Smart Options for Automotive Tubing

Not since the 19^th century, with the arrival of the first motor vehicles, including electric, have we seen such upheavals in the automotive industry. Consequently, new uses for plastic tubes are showing up under the hood. The changes are coming at a steady pace. Are you ready to respond to new demands coming from tier-one suppliers?

At Davis-Standard, we recognize the mounting pressure for responsible fuel consumption, environmentally-friendly energy sources, lighter vehicles, more technology and higher safety levels. International standards and norms are trying to keep up, which allows smart players to fill the void. The result is a growing range of tube constructions, specific to markets and automobile manufacturers. Emission standards require the use of low-permeation fuel tubes while electric vehicles depend on cooling tubes to keep batteries operating at optimal temperatures. These are just a few examples.

Maillefer, a Davis-Standard company, has made tremendous advances related to multi-layer tubing for automotive applications. One of the best examples is Maillefer’s multi-layer tubing production line, which provides the flexibility needed to produce automotive tubes in demand today and in the future. At the heart of this technology is the company’s latest ECH crosshead connecting an extruder group of five or six extruders. This crosshead has the capacity to extrude smooth and corrugated tubes up to six layers while giving processors the option of swapping layer positions to address existing standards regardless of region. Mathematically, more than 150 combinations are possible with the five-layer head, while many more are possible with the six-layer version.

This crosshead also allows operators to prepare for the next product run by optimizing set-up and clean-up operations at the head. The head’s indexing features allow assignment of layer positions with a simple twist. It also makes it possible to adjust the number of layers to be extruded by employing thicker distributors or by combining extruder flows. The head’s improved design allows for the easy removal of parts, which is well appreciated during cleaning operations. The ease at which a product change is made may define your ability to capture new market opportunities. Because as we all know, having options can play to your advantage!

If you’re interested in finding out more about the Maillefer’s automotive extrusion cell, visit www.maillefer.net. Or e-mail marketing at marketing@davis-standard.com.

Photo credit: Maillefer, Extrusion Cell for Manufacturing Six-layer Automotive Fuel & Vapor Return Tubes