Krauss-Maffei’s QUICKSWITCH ‘on the fly’ size changes

now available for PVC Pipe Extrusion

QuickSwitch patented dimension-change systems have been operating smoothly in the polyolefin pipe extrusion global market for several years and now Krauss-Maffei (KM) is offering all the advantages of QuickSwitch, but for PVC pipe extrusion.

Core QuickSwitch components were extensively re-designed for PVC processing.

For example the pipe-head was completely reengineered with a new spider-type mandrel support with a pin that moves in or out in the direction of extrusion

Another key component in a QuickSwitch extrusion line is the calibration basket (including the cooling system) which was re-engineered to change diameter steplessly across the lines specified diameter range.

Changing pipe diameter or wall thickness on a conventional pipe extrusion line means stopping the line, resetting various components and then restarting the line.  Reject product is unavoidable.  In the case of PVC pipe, the extruder and the pipe head have to be cleaned using a purging compound prior to stopping the line.

By contrast a QuickSwitch dimension change takes only a few minutes and is implemented from the machine controller, and the line is not stopped.  The cost of wasted raw material is significantly reduced to a short length of pipe (typically 1 metre) extruded during the changeover.

QuickSwitch significantly reduces the length of time that a line is unproductive, boosting capacity utilization and productivity.  Because QuickSwitch makes fast, low-cost dimension change a reality, producers can cut order lead times, reduce inventory and produce small batches.

The first PVC QuickSwitch systems are already in operation with KM’s ‘key account’ customers.