Concrete Drainage Pipe Production: How to Choose Between Extrusion and Roller Suspension Methods?
Concrete drainage pipes are fundamental materials for municipal, water conservancy, and transportation projects. The two main production processes are vertical radial extrusion and suspension roller (centrifugal) forming. Understanding their differences helps manufacturers select the right equipment based on their product needs.
1. Vertical Radial Extrusion
Principle: A rotating extrusion head compacts concrete from the inside outward, forming the pipe in one pass.
Applicable diameters: typically DN300 to DN1500 mm.
Advantages: Extremely high efficiency - for a DN600×3000 mm pipe, the forming cycle takes only about 3 minutes; products have high density and smooth inner walls.
Disadvantages: Requires strict control of concrete slump; best suited for high‑volume production of a single size.
2. Suspension Roller (Centrifugal) Method
Principle: A rotating roller applies pressure and centrifugal force to compact concrete inside the mould.
Applicable diameters: DN300 to DN2000 mm, with a maximum length of 3 metres per pipe.
Advantages: Wider diameter range, capable of producing various joint types (plain, bell‑and‑spigot, tongue‑and‑groove), offering greater flexibility.
Disadvantages: Relatively slower production cycle; higher power consumption.
Selection Recommendations:
If you mainly produce small‑to‑medium diameter pipes, require high‑strength or jacking pipes, and need extremely high output, the extrusion method is an ideal choice.
If you need large diameters and flexible production with multiple joint types, or if you already have existing moulds, the suspension roller method offers more adaptability.
UNIK can supply both types of pipe machines and adjust technical parameters (diameter, length, motor power, etc.) according to customer requirements. In addition, UNIK provides mould design and customisation services to ensure precise dimensions and easy demoulding.
