The coreless hose is a hose type named from the processing point of view. As we all know, the traditional hose production is inseparable from the use of the core rod. This is because the inner diameter of the hose depends on the outer diameter of the mandrel, and the bonding between the layers is required to be supported by the mandrel. Especially when the hose is vulcanized, the mandrel plays the dual role of heat transfer and shaping. After the end of vulcanization, the relationship between the tube body and the mandrel is terminated by the core removal. In the whole process of the production of the coreless hose, the mandrel is removed from the beginning and replaced by compressed air. This is the origin of the name “coreless”.
The advantages of the coreless process are reflected in the following aspects:
1) Low labor intensity In the molding of cored hoses, the iron cores must be carried together when moving the semi-finished products, so the consumption of physical strength is very high; while the production by the coreless method, the physical labor is greatly reduced.
2) The simplification process can eliminate the multiple processes such as core, core removal, coating release agent, water-absorbing cloth, water-removing cloth, and finishing water cloth, thus shortening the process.
3) Saving the consumption of auxiliary materials. Due to the reduction of processes, some materials are no longer needed, such as cloth, release agent, iron core, etc. Among them, the cloth is the most abrupt. Since the water-coated cloth is vulcanized once, it is subjected to about 1 h at 145 to 155 °C. After 10-15 times of use, it is crisp and can no longer be used.
4) It helps to improve labor productivity. Because of the simplification of the process, the labor productivity is obviously improved, and the output of the class is improved.
(2) Insufficient coreless process
Although the coreless process has many advantages, it also has some shortcomings, mainly because the vulcanization cycle is obviously elongated, which is related to the two heat transfer (steam-water-product), although it does not affect the production, but it increases the energy consumption. Does not meet the requirements of energy saving and consumption reduction. It is necessary to solve it through improvements in materials or formulations.
(3) Core technology of coreless process
In order to ensure smooth and high-quality production of coreless hoses, the following key technologies must be mastered:
1) The appropriate molding aeration amount can generally be controlled in the range of 0.1 to 0.3 MPa.
2) Prevent semi-finished products from being deformed during parking. When moving semi-finished products between the upper and lower steps, care must be taken to prevent distortion.
3) Water bath vulcanization Because there is no core rod support, the conventional steam vulcanization is easy to twist and deform, and the appearance is difficult to guarantee. However, when the water bath is vulcanized, the buoyancy of the water offsets the downward pressure of the upper semi-finished product, which prevents the underlying semi-finished product from being Squashing.