Arguably one of the most universal and versatile types of plastic piping, PVC pipes have been in use for over 80 years, servicing a multitude of applications in various market sectors around the world. Compared to metal piping, PVC pipes are exceptionally strong and durable, with complete corrosion resistance and with little risk of succumbing to thermal expansion or contraction. Economical and robust, these pipes come in various sizes with a range of available fittings and can be used for both warm or cold water applications depending on the type of PVC variant.
What is PVC Pipe Used For?
PVC pipes are commonly used for manufacturing sewage pipes, water mains and irrigation. Possessing very long-lasting properties, PVC pipes are easy to install, lightweight, strong, durable and easily recyclable, making them cost-efficient and sustainable. The smooth surface of PVC pipes also encourages faster water flow due to lower amounts of friction than piping made from other materials such as cast iron or concrete. PVC pipes can also be manufactured to varying lengths, wall thicknesses and diameters, according to international sizing standards such as DIN 8061, ASTM D1785 and ASTM F441.
How are PVC Pipes Made?
PVC pipes are manufactured by extrusion of raw material PVC, and generally follow the same steps of typical pipe extrusion operations:
- Feeding of raw material pellets / powder into the PVC twin screw extruder
- Melting and heating in multiple extruder zones
- Extruding through a die to shape into a pipe
- Cooling of the shaped pipe
- Cutting of PVC pipes to the desired length
However, despite having a similar manufacturing procedure to most plastic piping, PVC pipes have intrinsic characteristics that pose additional challenges to pipe manufacturers both in terms of production, as well as positioning their products on the market.
The Challenges of PVC Pipe Manufacturing
Increased Extruder Friction
Due to the nature of PVC plastic, PVC extruders are subjected to high amounts of friction and stress. This means that to guarantee a long service life, PVC pipe production lines require the use of specialized extruders that utilize a twin screw extruder configuration, as well as featuring robust construction materials that can withstand the harsh PVC extruder operating conditions.
Differentiating From Competitors
Since PVC piping is one of the most used types of piping, there is a lot of competition between manufacturers. It is therefore of paramount importance for PVC pipe producers to differentiate themselves from their competitors, both in terms of delivering consistent product quality, as well as offering a wide range of products at competitive prices. Such differentiation can only be achieved through the use of world class manufacturing equipment, that maximizes productivity while minimizing costs and has the capacity to produce a wide variety of PVC pipe sizes. DRTS offers a range of effective turnkey solutions that guarantee this type of effective operation, such as equipment with integrated Industry 4.0 functionality, advanced connectivity, ease of integration and multi-layer die heads that maximize savings.
Providing A Comprehensive Product Range
PVC pipes come in various sizes and diameters, and for each size exists a variety of fittings. Therefore it is highly desirable for PVC pipe manufacturers to present the market with a comprehensive range of products. DRTS supports PVC pipe producers with a wide variety of ready-made PVC pipe fittings, available in various types and sizes, helping you bring your products to market with a complete family of PVC piping products.
DRTS PVC Pipe Production Lines
DRTS offers complete turnkey production lines for PVC pipe manufacturing. Twin screw PVC extruders come in a wide range of types and sizes to suit a variety of clients’ manufacturing needs. DRTS offers a variety of PVC production lines that can produce pipes from as small as 16mm and as large as 630mm. No matter what the client needs, DRTS offers machinery and configurations for all stages of the production line to guarantee the fast, efficient and reliable manufacture of PVC pipes.
Learn More with DRTS
Get more information regarding our PVC pipe production lines and how to become an independent manufacturer here!
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