Samenvatting
In continuous plastic extrusion and corrugated hose production, the line cannot stop for packaging. An automatic dual-station coiler synchronizes with the haul-off speed, measures exact extrusion length via optical encoder, winds uniform coils, cuts the product, and completes radial through-the-eye strapping without interrupting line flow. Utilizing a dual-spindle indexing turret, one station completes strapping and coil discharge while the alternate spindle actively coils. Supporting line speeds from 1 to 60 m/min for coil outer diameters of 500–800 mm, this engineering guide details kinematic cycle-time balancing, equipment specifications, and technical sizing criteria.
Dual-station automatic coiler processing continuous corrugated conduit: showing synchronized servo traverse laying, automatic flying-knife cut-off, and powered core-collapse ejection onto the discharge flat-top conveyor.
Inhoudsopgave
- Why an Automatic Coiler
- How the Dual-Station Coiler Works
- Coiler Technical Specifications
- Matching Line Speed and Cycle-Time Constraints
- Checklist voor de selectie van technische installaties
- Veiligheids- en nalevingsnormen
- Veelgestelde vragen over techniek
- Next Steps for Project Sizing
- Related Packaging Equipment
- Referenties en normatieve standaarden
Why an Automatic Coiler
Manual offloading on high-speed extrusion lines creates severe operational bottlenecks and safety hazards. Operators face extreme pressure to manually catch, cut, tie, and unload coils before the next extruded section overruns the buffer zone.
Furthermore, corrugated conduit and polyolefin pipes (HDPE, LDPE, PP, PVC) possess inherent elastic memory. When bundled manually under uneven manual tension, the hose relaxes and expands, producing loose, unstable coils that tip over during palletization and transit.
An automated dual-station coiling and strapping system integrates closed-loop PLC length tracking, servo-driven traverse winding, and integrated radial through-the-eye strapping while the coil remains clamped under tension on the collapsible spindle. Every finished package maintains identical dimensions, consistent tension, and predictable geometry for downstream robotic palletizing.
How the Dual-Station Coiler Works
The coiling cycle functions as a continuous automated sequence:
- Precision Length Counting: A high-resolution rotary encoder tracks linear pipe displacement from the haul-off unit with an accuracy of ±0.1%.
- Synchronized Servo Winding: The lead end of the pipe is clamped into the active core shaft. A servo-driven ball-screw traverse lays the pipe uniformly across the spool width according to the programmed pipe outer diameter (OD).
- Flying Cut-Off and Transfer: Upon reaching target length, an automated pneumatic knife cuts the pipe square, while guide arms automatically guide the new extruded leading tip into the alternate empty winding station without halting line movement.
- Radial Eye Strapping: While the new coil winds on station two, the finished coil on station one undergoes indexed radial strapping. A guided strapping track feeds PP/PET strap through the inner coil core (eye), tensions the strap to a pre-set limit (150–800 N), friction-welds, and cuts the joint.
- Core Collapse and Ejection: The winding mandrel segments retract radially inward by 25–35 mm to release internal coil tension. Pneumatic push-plates transfer the strapped coil onto the powered outfeed flat-top conveyor.
- Station Reset: The collapsible core re-expands to nominal ID, locking the station in standby readiness before the active station completes its winding cycle.
Coiler Technical Specifications
The table below outlines baseline engineering parameters for standard corrugated hose and smooth plastic pipe configurations.
| Parameter | Specification / Working Range | Technische notities |
|---|---|---|
| Binnendiameter spoel (ID) | 350 – 550 mm | Manually adjustable or motor-driven collapsible core |
| Buitendiameter van de spoel (OD) | 500 – 800 mm | Constrained by turret rotational clearance |
| Coil Width / Traverse Stroke | 150 – 300 mm | Servo-controlled screw traverse with variable pitch |
| Spoelgewichtcapaciteit | 5-35 kg | Heavy-duty cantilever spindle design |
| Coiling Linear Speed | 1–60 m/min | Dynamic sync with extrusion line via dancer position |
| Number of Winding Stations | 2 (Turret Indexing) | 180° pneumatic or servo-driven rotary turnover |
| Pipe OD Handling Range | Ø12–Ø32 mm | Corrugated conduit, PEX, PE-RT, drip irrigation tubing |
| Aangesloten elektrische belasting | 4.5 kW, 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3-Phase | Optional 220 V / 480 V international transformers |
| Omsnoeringsmateriaal | Polypropylene (PP) or PET | 12–13 mm breed, 0.60–0.75 mm dik |
| Strap Joint Type | Heat seal or friction weld | Joint efficiency ≥ 80% of base strap tensile rating |
Note: Pipe diameter range, wall thickness constraints, and customized coil geometry are validated during initial technical review.
Matching Line Speed and Cycle-Time Constraints
To prevent extrusion line shutdown, the non-winding sequence (cut, transfer, strap, collapse, unload, reset) on the idle station must be completed faster than the active winding phase on the operating station.
1. Winding Time Calculation
The time available to wind a single coil is determined by the linear line speed and target coil length:
T_wind = L_coil ÷ V_line
T_wind: Active winding duration (min)L_coil: Programmed pipe length per coil (m)V_line: Extrusion haul-off velocity (m/min)
2. Downstream Cycle-Time Condition
The system maintains uninterrupted extrusion continuity if and only if:
T_idle_total < T_wind
Where total servicing time T_idle_total wordt berekend als:
T_idle_total = T_transfer + (N_straps × T_strap) + T_discharge + T_reset
T_transfer: Time for flying cut-off and turret index (typically 8–12 s)N_straps: Number of radial strapping cycles applied through the coil eye (typically 2, 3, or 4)T_strap: Single strap feed, tension, weld, and index cycle (typically 3.0–4.5 s per strap)T_discharge: Core-collapse retraction and conveyor push-off duration (typically 5–8 s)T_reset: Core re-expansion and clamp arm reset (typically 3–5 s)
Technisch voorbeeld
- Spoellengte (
L_coil): 100 m - Extrusion Line Speed (
V_line): 30 m/min - Available Winding Time:
T_wind = 100 ÷ 30 = 3.33 min (200 s) - Servicing Cycle at 3 Straps:
T_idle_total = 10 s + (3 × 4 s) + 6 s + 4 s = 32 s
Conclusie: The machine has a substantial 168-second cycle safety margin. However, at higher line speeds (e.g., 60 m/min on short 25 m coils, where T_wind = 25 s), an integrated dancer accumulator buffer must be specified to absorb extruded pipe during station indexing.
Checklist voor de selectie van technische installaties
To determine the correct machine frame, traverse gear ratio, and strapping head configuration, provide the following operating data:
- Pijpspecificaties: Material grade (HDPE, LDPE, PVC, PA, PP), pipe outer diameter (OD), inner diameter (ID), wall thickness, and profile (smooth wall vs. single/double-wall corrugated).
- Spoelafmetingen: Target coil ID (min/max), target coil OD (min/max), and coil width package range.
- Snijlengtebereik: Minimum and maximum pipe length per packaged coil (m).
- Line Speed Profile: Normal and peak haul-off velocity (m/min) from the extruder.
- Omsnoeringsvereisten: Number of radial straps per coil (typically 2, 3, or 4 radial ties).
- Downstream-integratie: Direct discharge to inspection table, automatic orbital stretch wrapping, shrink film bagging, or inline robotic palletizer.
- Plantenvoorzieningen: Available compressed air supply (bar, standard L/min) and facility electrical supply voltage/frequency.
Veiligheids- en nalevingsnormen
All dual-station coiling systems are engineered in strict conformance with international machinery safety and electrical directives:
- EN ISO 12100:2010: Veiligheid van machines — Algemene principes voor ontwerp, risicobeoordeling en risicobeperking.
- EN 415-10: Safety of packaging machines — General requirements and coiling/strapping machine safety specifications.
- EN 60204-1: Safety of machinery — Electrical equipment of machines (IP54 operator panels, emergency stop category 0/1 architecture).
- Fysieke bewaking: Interlocked perimeter safety enclosures with dual-channel magnetic safety switches and Category 4 / PL e optical light curtains at the coil discharge aperture.
Veelgestelde vragen over techniek
Why choose a dual-spindle turret over a single-spindle coiler?
Continuous extrusion cannot be paused without generating out-of-spec scrap and wall-thickness defects. A dual-station turret allows uninterrupted coiling: the flying knife diverts incoming pipe to the secondary spindle instantly, while the primary spindle performs strapping, mandrel collapse, and pneumatic coil ejection in parallel.
Can the system wind stiff HDPE pipe without kinking?
Yes. For semi-rigid pipes such as HDPE, the coiler utilizes a large-radius guiding chute, driven pre-bending rollers, and torque-limited spindle drives to prevent ovalization and wall kinking during initial core wraps.
How does the traverse adjust to different pipe diameters?
The traverse pitch is driven by an independent servo motor linked via software electronic camming (E-CAM) to the spindle rotation encoder. Changing pipe diameters requires only an input of the new tube OD on the HMI touchscreen; the PLC automatically recalculates the traverse pitch per revolution.
Can strapping tension be regulated for thin-wall corrugated pipe?
Yes. Strapping tension is adjustable via the digital control panel from 150 N up to 800 N. For delicate or thin-wall corrugated electrical conduit, the tension is set lower to prevent crushing corrugation peaks while maintaining a firm coil bundle.
Next Steps for Project Sizing
- Submit Operating Data: Forward your pipe drawings, target coil dimensions, and extrusion speed parameters to
info@fhopepack.com. - Technische haalbaarheidsstudie: Our packaging application team reviews line speed cycle balancing and provides layout dimensional footprints within 24 hours.
- Formal Proposal & Layout: Receive a project-specific CAD layout, electrical schematics, and an equipment quotation.
Related Packaging Equipment
- Automatic Hose Coiling and Strapping Machine (Product Page)
- Automatic Pipe Winding Machine FCL-800 Series
- Double-Wall Corrugated Hose Coiling and Strapping Demonstration (Video)
- High-Speed Automatic Hose Coiler with Integrated Strapping Head (Video)
- Heavy-Duty Plastic Pipe Coiler and Strapping System (Video)
Referenties en normatieve standaarden
- FHOPE Packaging Systems: Dual-Station Extrusion Winding & Strapping Technical Manual (FCL Series).
- International Standard EN ISO 12100:2010 — Safety of Machinery — General Principles for Design.
- European Standard EN 415-10 — Safety of Packaging Machines — Modular Systems.
- International Standard IEC 60204-1 / EN 60204-1 — Safety of Machinery — Electrical Equipment of Machines.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-20 | Revision 3.2 | Authored by Packaging Systems Engineering Group





