6. Line speed and drive

6.1 Extruder line speed and rotational speed

The line speed and the extruder's rotational speed are interlinked. The material flow rate pushed by the extruder is equal to the flow rate of the insulation or sheathing (cross-sectional area × line speed). To ensure consistent insulation or sheathing thicknesses, both values are controlled together by the line controller.

Simple calculations are presented to determine an approximate relationship between the two speeds (line and extruder). This allows one to determine the required line speed based on the size of the extruder and the dimensions of the insulation (sheath).