Air Necker
The AN-1000 manipulates the diameter of thermoplastic tubing. A steady stream of hot air is applied to the part. Once heated, the tubing is stretched then cooled with air. The heating, stretching, and cooling parameters are adjustable via the touch screen interface. Changing the applied temperature, heating time, rate of pull, duration and flow of cooling air allows for versatile necking operations. Since the system does not use a mandrel or die, there are fewer residual tool marks and wear on the part. The AN-1000 can be easily reprogrammed for different processes.