Novoplast Schlauchtechnik is a specialist in the field of manufacturing and distributing extruded, thermoplastic tubes and profiles made of synthetic materials. An important company aim is to research the varied application options for high-tech materials and implement them in new, customer-orientated products. The member company of the international Masterflex-Group offers a wide-ranging assortment of technical and medical hoses. Marcel Varges, Sales Direcotor of Novoplast Schlauchtechnik GmbH, was asked about the current trends in the hose sector.

What is new about XFlame®?

M. Varges: Flame-resistant tubes have been used in the welding industry for several years now. But, just like in other industries, we find huge contrasts. We see some users who work with PVC tubes containing halogens for example. In the event of a fire, poisonous and corrosive gases, and hydrochloric acid in connection with water, are produced that pose high risks to people and materials. The newly developed Generation XFlame® is free of halogens.

What about the environmental consciousness of your products?

M. Varges: Our Generation XFlame® tubes correspond with the RoHS guideline for example, and are therefore a contribution to the protection of human health and the environment, including environmentally compatible recycling.

Which demands are placed on flame resistant hoses?

M. Varges: The Generation XFlame® tubes are classified in accordance with UL94-V2 to V0. UL94 is a standard that is used by the American test laboratory "Underwriters Laboratories". This standard is recognised worldwide.

What exactly is behind the "Generation XFlame®"?

M. Varges: Due to the number of applications in welding technology, and other areas in which sparks fly, 3 individual solutions were developed.

The XFlame® is the cornerstone for a new generation of flame resistant hoses.

The XFlame hydro® and XFlame soft® versions are other modules in the series.

How do the 3 versions differ?

M. Varges: Our XFlame® is suitable for demanding applications. The considerable sturdiness guarantees huge operating pressures. The XFlame hydro® unites very good flexible properties with an excellent pressure resistance and has been developed for flexible applications.

The XFlame soft® is characterized by its highly elastic yet extremely kink resistant properties.

Which target groups are you addressing?

M. Varges: The welding splash resistant Generation XFlame® self-extinguishes in the event of a fire and therefore fulfils the application requirements in welding systems, point welding tongs and grinding machines, for example. In order to meet the requirements of the automobile industry, all hoses are free of substances that disturb paint wetting. Thanks to the special kink resistance and the excellent wear resistance, a good service life in towing chains is achieved. The hoses have high elasticity and are therefore perfect for use in welding robots.

What information would you like to give any future users?

M. Varges: The subject of connections: after all, the dimensions and tolerances are aligned to the well-known plug or screw connection systems.

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