APX Series Co-Extruders by EXTRUTEX Austria

Precision. Power. Performance.

Introduction: The Art and Science of Co-Extrusion

In the world of polymer processing, co-extrusion stands as both an art and a science. It is the discipline of merging multiple materials, often of different chemistries, viscosities, and colors, into a single unified profile or product. From architectural profiles that demand UV protection and aesthetic finish, to automotive components that require layered functionality, co-extrusion provides the answer.

At its core, co-extrusion is about synergy: blending the strengths of multiple polymers into one product, achieving performance levels unattainable with single-layer extrusion. The co-extruder is therefore not a secondary machine, but a critical companion to the main extruder, feeding precision layers that determine the strength, beauty, and lifespan of the final product.

It is in this demanding and highly specialized field that EXTRUTEX Austria, a pioneer of European extrusion technology, introduces its next-generation APX Series Co-Extruders. These machines are not simply add-ons — they are engineered as integral systems designed to elevate the entire extrusion line to higher standards of efficiency, precision, and versatility.

EXTRUTEX Austria: A Legacy of Engineering Excellence

Austria has long been synonymous with precision engineering, and EXTRUTEX carries this tradition forward with pride. For decades, EXTRUTEX has been designing and manufacturing advanced extrusion systems that serve industries across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond.

The company’s reputation rests on three pillars:

1. Innovation through Research and Development – Every extruder and co-extruder is the product of continuous R&D, backed by laboratory trials, field testing, and feedback from global customers.

2. European Engineering Standards – Manufactured with strict adherence to EU quality norms, EXTRUTEX machines embody reliability, durability, and consistent performance under heavy industrial loads.

3. Global Perspective – With customers ranging from large industrial plants to specialized niche producers, EXTRUTEX understands diverse production needs. The APX series is thus tailored to meet the expectations of both international mass producers and regional specialty manufacturers.

This background ensures that the APX co-extruders are not simply machines, but strategic tools for modern polymer production.

The APX Series: A New Generation of Co-Extruders

The APX Series is the culmination of years of innovation in co-extrusion technology. Specifically designed for S-PVC, R-PVC, polyolefins (PE, PP), and PMMA, these co-extruders integrate seamlessly into diverse extrusion lines.

Where older models often treated co-extruders as secondary, auxiliary machines, the APX series embodies a new philosophy: co-extruders as precision engines of value. Every feature, from its control system to its swiveling frame, has been re-engineered to provide:

• Uncompromising precision in feeding and layering

• Unmatched adaptability to different production setups

• Operational ease for operators of varying skill levels

• Long-term durability under continuous industrial workloads

The result is a machine that does more than deliver polymer: it delivers consistency, efficiency, and confidence.

Technical Features: A Deep Dive

1. Advanced PLC Control System by B&R Austria

The brain of the APX co-extruder is its B&R PLC control unit, coupled with a 6-inch multilingual touch screen. This is not just a control panel — it is a central command system designed to give operators full confidence over every stage of co-extrusion.

Key capabilities include:

• Precise temperature control in multiple barrel zones.

• Speed adjustment of the screw with real-time feedback.

• Monitoring of material pressure, ensuring uniform feeding.

• Logging, saving, and reloading of production recipes.

• Instant error detection, with on-screen diagnostics and alerts.

The multilingual interface (English, German, Russian, French — others available on request) makes the APX globally accessible. In multinational factories where operators come from different backgrounds, this reduces training time, minimizes errors, and ensures smooth transitions between shifts.

In essence, the PLC transforms the co-extruder into a smart, adaptive partner in production.

2. Motor and Back Pressure Section: The Heart of Consistency

Behind the precision lies power. The APX series integrates a high-performance AC motor, engineered for energy efficiency yet capable of sustaining demanding workloads. Coupled with a reducer gearbox, it ensures:

• Uniform torque transmission to the screw.

• Stable back pressure, which directly translates into smoother, more homogeneous polymer flow.

• Reduced energy loss, keeping operational costs low.

For manufacturers, this means that every meter of profile produced carries the same surface finish, dimensional accuracy, and internal consistency. Downtime is minimized, and costly material wastage due to inconsistent extrusion is eliminated.

3. Multi-Axis Swiveling: Flexibility at Your Fingertips

Modern production lines are rarely static. Products change, dies are swapped, and configurations are adjusted. The APX acknowledges this reality by incorporating dual-axis swiveling capability:

• Horizontal swivel up to 180°.

• Vertical adjustment of +/-15°.

This flexibility allows operators to reposition the co-extruder quickly relative to the die head, saving both time and labor costs during changeovers. For factories running multiple extrusion lines, this is a game-changer: one co-extruder can adapt across different setups without requiring extensive mechanical intervention.

4. Precision Height Adjustment

To ensure perfect alignment with the main extruder, the APX co-extruder is mounted on a height-adjustable shaft system. Fine-tuned mechanical locks ensure that once the height is set, it remains stable even during prolonged operation.

This is critical for multi-layer co-extrusion, where even minor misalignments can lead to defects such as uneven wall thickness, surface ripples, or bonding issues between layers.

5. Reinforced Frame and Mobile Stability

The APX body rests on a reinforced steel frame, engineered for rigidity and vibration resistance. The frame is mounted on industrial lockable casters, giving operators the perfect balance between mobility and stability.

The integrated electrical cabinet is housed within the frame, sealed against dust, heat, and moisture. This design not only extends the lifespan of sensitive electronic components but also ensures compliance with international safety standards.

6. Industrial-Grade Power Cabling

Each APX unit comes with a 15-meter detachable power cable, providing exceptional installation flexibility. Whether the co-extruder needs to be stationed close to or far from the main line, this design gives operators the freedom to configure layouts without compromise.

7. Heating and Cooling: Thermal Mastery

Temperature control is the lifeline of extrusion. The APX comes with three standard heating zones along the barrel, powered by precision resistance heaters. These zones ensure that material reaches optimal melting conditions with minimal thermal variation.

For specialized applications, up to three additional cooling zones can be integrated. Whether through air fans or water cooling jackets, these zones give unparalleled control over viscosity and flow, particularly critical when layering sensitive materials such as PMMA.

This modular system allows manufacturers to customize thermal profiles for different materials, enhancing the machine’s versatility.

Applications: Where APX Shines

The APX Series is not limited to one market — it is engineered to serve diverse industries where layered performance is key. Applications include:

• Window and Door Profiles – Combining structural PVC with UV-resistant or color layers.

• Decorative Profiles – For interior design, furniture, and cladding systems.

• Edge Banding – Providing durable, colored finishes for furniture boards.

• Electrical Conduits and Cable Channels – Adding protective or flame-retardant outer layers.

• Automotive Components – Blending PMMA’s surface aesthetics with polyolefin durability.

• Protective Compounds – UV-blocking or anti-scratch coatings.

In every case, the APX ensures that each layer bonds seamlessly, guaranteeing product longevity and customer satisfaction.

Competitive Advantages

The APX co-extruders distinguish themselves with:

• European engineering and build quality

• Durability for heavy, continuous workloads

• Energy-efficient operation with reduced running costs

• Customizability for specific industrial needs

• Ease of operator training with intuitive control systems

• Seamless integration into new or existing lines

For producers seeking higher precision and productivity without higher costs, the APX delivers unmatched ROI.

Operational Benefits

1. Reduced Downtime – Quick die changes and easy repositioning.

2. Lower Scrap Rates – Stable temperature and pressure mean fewer defects.

3. Operator Comfort – Multilingual PLC, easy mobility, ergonomic adjustment.

4. Safety – Reinforced frame and sealed electrical cabinet protect both operator and machine.

5. Scalability – From single-line workshops to multi-plant operations, the APX scales effortlessly.

Optional Configurations and Customization

Every production line is unique. EXTRUTEX offers:

• Additional heating/cooling zones.

• Alternative screw geometries for specific polymers.

• Integration with automated feeders and gravimetric dosing systems.

• Tailored software modules for Industry 4.0 connectivity.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

In today’s eco-conscious industry, energy efficiency is as important as output. The APX series is designed to minimize waste and optimize power consumption. Advanced motor technology, efficient heaters, and smart cooling systems together create a machine that supports both profitability and sustainability.

Why Choose APX Over Conventional Co-Extruders?

Compared to older co-extruders, the APX delivers:

• Higher precision through advanced PLC control.

• Greater adaptability with dual-axis swiveling and height adjustment.

• Extended service life with reinforced frames and industrial components.

• Lower operational costs thanks to energy-efficient systems.

In short: it is not an upgrade; it is a redefinition.

Customer Experience and Support

Every APX co-extruder is backed by EXTRUTEX’s global service network:

• On-site installation and training.

• Technical hotlines for troubleshooting.

• Fast delivery of spare parts.

• Preventive maintenance packages.

This ensures that the machine is not just purchased — it is partnered with for years to come.

Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in Quality and Efficiency

For manufacturers who aim to stay ahead in a competitive market, the choice is clear. The APX Series Co-Extrudersfrom EXTRUTEX Austria embody the very best of European engineering: precise, durable, adaptable, and efficient.

They are more than machines — they are strategic enablers of growth, empowering producers to deliver products with higher quality, greater consistency, and superior functionality.

If your ambition is to elevate your production line to world-class standards, the APX co-extruder is your gateway.

Contact EXTRUTEX today for detailed catalogs, technical consultations, and tailored quotations.