EoW July 2008

taping, armouring & sheathing of cables

Splicing“on-the-fly” Dynamex Series TPX tape payoff was developed specifically to enable uninterrupted tape supply for longitudinal taping in the extrusion process, but it can also be used in other continuous systems. This patented machine enables running a taping process continuously with unattended splicing, which until now has been considered unattainable.

Dynamex, an acknowledged developer of equipment for the wire & cable industry, is known for its high-speed single-twist cablers, driven payoffs, taping systems and ancillaries. The auto-splicing tape payoff accommodates two tape pads, one running and the other waiting to be spliced when the active one is depleted. The high-reliability splicing takes place automatically at full line speed, and at the right moment, regardless of the operator’s presence. Both tape pads are driven, and the tape is delivered to the line from a driven capstan that fully controls the tape tension as it enters the process. A built-in alert reminds the operator to load a new pad and prepare the tape for the next splice. The machine has a small footprint, and can be installed at any angle to the line for easy integration into an existing system. Also provided with the payoff is a tape-redirector, which delivers the tape parallel to the line and into the tape former. An additional important advantage of this machine is that it minimises tape scrap. These systems run and splice automatically at speeds exceeding 400m/min, and can operate with tissue, kraft (brown) paper, water-swellable, Mylar, or tape aluminised on one or both sides. Models are available for traditional flat pads, as well as wide spools with traversed tape. Dynamex also offers model TPX-TRFL that can run both flat pads and traversed pads. Dynamex – USA Fax : +1 310 329 0159

Email : sales@dynamexcorp.com Website : www.dynamexcorp.com

The Dynamex Series TPX tape payoff ▲ ▲

High-heat aging performance and halogen-free DSM Engineering Plastics has announced a new addition to its Arnitel® line of copolyester thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) designed to meet the stringent performance and compliance needs of automotive designers. Arnitel® C, described as “a breakthrough technology for wire and cable coating”, has been developed to provide superior high-heat aging performance, combined with halogen-free flame retardance and exceptional hydrolysis resistance. With excellent abrasion resistance, this new material offers designers the ability to reduce the weight and mass of wiring and cable through ultra-thin-wall coatings.

“As auto designers try to fit more and more components into a fixed space, it becomes critical to improve wire and cable coating flexibility and reduce mass and weight,” said Francis Aussems, DSM innovation programme manager. “Additional under-the-hood content is also leading to rising temperatures that require improved heat resistance. We developed Arnitel® C specifically to meet these needs. In addition to exceptional performance, our new recyclable, halogen- and plasticiser-free TPE helps OEMs and Tiers meet environmental regulations.” Arnitel® needs no plasticiser to enhance flexibility, which translates into low outgassing and no environmental issues. The combination of this polymer with the halogen-free flame retardant system also gives low toxicity and smoke in case of a fire.

The new DSM material provides high-heat aging properties of all TPE-Es, with a continuous operating temperature rating of 3,000 hours at 175°C, so exceeding the requirements for temperature class D under ISO 6722. Arnitel® C also is hydrolysis-resistant (>150 days at 85°C in water), and on par with all other higher standard copolyester elastomers. The material has been tested and approved according to ISO6722 and LV112. DSM Engineering Plastics – Netherlands Fax : +31 46 477 3959 Website : www.dsmep.com Arnitel® C, “a breakthrough technology for wire and cable coating” ▲ ▲

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EuroWire – July 2008