TPT November 2023

INDUSTRY

Live material tests and precise tube, hose and pipe measurements

gapless, reliable quality control as well as automatic control. The model is characterised by its simple operation. At the push of a button, the operator immediately receives continuous and precise measured values, without pre setting the product parameters, without the influence of a coupling medium and without any calibration. The exhibited Centerwave is only one model out of a comprehensive product family offered by Sikora for the measurement of different product diameters from 32 to 3,200mm. For more than 30 years Sikora has been offering X-ray technologies for quality control and enables manufacturers a reliable inline quality control of stranded products. How to reliably measure different layers of tubes and hoses during the extrusion process is demonstrated at the Sikora booth by the X-ray measuring system X-Ray 6000 Pro in combination with the processor system Ecocontrol 6000. The 22” monitor displays the measuring values numerically as well as graphically as trend and statistical data. By default, the wall thickness is displayed at eight measuring points. In addition, an intelligent physical evaluation model determines the minimum wall thickness, for example, the available value, which optimally supports the user in controlling the process. The physical model also allows the wall thickness to be visualised over the entire circumference of the tube or hose at any point. The user selects how many points and at which position the values are to be displayed. The processor system is also used for automatic control of the line speed and extruder RPM. It guarantees the compliance with the given specifications as well as highest

AT the Fakuma trade event in October Sikora presented solutions for quality control in the hose, tube and pipe industry. The trade show appearance is in line with the motto “ideas, passion, future”, which Sikora has developed for its 50th anniversary. Visitors were able to inform themselves about future developments and talk with the Sikora experts. Sikora presented the Centerwave 6000/250 for the measurement of tubes in the diameter range from 32 to 250mm during production based on millimetre wave technology. All dimensions of the tube, such as the diameter and the wall thickness, are determined and visualised in real time over 360 degrees of the pipe circumference. The measurement data obtained enables automatic control of the

Sikora presented the Centerwave 6000/250 for the measurement of tubes

performance for a maximum of process optimisation and productivity. The X-Ray 6000 Pro can be used for product diameters from 0.65 to 270mm. For products where a single layer measurement is required, Sikora presented the X-Ray 6000 Pure to the Fakuma visitors. Also using X-ray technology, the device measures single-layer products as well as the total wall thickness of multi-layer products and covers with two models product diameters from 6 to 110mm. The measured values are visualised on a 15” display If required. Automatic control to minimum wall thickness is also possible. Ensuring quality while saving material leads to a significant increase in productivity and also contributes to saving CO 2 .

The X-Ray 6000 Pro measures multi-layer tubes and hoses

minimum wall thickness, taking into account the standard deviation of the extrusion line. This allows potential savings to be exploited to the maximum. In the line, the system enables

Sikora AG www.sikora.net

Advisory group to tackle lubrication challenges CERTAS Energy Lubricants has assembled a new UK technical advisory group to tackle industry challenges. As an example it is estimated that at any one time, around eight in ten independent garages will be using out-of spec lubricants. This results in motorists suffering from lower performance and more breakdowns, lower efficiency and more vehicle emissions. This issue is not just a challenge for the automotive industry. The wrong lubricants are often found to be used in turbines and gear oils in industrial, manufacturing and marine sectors. Certas have assembled a new group that brings together a team to tackle challenges such as out-of-spec lubricant use. Certas Energy Lubricants www.certasenergy.co.uk

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NOVEMBER 2023