Changing Tides for Heating & Plumbing Pipe

World events increase demand for multi-layer pipe around the globe. Maillefer provides you with the experience, the right resources, and the support to realize manufacturing excellence.

Market analysts forecast healthy growth rates in the construction industry during the current decade, especially in light of world events. The effects of global warming, rising copper prices, and advances made in pipe installation techniques are changing the tides in favor of multi-layer composite and 100% plastic pipe. Demand is definitely on the rise and is felt in many regions around the world.

The main drivers for usage of composite and plastic pipe are:

• Demand for more efficient heating methods to limit the impact of global warming
• Increasing price of copper pipes
• Emergence of full plastic fittings.

For building construction

Plastic pipe is employed in different parts of a building, as illustrated in the house cross section. Common pipe constructions include 1, 3 or 5 layers, use of PEX or PE-RT compounds, and include barrier layers like EVOH for full plastic pipes or aluminum for composite pipes. The different pipe classifications influence pipe selection and use. For example, pipe for hot & cold potable water is rated for 95°C at 10 bars, while underflow heating pipe is rated for 60°C at 6 bars. Ultimately, it is standards and installation preferences that determine the final orientation in pipe choice.

Starting from its days as a pioneer of PEX Monosil technology, Maillefer now counts more than a hundred extrusion lines delivered to heating & plumbing pipe manufacturers worldwide. Our product portfolio includes several line types.

Complete offering

Although today certain technologies are less common (e.g. Single layer PEX-b Monosil), multilayers are more in demand. Our lines are organized in two DN size ranges, up to 32 mm and up to 63 mm. Plus, we differentiate between all plastic (PXL) and composite (PCL) lines.

PXL //Extend - Full Plastic Pipe Line
Material:  PEX-b (Monosil or Sioplas), PEX-c, PERT
Pipe sizes:  DN14 – DN32 or DN14 – DN63
Pipe configuration:  1 to 5 layers with EVOH barrier extrusion
Typical floor space:  60x5 m (l x w)
Pipe conditioning:  Bars or coils

PCL //Extend - Multi-layer Composite Pipe
Material:  PEX-b, PEX-c, PERT
Pipe sizes:  DN14 – DN32 or DN14 – DN75 (even 110)
Pipe configuration:  5 layers with roll-formed aluminum sheet
Typical floor space:  Variable – high level of layout flexibility
Pipe conditioning:  Bars or coils
Note:  An /Enter version offers a more selective range of products and performances.

Making pipe on an extrusion line is one thing while getting a complete solution that fits your requirements is another. Our systems are fully integrated with components that are adapted to the final product. A wide pallet of fully automatic coiling or bar-cutting equipment is available. Handling of product to simplify the transition from one process step to another is made possible through a variety of solutions, ranging from simple lifts or conveyors to more sophisticated robot handling.

Designed to fit

A practical consideration is layout constraints. Your factory is set up in a unique way. That may mean that a standard extrusion line configuration needs to be adjusted to the space available, without making sacrifices on performance. A relatively complex composite pipeline with aluminum forming & welding involves a multitude of components that must work in harmony. Will it all fit? That’s where Maillefer helps by providing simple solutions to apparently complex situations.

Smart and durable

Today’s factories are smarter than ever. Maillefer offers Industry 4.0 concepts through Smart Monitoring, MED 3.0, and other analytics. Services are also provided to ensure durable production capacity throughout long life cycles.

Turning in your favor

Indeed, the tides are turning. Plastics in heating & plumbing pipe has earned recognition as a reliable, functional, and most importantly durable solution for the building industry. Maillefer provides you with the experience, the right resources, and the support to realize manufacturing excellence.

Christoph Radermacher
Heating & Plumbing Pipe Product Manager
christoph.radermacher@maillefer.net