SLS handles in-house what many plastics processors outsource: building, modernising and automating machinery. A team of mechanical and electrical engineers designs, programs and maintains the production equipment – entirely in-house. The result is a production environment that does not depend on external supplier lead times, but is tailored to the specific requirements of production.

Built in-house rather than bought in: what the team designs

The range of components developed in-house is broad: calibration tables, caterpillar haul-offs, profile cut-off units, automated material mixing systems and complete extruder control systems are all built in SLS’s own workshop. Each of these components is designed around the specific requirements of the respective production line – not around a standard catalogue range.

Co-extruders, internally referred to at SLS as “Beispritzer” units, are also developed and used in-house. They provide a flexible addition to the main lines: colour strips, additives or secondary components can be introduced precisely and reproducibly – a fundamental requirement for the series production of co-extruded profiles.

Inline punching and automated secondary operations

Punching does not have to be carried out as a separate step after extrusion. At SLS, inline punching units are operated directly on the running production line. This eliminates process steps, shortens throughput times and reduces potential sources of error between individual process stages. Automatic discharge tables and placement devices further support the process.

The secondary operations department uses specialised automatic infeed units as well as rolling and cutting machines. These machines are custom-built for the respective profiles and to customer requirements – another example of standard solutions being the exception at SLS.

Automation: from PLC control to IoT connectivity

At SLS, automation technology involves more than controlling individual machine axes. The scope ranges from retrofitting existing extrusion lines and building custom machinery to digitising production in line with Industry 4.0. Equipment is retrofitted with energy-efficient reluctance motors, IoT-enabled control systems and automated material mixing systems.

PLC systems are programmed in-house in close coordination with production staff. This direct exchange offers a clear advantage: functions are not developed in isolation from actual needs, but are shaped directly by day-to-day production practice. Changes and optimisations can be implemented at short notice without having to involve external service providers.

Retrofitting: bringing existing machinery up to date

Not every improvement requires a new machine. SLS upgrades existing extruders in a targeted manner: new drive units, more efficient motors, updated control technology and adapted hopper systems extend service life while also improving performance. Retrofitting is therefore an integral part of the maintenance strategy – economically viable and resource-efficient.