EoW November 2009

Power cables

Sikora’s X-Ray 8000 NXT measures the wall thickness of 3-layers of medium, high and extra-high voltage cables directly after the extruder. Now, Sikora presents advanced NTX-windows (Non-Toxic X-ray-windows) that replace beryllium windows in the upper part of the X-Ray 8000 NXT. Quality control in high voltage cable

New software options for wire and cable testing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) allows users to analyse periodic deviations in, for example, the diameter of a wire or cable. By combining the FFT information with specifications for line speed, Total Vu TM from LaserLinc can identify likely causes of the measurement deviation, such as a faulty pulley. Total Vu supports any number of FFT input measurements, allowing the user to tailor the resolution of the frequency analysis and view the resulting frequency-domain graph for each. The user may also select any FFT data point to see its magnitude, the harmonic frequencies associated with it, and the diameter of a pulley that could be responsible for the deviation. Structural Return Loss (SRL) is an option of the FFT package. By analysing the periodic deviation of certain measure- ments, such as core wire diameter, the software can compute the signal loss that will occur at various frequencies throughout a length of cable. Monitoring SRL during production makes it possible to correct problems much faster, reducing scrap and improving production line throughput. LaserLinc manufactures non-contact, precision laser and ultrasonic systems for measuring OD, ID, and wall thickness for the wire and cable industries. The interface for the measurement hardware is LaserLinc’s sophisticated, yet operator-friendly measurement/data processing package, Total Vu, which runs on any Windows-based PC. Besides FFT and SRL, Total Vu also provides in-process tolerance checking, trending, SPC, control, data logging, and other features. Options are available for monitoring other variables, such as pressures, temperatures, loads, and speeds, to provide a complete view of the manufacturing process.

NTX (Non Toxic X-ray)-windows and ceramic windows separate the measuring equipment from the pressurised ▲ ▲ area of the CV-line

The windows are integrated into the X-Ray 8000 NXT in order to separate the measuring equipment from the pressurised area of the CV-line and to protect it against pressure, high temperature and chemical by-products during the X-ray measuring process. In contrast to beryllium, the new NTX-windows consist of a non-toxic material, which avoids corrosion and thus contributes to an extended lifetime. In the last year Sikora has already replaced beryllium with ceramic windows in the lower part of the scanner box. With the present replacement Sikora offers exclusively non-toxic and technologically improved windows for its X-Ray 8000 NXT. The new NTX-windows are high temperature resistant ensuring high mechanical strength and rigidity. They offer an excellent chemical and hydrolysis resistance and a high thermal stability.

LaserLinc Inc – USA Fax : +1 937 318 2445 Email : info@laserlinc.com Website : www.laserlinc.com

Sikora AG – Germany Email : sales@sikora.net

Fax : +49 421 48900 90 Website : www.sikora.net

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EuroWire – November 2009