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Sikora presents innovative measuring and sorting technology at K 2025
July, 9, 2025 - It all starts at K: At the K 2025, from October 8 to 15 in Düsseldorf, Sikora presents innovative measuring, control, inspection and sorting technologies for quality control in the plastics industry (Hall 10, Booth F14). The focus will be on future-oriented solutions for tube, pipe, hose and sheet extrusion – including the largest model of the Centerwave 6000 family to date for precise measurement of minimum wall thickness, centering, diameter and ovality of pipes up to 1,600 mm in diameter. For the first time, Sikora will present a measuring system for the AI-based measurement of double-wall corrugated tubes and pipes as well as another new solution for the precise measurement of single-layer products – for highest product quality and maximum material and cost efficiency. Under the motto: “Human vs. Machine”, Sikora invites visitors to bring their own pellet samples and challenge the inspection and analysis system Purity Concept V. Sikora's measuring presentation demonstrates how modern measuring technology contributes to automation and sustainable production. Measuring system for large dimensions: Centerwave 6000/1600 measures pipes from 250 to 1,600 mm diameter With the Centerwave 6000/1600, Sikora presents a further expansion stage of its proven radar technology for non-contact online measurement of wall thickness, centering, diameter, inner profile and ovality over the entire circumference of plastic pipes at the K 2025. The new model was specially developed for the diameter range from 250 to 1,600 mm and has become an indispensable part of large pipe production. “Thanks to its compact design, the system can be easily integrated into existing extrusion lines and is particularly suitable for production lines in which pipes with diameters of up to 1,600 mm are manufactured,” explains Christian Schalich, Head of Sales - Hose & Tube. In the line, the Centerwave 6000 supports fast centering, seamless quality monitoring and optional automatic control – all in real time, Sikora says.. All models of the Centerwave 6000 series enable intuitive operation at the touch of a button. Once switched on, the systems immediately provide continuous, precise measured values – without any presettings, coupling medium or calibration. The basis for this is the automatic determination of the refractive index of the material, which was patented by Sikora. A particular highlight is the integrated “Dynamic Shrinkage Prediction” function: Immediately after the first vacuum tank, the measuring system not only determines the current pipe dimensions in the hot state, but also precisely predicts the final dimensions that the pipe will have after cooling at the end of the extrusion line, Sikora says. The Centerwave 6000 thus acts as a kind of virtual measuring head for the final dimensions of the product – a decisive advantage for early process optimization and quality assurance. “This predictive measurement makes all the difference: it enables the operator to make immediate adjustments before deviations even occur,” explains Schalich. “Operating errors are avoided thanks to the one-button operation, start-up scrap is reduced, target values are reached more quickly, and processes are controlled efficiently.” With the presentation of the largest Centerwave model, Sikora once again underlines its claim to supply suitable measuring device solutions for specific applications – as an important component of an automated and self-sufficient extrusion process. Measuring system for small dimensions: Centerwave 6000/250 measures tubes and pipes from 32 to 250 mm The Centerwave 6000/250 complements the Centerwave family in the lower diameter range and has been specially developed for tubes and pipes from 32 to 250 mm. With wall thicknesses from 1.6 mm, the system measures wall thickness, centering, diameter, inner profile and ovality continuously and without contact – 360° over the entire circumference of the product. A key feature is the automatic adjustment of the measuring speed to the line speed. This ensures permanent 100 % coverage in real time – regardless of product speed or diameter. As with all Centerwave models, the proven radar technology is also used here. Innovation: X-RAY 6000 PRO C-PIPEAI for measuring corrugated pipes (DWC) using AI At the K 2025 in Düsseldorf, Sikora presents the X-RAY 6000 PRO C-PIPEAI, a new system for precise measurement of layer transitions during the production of double-wall corrugated pipes and tubes (DWC). Sikora says the system combines an X-ray-based measurement process with newly developed, AI-supported software and thus enables highly accurate evaluation of the X-ray data – even for the complex hill-valley outer contour of corrugated pipes and tubes. The X-RAY 6000 PRO C-PIPEAI ensures early measurement of wall thickness and eccentricity, particularly in the critical start-up phase of extrusion. According to Sikora, this enables fast and efficient centering and significantly reduces the amount of start-up scrap. Continuous quality control in real time not only ensures maximum process reliability, but also enables considerable cost savings, the company claims.. Measurement of single-layer products: the X-RAY 6000 PURE for measuring all dimensions including the minimum wall thickness With the X-RAY 6070 PURE, Sikora presents a new type of X-ray measuring system for the precise measurement of the total wall thickness of tubes and hoses in the diameter range from 6 to 65 mm – for both single and multi-layer products. Unlike the X-RAY 6000 PRO, which was developed for measuring the layers of multi-layer products, the PURE specifically measures the total wall thickness. As an efficient alternative, the X-RAY 6070 PURE replaces classic ultrasonic technology in price-sensitive markets – with higher precision and stability at the same time, Sikora says. In combination with the ECOCONTROL, the measurement data is visualized, documented and used for targeted process optimization. Innovation: LM SMART for contactless length and speed measurement in extrusion lines The LM SMART is a new, non-contact length and speed measuring device for tube, pipe and hose extrusion. According to Sikora, the system measures lengths with an extremely high accuracy of 0.05 % without any wear or slippage. Based on the proven laser doppler method, the LM SMART measures independently of the color, surface and diameter of the product and can be easily integrated into existing lines thanks to its compact design, the manufacturer says. The unique, permanent calibration and maintenance-free technology ensure maximum availability – and significant savings potential in production thanks to the precise length measurement. Purity Scanner Advanced: Inspection and sorting for demanding plastic applications With increasing demands on the purity of technical plastics – for example in the cable market when using XLPE – the need for reliable quality control is also growing. The same applies to high-performance plastics such as fluoropolymers (e.g. flame-retardant plastics) or standard materials such as polypropylene (PP): flawless material quality is crucial in all areas of application. Impurities can not only impair functionality, but also cause considerable economic losses. To meet these challenges, Sikora offers the Purity Scanner Advanced. According to the company, it is a flexibly configurable inspection and sorting system that combines maximum precision with modular technology. “Critical contaminants – even of minimal size – are reliably detected and automatically sorted out. The detection and the blow-out system work together perfectly,” explains Ralf Kulenkampff, Head of Sales – Plastics at Sikora. Depending on the application, different camera types can be integrated. In addition to high-resolution optical cameras, which detect black specks from 25 µm, for example, an X-ray camera is also available as an option – especially for detecting metal particles in the pellets. While conventional systems on the market often work with a maximum of two cameras and therefore only cover limited fields of view, Sikora expands the spectrum with an additional black and white camera. “This third camera enables a significantly higher detection rate – a unique selling point of our system,” Kulenkampff continues. "Another highlight is the specially developed hybrid blow-out system: customers can define which types of contamination are tolerable, for example small, light-colored black specks, and sort them out with a smaller blow-out unit. For critical contaminants such as metal particles, on the other hand, a larger blow-out unit is used. This intelligent interaction minimizes unnecessary material loss (“by-catch”) and makes a significant contribution to economical and sustainable production. The system combines maximum detection reliability with efficiency – a decisive advantage for our customers,” summarizes Kulenkampff. “Human vs. Machine” – How pure is your material really? Live tests with the Purity Concept V Many material manufacturers are convinced that their pellets are clean. But how does it look when a high-precision testing technology takes a look? Under the motto “Human vs. Machine”, Sikora invites visitors of the K 2025 to find out exactly that. The focus is on the Purity Concept V inspection system, which inspects pellets or test plates for optical impurities such as black specks within a few seconds. The system detects, visualizes and records even the smallest contamination and provides a comprehensive statistical evaluation – automated and reproducible. Live material tests with the Purity Concept V will be carried out at the Sikora booth. Visitors can bring small quantities of pellets or test plates – and put their material to the test. Participation is free of charge and offers an ideal opportunity to see the precision, speed and user-friendliness of the system – and to perhaps make a surprising discovery. And best of all: if the system does not detect any contamination in the material, participants can expect a little surprise. If, on the other hand, contamination is detected, the visitor receives a detailed test report that provides valuable information on material quality. Experience Service competence live: Focus on availability, efficiency and training Availability and efficiency of Sikora systems for the customer – this is Sikora's top priority, according to the company. At the K 2025, the service team will present the complete range of services related to support and training: from installation and commissioning to comprehensive consulting and maintenance. A special highlight is the presentation of the Sikora Academy: with specially developed training programs, it offers practical training on the devices – on site at the factory, online or at Sikora. The training courses provide knowledge on the optimal use, maintenance and fault diagnosis of the systems. According to Sikora, this not only minimizes downtimes, but also sustainably increases process reliability and efficiency. Visitors to the trade fair will have the opportunity to talk to the service team and discuss individual solutions for their requirements. Inspiring exchange with enjoyable highlights On the second level of the exhibition stand, visitors can expect an exclusive area for personal discussions with the Sikora experts. In a relaxed atmosphere, freshly prepared culinary specialties as well as a fine selection of refreshing drinks and coffee specialties invite visitors to linger and exchange ideas. The lounge also offers an impressive view of Sikora's technologies and thus creates the perfect setting for informative meetings. Source: Sikora
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