FULL-AUTO HAUL-OFFS FOR SOLID-WALL PIPE – FA-M SERIES

EXTRUTEX FA-M Series Automatic Pipe Haul-Offs

The EXTRUTEX FA-M Series FullAuto haul-offs are designed for modern pipe extrusion lines requiring automatic pipe-diameter changeover, precise traction control and continuous production stability.

Developed for PVC, UPVC, ABS, PE, PP and other thermoplastic solid-wall pipes, the FA-M Series automatically adjusts the traction assembly when the production diameter changes. This allows operators to move between different pipe sizes with significantly less manual intervention while keeping the pipe aligned with the extrusion axis.

The system is particularly suitable for extrusion plants producing several pipe diameters on the same line. Instead of stopping the line and manually repositioning the haul-off components, the automatic system coordinates the haul-off position with the extrusion process and moves the traction assemblies to the required working position.

EXTRUTEX FA-M haul-offs can be configured for small-, medium- and larger-diameter pipe lines, with solutions covering applications from approximately 32 mm to 250 mm, depending on the machine configuration and production requirements.

AUTOMATIC DIAMETER CHANGEOVER

One of the main advantages of the FA-M Series is its ability to automatically adapt the traction position to different pipe diameters.

When the production recipe or pipe size is changed, the haul-off receives the required diameter information from the extrusion-line control system. The upper and lower traction assemblies then move to their new positions while maintaining the required pipe centerline.

This eliminates much of the manual adjustment traditionally required when changing between pipe sizes.

The automatic positioning system can be used for production programs such as:

32 mm → 40 mm → 50 mm → 63 mm → 75 mm → 90 mm → 110 mm

or, depending on the machine configuration:

63 mm → 75 mm → 90 mm → 110 mm → 125 mm → 140 mm → 160 mm

Larger configurations can extend the automatic operating range toward:

110 mm → 125 mm → 160 mm → 200 mm → 250 mm

The actual changeover sequence and available diameter range are configured according to the customer’s extrusion line.

FA-M SERIES MODEL RANGE

EXTRUTEX can configure the FA-M Series according to the required automatic pipe-diameter range.

Note: The ranges above are recommended configuration ranges for product selection. The final machine specification depends on pipe material, wall thickness, pipe weight, extrusion output, line speed and required traction force.

AUTOMATED POSITIONING AND LINE SYNCHRONIZATION

The FA-M Series is designed to operate as an integrated component of the extrusion line rather than as an independent mechanical pulling unit.

The haul-off can communicate with the extrusion-line control system so that pipe diameter, line speed and traction parameters can be coordinated.

During a diameter change, the system automatically moves the traction assemblies to the appropriate position while maintaining the extrusion centerline.

This is particularly useful for manufacturers producing multiple pipe sizes from the same extrusion line.

The automatic system can coordinate:

Extruder → Die Head → Calibration → Cooling → FullAuto Haul-Off → Cutting → Stacking

By synchronizing these sections, the haul-off can maintain controlled pipe movement throughout production and during programmed diameter changes.

INDEPENDENT TRACTION CONTROL

The upper and lower caterpillar assemblies are driven through controlled traction drives designed to maintain consistent pulling force.

Independent drive control provides accurate adjustment of the haul-off speed according to the extrusion process.

This is important because the pulling speed directly affects the final pipe dimensions. Variations in traction can influence:

• Wall thickness
• Pipe diameter
• Ovality
• Production stability
• Surface quality
• Dimensional consistency

The FA-M drive system is therefore designed for smooth acceleration, stable operating speed and controlled traction throughout continuous production.

EXTENDED CATERPILLAR CONTACT

The traction system uses a substantial contact length between the caterpillar surfaces and the pipe.

A longer contact zone distributes the pulling force over a larger section of the pipe. This provides reliable traction without concentrating excessive pressure at a single point.

The extended contact area is particularly useful when processing:

• Flexible PE pipes
• PP pipes
• Large-wall-thickness pipes
• PVC pressure pipes
• ABS pipes
• High-output extrusion products

The objective is to obtain secure movement while maintaining controlled contact pressure.

OPTIMIZED TRACTION GEOMETRY

The caterpillar assembly is engineered around the geometry of the pipe and the required traction conditions.

The contact profile helps the traction surfaces follow the pipe consistently as it passes through the haul-off.

This reduces unnecessary deformation of the traction components and helps maintain stable contact during continuous production.

The mechanical configuration is designed for industrial extrusion environments where the haul-off may operate continuously for long production periods.

AUTOMATIC UPPER CATERPILLAR ADJUSTMENT

The upper traction assembly is mounted on an automatic positioning mechanism.

When the pipe diameter changes, the upper caterpillar can move to the required position without requiring the operator to manually release and reposition the assembly.

The system also allows controlled pressure to be applied to the pipe.

Correct pressure is important because insufficient pressure can cause slipping, while excessive pressure can deform the pipe.

The FA-M system is therefore designed to maintain an appropriate balance between:

Traction → Pressure → Pipe Protection → Dimensional Stability

MOTORIZED LOWER CATERPILLAR POSITIONING

The lower caterpillar assembly provides the reference position for the pipe and can be automatically adjusted according to the selected production diameter.

Motorized positioning allows the haul-off to accommodate different pipe sizes using programmed parameters.

This is especially valuable for factories manufacturing multiple products on the same line.

Instead of manually measuring and adjusting the haul-off for every size change, the operator can select the required production recipe and allow the machine to perform the positioning sequence.

CONTROLLED PIPE CENTERLINE

Maintaining the correct extrusion axis is essential for stable downstream processing.

During automatic diameter changes, the FA-M positioning system is designed to move the traction components while maintaining the required pipe centerline.

This helps prevent unwanted lateral movement and reduces the possibility of pipe misalignment entering the cutting or downstream sections.

For automated production, maintaining the same extrusion axis also makes the transition between different pipe sizes more repeatable.

NON-MARKING TRACTION SURFACES

The caterpillar tracks are equipped with carefully selected elastomer or rubber contact surfaces designed to provide traction without unnecessarily damaging the external surface of the pipe.

This is particularly important for finished pipes where appearance and surface condition are important.

The traction material can be selected according to the pipe material and application.

Typical requirements include:

• High grip
• Controlled compression
• Surface protection
• Wear resistance
• Stable performance
• Easy replacement

The exact traction-pad specification can be customized according to the customer’s production requirements.

AUTOMATIC DIAMETER CHANGE SEQUENCE

The FA-M Series can be integrated into a programmed production recipe.

A typical automatic changeover can follow this sequence:

1. Select the New Pipe Diameter

The operator selects the next pipe size through the HMI or production recipe.

2. Extrusion Line Adjusts

The extrusion process begins transitioning toward the parameters required for the new product.

3. Haul-Off Receives Position Data

The control system provides the required traction position according to the selected diameter.

4. Caterpillars Reposition

The upper and lower traction assemblies automatically move toward the new working position.

5. Pipe Centerline Is Maintained

The positioning system keeps the pipe aligned with the extrusion axis.

6. Traction Pressure Is Established

The caterpillars move to the programmed contact position and establish the required pressure.

7. Production Continues

The haul-off resumes stable traction at the required line speed.

This sequence reduces manual intervention and makes repeated diameter changes more consistent.

SMALL-DIAMETER PIPE LINES

The FA-M 110 configuration is intended for automatic production of smaller solid-wall pipes.

A typical working range can cover approximately:

32–110 mm

Typical products include:

• PVC pipes
• UPVC pipes
• PE pipes
• PP pipes
• ABS pipes
• Utility pipes
• Pressure pipes
• Conduit pipes

The system is particularly useful where manufacturers regularly switch between several small pipe diameters.

MEDIUM-DIAMETER PIPE LINES

The FA-M 160 configuration provides a larger automatic adjustment range, typically covering approximately:

63–160 mm

This configuration can be used for medium-diameter water, industrial, pressure and utility pipes.

The automatic positioning system makes it possible to produce multiple pipe sizes on the same line without extensive manual haul-off adjustment.

LARGE CONFIGURATIONS

For applications requiring larger pipe diameters, EXTRUTEX can configure the FA-M Series with reinforced traction structures and increased positioning capacity.

The FA-M 200 can be configured for applications extending toward:

200 mm

while the FA-M 250 configuration can extend automatic diameter handling toward:

250 mm

The final configuration is selected according to pipe weight, wall thickness, extrusion output and required traction force.

TECHNICAL MODEL SELECTION TABLE

TECHNICAL FEATURES

DIAMETER CHANGEOVER TABLE

Selection note: Overlapping ranges provide flexibility. For example, a 110 mm or 160 mm pipe may be suitable for more than one FA-M configuration depending on wall thickness, material, extrusion output and traction requirements.

APPLICATION MATERIALS

CONTROL & AUTOMATION

The FA-M Series can be supplied with an integrated PLC and HMI control architecture.

Depending on the project, the control system can manage:

• Pipe diameter selection
• Caterpillar positioning
• Traction speed
• Acceleration and deceleration
• Upper caterpillar pressure
• Lower caterpillar position
• Production recipes
• Diameter change sequences
• Line synchronization
• Alarm monitoring
• Safety interlocks

The automatic positioning parameters can be stored together with the pipe-production recipe. When the same pipe diameter is produced again, the machine can recall the corresponding positioning values, reducing setup time.

INTEGRATION WITH EXTRUTEX DOWNSTREAM EQUIPMENT

The FA-M Series can be integrated with the complete EXTRUTEX downstream system.

A typical PVC or PE pipe extrusion line can include:

Extruder → Die Head → Vacuum Calibration → Cooling Tank → FA-M FullAuto Haul-Off → Cutting Machine → Chamfering → Stacker

The haul-off can therefore operate as part of a synchronized production system rather than as a standalone machine.

For production lines with frequent diameter changes, this integration is especially valuable because the haul-off positioning can be coordinated with the extrusion and downstream equipment.

SAFETY AND OPERATOR CONVENIENCE

Automatic positioning reduces the amount of manual mechanical adjustment required during production changes.

The operator can monitor the operating condition through the HMI while the control system supervises the programmed positioning sequence.

Safety functions and interlocks can be configured according to the complete extrusion-line design and applicable customer requirements.

CUSTOM ENGINEERING

EXTRUTEX does not treat every extrusion line as the same application.

The final FA-M configuration can be engineered according to:

• Pipe diameter range
• Pipe material
• Wall thickness
• Pipe weight
• Extrusion output
• Maximum line speed
• Required traction force
• Production frequency
• Number of diameter changes
• Downstream equipment
• Factory layout
• Automation requirements

This allows the haul-off to be matched to the actual production process.

EXTRUTEX FA-M FULLAUTO HAUL-OFF — TECHNICAL SUMMARY

Why Choose the EXTRUTEX FA-M Series?

The EXTRUTEX FA-M FullAuto haul-off is designed for manufacturers who need more than simple pipe pulling. Its purpose is to make the haul-off an intelligent part of the extrusion process.

With automatic positioning, synchronized operation, controlled traction and programmable diameter settings, the FA-M Series is suited to production lines where multiple pipe sizes are manufactured regularly and fast, repeatable changeovers are important.

From 32 mm small-diameter pipes to configurations reaching 250 mm, EXTRUTEX can engineer the appropriate automatic haul-off according to the actual pipe, extrusion output and production requirements.

EXTRUTEX — FullAuto Haul-Off Solutions for Flexible, Automated Thermoplastic Pipe Production.