor saves up to 25 per cent on raw material while reducing pipe weight by up to 25 per cent.”

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M arch 2013