Vacuum corrugator

The latest solutions devised by Olmas include a vacuum corrugator for plastic pipes used mainly in the automotive industry and building sector and having diameters ranging from approximately 32 to 40 mm. This corrugator has been designed to work in-line with extrusion plants, and it can operate at a speed of 50 m/min. Thanks to an engineering concept which makes it possible to add or remove machine modules, the corrugator can mount up to 120 sets of half moulds, in this configuration reaching a length of about 4.5 metres. The vacuum corrugation process is ideal for manufacturing with optimum definition highly complicated parts that require perfect adhesion to the mould. The vacuum is generated by means of specific pumps and micro-holes on the surface of each half mould. The micro-holes have a maximum diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm so as to ensure the necessary vacuum level inside the corrugation cavity, without however leaving unwanted marks on the external surface of the part that could impair both its appearance and its functionality. The vacuum also plays a further important role. Indeed, the operating temperatures of between 220 and 225°C (reached even though the machine is water cooled), as well as the high extrusion and corrugation speeds, mean that the excess heat needs to be transferred very rapidly. This is achieved through the vacuum, and ensures that the part is properly cooled down before leaving the corrugator.