Extrusion International 2-2022

28 Extrusion International 2/2022 EXTRUSION TOOLING By utilizing state-of-the-art pro- duction equipment and processes, machining tolerances are held extremely close on today’s multi- lumen and multi-layer medical tub- ing. It is important to note that any misalignment of the tools may be exaggerated in the fi nal product output. Clean parts, especially with sealing and locating surfaces, are key to product performance and successful end products. These sur- faces receive the most care and at- tention during manufacturing and are the control surfaces that ensure uniformity throughout the tubing. Remember, precision-machined alignments are affected by even a speck of dirt measuring only a few thousandths of an inch. A human hair is about 0.003” (0.08 mm), and since there are many such surfaces in a quality tool, cleanliness is criti- cal. Checking of the tools for any de- formities is also important. Burrs, scratches and scrapes are usually a result of careless handling and/or Guill 712 Series Getting the Most from Your Extrusion Tooling Tooling maintenance improves extrusion ef fi ciency, enhances quality and boosts overall productivity for your medical tubing applications Guill 900W-Stripe storage of equipment. Double and triple-layer extrusion heads pose an even greater challenge for mainte- nance. The number of sealing and centering surfaces multiplies and canmagnify the results of dirty tools. During changeovers, the head may be disassembled in order to change compounds and/or tips and dies. Foreign matter is usually introduced at this point and residual materials must be thoroughly removed. Physi- cal tool damage often occurs during this phase, due to mishandling and poor storage techniques. These are highly precise parts, but can also be heavy and bulky to remove by hand. Use of a dedicated work cart exclusively reserved and equipped for extruder head maintenance is recommended. This cart along with a supply of spare components and hardware is easily justi fi ed, espe- cially when examining the potential cost savings that result from well- maintained tools. The following should be considered: 1.) Maintain a clean, organized work area with soft and clean renewable work sur- faces; 2.) Use a vise with soft jaws, such as copper; 3.) Use special equipment, such as tip removal tools, etc.; 4.)