Corrugated pipe belling technology0 pages

on cover

ipm [ on cover ]
Automated belling machines for extrusion lines to process corrugated pipes
of polyethylene and polypropylene. Direct socket formation onto the pipe by
injection moulding. Socket features: perfectly welded, mechanically stable,
aesthetically attractive with even, uniform surfaces.

Italian technology plast / October 2013

The BA 680/INJ pipe
belling machine is
designed to injection
mould sockets directly
on double-wall
corrugated pipes
Die BA 680/INJ
Muffenmaschine für
Muffenformung mit
Spritzverfahren direkt an
Doppelwand-Wellenrohren

08

Corrugated pipe
belling technology
Even in such challenging economic times as these, in 2012 IPM was
able to increase its market share around the world both in terms of
development – a witness to the company’s research program, ongoing commitment, passion and professional expertise – and the
quality and reliability of the machinery it manufactures.
From this point of view, 2012 saw the successful introduction of an
innovative range of INJ pipe belling machines for extrusion lines.
These machines are completely automatic and are used to injection
mould the socket directly onto double-wall corrugated pipes. The
versatility of INJ machines is noteworthy as they can process polyethylene and polypropylene equally well using the same equipment.
This ambitious project, which took years of research in partnership
with the University of Bologna, has led to new, patented technology
able to operate with the fastest corrugated pipe extrusion lines currently available on the market. This machine can produce from 90
sockets per hour (pipe OD 110mm) to 25 sockets per hour on pipes
with OD of 500mm, but more than this, the machine drastically
reduces defects and rejects by increasing the quality of the socket
to extremely high levels, and guaranteeing absolute geometric and
dimensional stability that will last over time.
There are currently four different models in production: for pipes up
to six metres long (a 12-meter version can be supplied on request),
which are as follows:
BA 500 INJ for outside diameters: 110-500mm, BA 680 INJ for OD
160-680 mm, BA 900 INJ for OD 160-900 mm and BA 1200 INJ for
OD 200-1200 mm.
It is vital that the socket be made of the same material (polyethylene
or polypropylene) as the pipe, thereby preventing retraction and any

problems linked to “memory effect”, which more traditional thermoforming methods are prone to.
This new process is able to ensure reliability, absolute dimensional
stability for long periods of time (whatever the ambient temperature), and above all the production cycle can be repeated easily with
different raw materials and multiple moulding shapes.
Furthermore, the ovalisation defects that may occur in the pipe will
have no effect on the socket and the socket walls can be made
thicker, the socket shape can be personalised freely and customers
can even add their logo if they wish. Tests and the microscopic electro-analysis carried out (and demonstrated by certification from the
University of Bologna) show that injected sockets are more resistant
than the pipe itself; they are perfectly welded, mechanically stable,
aesthetically attractive and offer even, uniform surfaces.
As well as in-line belling, such systems offer the customer the option
of manufacturing double joint pieces in variable lengths.
There are a number of advantages when compared to other systems
currently available on the market and here we list the main differences.
- “friction” type joints with fitting.
The IPM system totally eliminates the following problems:
- roduction rejects due to incorrect or incomplete fitting welding
p
onto the pipe
- time and money spent on detecting defects in the socket weld
- need for fitting storage, resulting in remarkable room saving
- manual handling and feeding of fittings
r
- eliance on subcontractors supplying fittings and possible variations in price
www.plastmagazine.com