Double synchronized cutting for high extrusion speeds by Sica
Sica has patented an innovative method for cutting plastic pipes that makes it possible to reach very high production rates (patent EP2008749). The machines are designed to cut and chamfer PP, HDPE and PVC-UP pipes, performing simultaneous double cutting cycles automatically.
For example, the Duet125 automatic cut-off saw can reach hourly production rates of around 2000 pipes of 150 mm in length + sockets and more than 2300 pipes/hour of 500 mm length + sockets. At the same time, the system also guarantees the necessary cut length precision (tolerance of ± 1 mm) thanks to the machine’s CNC control system. This system allows perfect synchronization of the cutting unit with the pipe extrusion speed and consequent exact positioning of the unit at the required cutting dimension. Moreover, the machines are equipped with specific anti-wear tools to guarantee exceptionally high and enduring quality of the cutting/chamfering process.
The logical control system also offers ‘on the fly’ cutting capabilities (Sica patent EP129515), optimizing the use of the effective stroke to further increase output in terms of the number of cuts/hour. Equipped with an intuitive icon-based graphic interface and a classic production system for preset sequences of lengths, the machine also features a new length sequences management system. Specifically, having entered the basic production parameters (extrusion speed, pipe diameter, capacity of downstream machines) the user can define the required production batches, automatically optimized by the system in order to exploit the machine’s potential to the full. Intelligent planning of production sequences in addition to the availability of libraries in which process parameters and user product dimensions can be stored, determines the definition of a new state of the art field in terms of versatility and ease of control.
Given the large number of cuts that can be performed per unit of time, the machine has been equipped with an extra-powerful cyclone-type dust exhausting system.
The range of automatic in-line planetary saws in the Duet series (available in the Duet 125, Duet 160 and Duet 200 versions) includes the Duet/K (cutting with knife without material removal for HDPE and PPR) and Duet/C (cutting with chamfering unit and knife without producing chips inside the pipe) versions, in addition to the standard model for PVC. Duet/C is particularly suitable for PP lines equipped also for the production of double-joint pipes.
The machines are entirely based on electro-pneumatic design eliminating all possible problems linked to the use of hydraulic actuators and hydraulic power packs, and are configured in order to optimize total energy consumption.
With this range of saws Sica responds to market demands for cutting at high extrusion speeds with reduced energy consumption, ease of use and control.