tubing expander

Description:

This machine processes small diameter plastic tubing by heating it while pressurizing the inside to make it expand. The expanded tubing is level wound onto an output spool on a continuous basis.

Application:

The expanded tubing is used for medical and electronic products. Anytime a precision expanded small tube is needed, this machine can produce it.

Design Highlights:

The precise control of all process variables is increasingly important as the materials get smaller and the specs tighter. Programmable pressure, temperature, speed and pull ratios are stored in recipes for easy editing and retrieval. These features have not been associated with small tubing expansion in an OEM machine--until now.

The unique recirculated hot air heating system is both stable and accurate. The ability to open both the hot and cold air chambers for loading eliminates the need for awkward threading through small access passages. The cold air box helps bring the tube back down to room temperature, so the diameter measurement is repeatable and consistent.

The automatic pressure system reacts to small diameter variations to maintain overall product uniformity. Adjustable alarm limits ensure that the entire run is acceptable. Statistical data is also reported for each run making it possible to verify product quality and use the information to refine the manufacturing process.

Benefit:

By improving the accuracy of all controlled parameters, this machine can increase productivity through reduced rejects and faster processing speeds. The programming is flexible to allow new products to be made with the same machine. With the availability of better technology, product designers are finding they can build better products.

Data Sheet (viewable with Acrobat Reader available here)