Pipes with multifunctional layers: KraussMaffei Berstorff offers intelligent solutions

(Munich, October 17, 2012) KraussMaffei Berstorff is the best equipped for the big trends in pipe extrusion for even more flexibility and maximized complexity. The company offers multifaceted systems for manufacturing multi-layered pipes with multifunctional layers.
Measuring up to the trend towards multi-functionality
The trend towards ever more complex plastic pipes with various functional layers has continued unbroken around the globe. First, reducing material costs plays a large role in this, such as with foam core or mineral-filled pipes. On the other hand, individual layers meet technical requirements for the functionality of a pipe. Thus, for instance, barrier layers reduce diffusion, fiber-reinforced pipes increase internal crush resistance and pipes filled with glass fiber reduce linear expansion. KraussMaffei Berstorff offers the appropriate extrusion system for every application area using specifically designed multilayer pipe heads. “We will be able to meet all inquiries for producing multilayer pipes involving up to seven layers with our pipe head product line,” emphasizes Michael Hofhus, manager of the pipe extrusion product group at KraussMaffei Berstorff. “In addition to that, the well-considered process technology concept of this kind of complex system also plays a critical role. It ensures, for instance, that the layer thicknesses of the barrier layers can be minimized and thus the pipe manufacturer saves on costs. In addition, the market demands for flexible solutions are also met.”
Space-saving co-extrusion solutions for reducing material costs
KraussMaffei Berstorff offers customized co-extrusion solutions that are optimally designed for manufacturing pipes with high filler content or foamed pipes. This is necessary, since the portion of filler increases continuously, which allows the processor to create a high-quality product with significantly reduced weight with enormous cost savings. “We offer our customers an intelligent machine arrangement for manufacturing multi-layered pipes with an installation area the same size as a system for manufacturing single-layer pipes,” emphasizes Hofhus. “Using our co-extrusion solutions, the processor saves up to 25 percent on raw material while reducing pipe weight by up to 25 percent,” continues Hofhus.
Economical direct extrusion for mineral-filled pipes
Direct extrusion systems from KraussMaffei Berstorff allow economical and cost-effective extrusion of mineral-filled pipes in a single-stage procedure. By using these systems for the production of polypropylene pipes filled with barium sulfate, for instance, individual components can be processed directly or the finished compound can be used. A second, downstream production process can be completely eliminated. The cost savings amounts to up to 30 percent. The particular use for these kinds of pipes is as wastewater pipes in large residential buildings due to their noise-dampening properties (up to 40 percent compared to conventional pipes).
Multilayer adapters for thin outer layers
Multilayer adapters are used when manufacturing thin outer layers. These can be installed on any KraussMaffei Berstorff standard pipe head entirely without issue. Due to slight modifications of the flow contour, almost any material (including adhesive, EVOH and PP) can be shaped into a uniform layer.
Multifaceted system combinations
Furthermore, KraussMaffei Berstorff offers complex machines and systems for manufacturing pipes encapsulated with PUR, microduct pipes and interconnected PE pipes.

About KraussMaffei Berstorff
Around the world, the KraussMaffei Berstorff product brand stands for advanced, futureproof extrusion solutions. The company’s product spectrum ranges from single extruders with application-specific tooling, to up- and downstream components and fully automated extrusion lines. This product range, plus a customer-specific choice of service modules, guarantee that KraussMaffei Berstorff is a robust system partner for customers such as the bulk chemicals, automotive, construction, packaging and pharmaceuticals industries. KraussMaffei Berstorff, part of the KraussMaffei Group since 2007, was created through a merger of KraussMaffei and Berstorff, an engineering specialist with a long tradition.For more information: www.kraussmaffeiberstorff.com

About the KraussMaffei Group
The KraussMaffei Group is among the world’s leading suppliers of machinery and systems for producing and processing plastics and rubber. Its products and services cover the whole spectrum of injection and reaction molding and extrusion technology, giving the company a unique position in the industry. The KraussMaffei Group is innovation-powered, supplying its products, processes and services as standard or custom solutions which deliver sustained added value along the customer’s value-adding chain. The company markets it’s offering under the KraussMaffei, KraussMaffei Berstorff and Netstal brands to customers in the automotive, packaging, medical, construction, electrical, electronics and home appliance industries. Continuing a long tradition of engineering excellence, the international KraussMaffei Group currently employs around 4,000 people. With a global network of more than 30 subsidiaries and more than 10 production plants, supported by around 570 sales and service partners, the company is close to customers around the world. KraussMaffei has been headquartered in Munich since 1838. For more information: www.kraussmaffeigroup.com