High-speed, space-saving system for production of 3-layer telecommunications pipe

Based in Greven, Westphalia, egeplast is Germany's biggest independent producer of polyethylene pipe, with the most advanced PE pipe production plant in Europe. In late 2007, egeplast began producing 3-layer telecommunications pipe on its new KraussMaffei Berstorff extrusion line. The line is a striking example of how very high production speeds and output can be successfully combined with very tight space constraints. egeplast is using the new line to produce three-layer HDPE and PP pipe from 32 to 63 mm diameter. A KME 90-36 single-screw extruder produces the middle layer, while two KME 60-36 single-screw extruders produce the inner and outer layers respectively. The layers are joined in a KM3L RKW 73 3-layer pipehead. A small coextruder, mounted above the line to save space, supplies the material for the marking stripe. The motor and gearing for the melt pump and upstream screen changer are also mounted above the line, to make optimal use of available space. High output The extrusion line has two operator consoles, from either of which the whole line can be controlled. One of the consoles could, for example, be placed at the end of the line, up to 50 meters away. This enables the operator to control the line from the most practical location. With speeds up to 40 meters a minute, the line meets egeplast's expectation of very high output. egeplast, as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of PE pressure pipe, has optimized its production processes in other ways as well. More than ten of the company's extrusion lines are fitted with QuickSwitch, a system for pipe dimension change on the fly, which was developed in a close partnership between Krauss Maffei Berstorff and egeplast. QuickSwitch is a unique production system, unequalled worldwide, for fast pipe dimension change without stopping production. About KraussMaffei In terms of sales, KraussMaffei is world market leader in machines and systems for plastics and rubber processing. With its three divisions - Injection Moulding Technology, Extrusion Technology and Reaction Process Machinery - KraussMaffei is a premium partner for the plastics and rubber processing industries worldwide. In the 2007/2008 business year (year ending September 30), the KraussMaffei Group posted sales of more than 1 billion euros. The group markets its products under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands. The KraussMaffei brand covers the whole spectrum of injection and reaction moulding technology, while the KraussMaffei Berstorff brand stands for successful extrusion solutions.