WCA March 2023

Technology News

Quality control of filaments for 3D printing PMH GmbH is a German manu- facturer of individual extrusion lines. The plant in Königswinter, Germany, also manufactures complete filament lines in which filaments for the 3D printer industry are produced. To ensure the quality of the filaments, PMH equips its lines with measuring and control technology from Sikora. Filaments are thermoplastics that are assembled as wire on spools and used in the 3D printing manufacturing process. Particularly in the production of high quality filaments, such as those used for the 3D printing of medical technology, manufacturers are increasingly focusing on quality assurance. PMH’s filament lines consist of an extruder, water bath, haul-off and winder, for filaments with diameters of 1.75 or 2.85mm. The company offers measurement and control of the filament line by means of a two-axis laser measurement as standard. For this purpose, one Laser 2010 XY from Sikora is used per filament line. The gauge head, based on laser technol ogy, precisely measures the diameter of the filaments. In combination with an

Michael Kinnart with a filament line with integrated Sikora Laser 2010 XY diameter gauge

Ecocontrol 600 processor system, the fila ment dimensions are visualised and auto matically controlled. This in-line quality control prevents, for example, feeding errors and possible clogging of the 3D printer. “The demand for the use of measuring technology in the production of high quality filaments is unbroken,” said Michael Kinnart, technical director at PMH. “All the more, we are pleased to have found a reliable partner in Sikora, who has a suitable solution for our customer needs, which can be easily integrated into our complete lines.” Sikora AG www.sikora.net PMH GmbH www.pmh-extruder.de A fourth installation is in the process of being set up. With the installation of this largest Kocks block in Huaigang’s existing bar mill line, the Chinese SBQ producer is extending its capacity for the production of high-quality special steel for various industries. three-roll technology of the RSB will benefit Huaigang Special Steel’s production capabilities and improve efficiency. In addition to providing the RSB 500++/4, Kocks supplied equipment for the roll shop and proprietary software solutions. Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, the project team was able to successfully execute the installation of the Kocks RSB® 500++/4 on time. Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG www.kocks.de The advanced Kocks

• Electrolytic plating • Candojet hot water cleaning • Electrolytic & Ultrasonic degreasing • Welding wire cleaning and copper coating • Pickling & phosphating www.candorsweden.com

First bar rolled on RSB 500++/4 Steel producer Huaigang Special Steel Co Ltd, a subsidiary of the Shagang Group, has rolled the first bar on its new Kocks RSB® 500++/4 in 5.0 design.

Multi wire cleaning plant

Ultrasonic & Electrolytic

The two companies already have a successful partnership, as this is the third Kocks reducing and sizing block installation for Huaigang, following previous projects in 2010 and 2019.

Single wire plating plant

The Kocks RSB 500++/4 at Huaigang Special Steel Co

Tel: +46 11 21 75 00 Fax: +46 11 12 63 12 Email: info@candorsweden.com CANDOR Sweden AB

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March 2023