American Maplan Corporation offers the newest die in polyolefin pipe extrusion - the VSI die head. The VSI die tool is based on a two-stage distribution concept, combining a threaded spiral preliminary distributor and a redesigned spiral lattice basket.
A unique redesign by American Maplan of the lattice basket incorporates over 30% more holes than the previous model, while reducing the total surface area needed. The result of the combination of the kneading spiral mandrel and the redesigned lat-tice basket is a more homogeneous melt and better wall thickness control.
The two-stage process begins with coarse distribution of the molten material in a spiral mandrel with a simple, smoothing thread. In the second stage, the lattice bas-ket provides fine distribution. The two stages produce a gentle and homogeneous effect. As a result, dead zones are eliminated, back pressure is reduced, and low melt temperatures and quicker color change are achieved.
With the latest improvements, the die's processing window has also been further enlarged, while maintaining its high standard in melt quality and reduction of over-weight. With consistent product quality for the full range of pipe diameters, low melt temperatures and low back pressure, the VSI is in a distinguished class separate from its predecessors or competition.
American Maplan is able to customize the dies for co-extrusion applications to the specific product needs of the customer.
The VSI die head is offered from PO 32/350 to PO 1600/1200, producing pipe diameter from 32-1600 mm at outputs from 350-1200 kg/hr.
SMS GmbH is the holding for a group of companies internationally active in plant construction and mechanical engineering relating to the processing of steel, non-ferrous metals and plastics. The group is divided into the Business Areas of Metallurgi-cal Plant and Rolling Mill Technology, Tube, Long Product and Forging Technology and Plastics Technology. In the year 2004 some 9,500 employees worldwide generated a turnover of about EUR 2.20 bn.
