Maillefer’s multi-layer co-extrusion cell provides the maximum flexibility needed to produce the automotive or technical tubes in demand today, as well as for tomorrow. The key lies at the heart of our five or six single-screw extruder array.
Maillefer's multi-layer ECH 5/50 ML crosshead has the capacity to extrude one, two... up to five, or even six layers. The possibilities explode with tooling adapted for molding the tube into a corrugated one.
This extrusion head is typically used for the production of smooth tubes found in the vehicle fuel lines, vapor returns, and other technical fluid applications. Certain constructions call for the tube to be corrugated so as to increase flexibility in tight spaces while keeping the integrity of each functional layer. Fortunately, the ECH 5/50 ML adapts nicely to lines that incorporate corrugators. The easy-to-fit corrugation tooling on the head provides a seamless fit to the downstream equipment.
That head’s flexibility for corrugated and smooth tubes when combined with the possibility of swapping layer positions is giving manufacturers a multitude of choices. Mathematically, more than a hundred combinations are possible with the five-layer head, while multiples more are possible with the six-layer version and with the corrugation feature. The head accepts materials like PA, PA6, PA612, PPA, EVOH, adhesive, PVDF, ETFE, EFEP, and HDPE. Indeed, the options are nearly limitless.
Allowing operators to prepare for the next product run by optimizing set-up and clean operations at the head makes for faster product changes. The head’s indexing feature gives the ability to assign layer positions with a simple twist. Reducing the number of layers to be extruded is possible by employing distributors that block or combine extruder flows. The head has an enhanced design and a trolley support that allow easy removal of parts, which is well appreciated during set-up and cleaning operations. The ease at which a product change is made, may define your ability to capture new market opportunities.
Having options when faced with new requirements coming from the tier 1 suppliers, certainly can play to your advantage. The business in the automotive tube is rapidly changing. Maillefer’s automotive extrusion line equipped with corrugation equipment and the multi-purpose ECH 5/50 ML extrusion head helps open up new possibilities.
Philippe GiovangrandiTechnical Director
philippe.giovangrandi@maillefer.net