Krauss-Maffei: QuickSwitch die system
Extrusion machinery maker Krauss-Maffei launches a new die technology today that enables pipe producers to adjust diameter and wall thickness fully automatically on-line and without interrupting production.The QuickSwitch die system is the result of more than 18 months development between KM and German processor Egeplast Werner Strumann. The QuickSwitch system uses a cone-shaped mandrel, which can moved in the axial direction, to alter the die gap while final pipe diameter is seamlessly adjusted using a special segmented calibration basket. However, the key to the effectiveness of the system is the specially developed automatic control technology.Three QuickSwitch versions are available covering pipe diameters in the ranges 32-63mm, 75-160mm and 160-250mm. Systems can be fitted to new or existing equipment, including non-KM lines.