What is the Spiral-Winding Process
Have you ever wondered just how a spiral-wound paper tube, or plastic tube is created? Here is a little background in the process that brings spiral-wound tube products to life.
The basic process to make spiral-wound tubing has changed little over the years. Since first invented by Marvin Stone, founder of Stone Industries a sister company, its manufacture has been a central part of what we do.
Spiral-wound tubes are produced by wrapping several strips, or laminations, of adhesive coated materials such as plastic films, papers, or other substrates, alone or in combinations, at an angle, over a mandrel that forms the tube. The adhesives used are designed to be compatible with the materials used to make the tube and, when necessary, with chemicals and resins found in the end-use application.
The process capability to spiral-wind tubing of different materials combines the desirable qualities of each material providing unique tube characteristics and insulating properties against...
- electrical (dielectric strength)
- thermal (heat resistance)
- chemical (resistance to oils, greases, etc.)
- mechanical (cut-through & abrasion resistance)
- or environmental conditions
Dimensional accuracy is excellent in spiral-wound tubing. The I.D. is tightly controlled by the mandrel to tolerances as close as +/-.002". The O.D. is controlled by the tight tolerances of the materials used to make the tube, and can be held to +/-.005", depending on the materials used.
Finished tubes are typically set aside for a time to cure before further processing. Specialized tube finishing capabilities include cut lengths, fabrications (slotting, notching, flared ends, etc.), printed tubes and products, and other specialty tubes.
Still have questions about spiral-wound tubing solutions created by PPG? Simply contact us for a quote, answer a question, or ask for a sample.