EuroWire July 2020

The International Magazine for the Wire & Cable Industries

Joining the fight against coronavirus

Many companies have joined in the fight against the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, and this is highlighted in the July issue of EuroWire with UK-based Alloy Wire helping in the bid to build more medical ventilators. The company was commissioned to provide more than 5km of material for use in building crucial parts in equipment used at London’s Nightingale Hospital. The global nature of Alloy Wire came to the fore as it also supplied urgent quantities of custom-made spring wire and 316V stainless steel to a spring maker inWisconsin, USA, and a major medical centre in Seoul, South Korea. The company also supplied wire to a customer who had to remake springs destined for ventilator production due to an untimely power cut, while another client made a 280-mile round trip to collect an order. The full story can be found on page 9.

More than 200 companies from 25 countries have signed up for the biennial Moscow-based exhibition that runs from 8 to 10 June 2021. More details are on page 12. Keeping an eye rmly on the future, the Windak Group has expanded in Estonia with a new manufacturing facility to bring two factories under one roof. A new production hall of 3,000m 2 will allow the company to increase exports, improve production processes and organise open house events.

“This opportunity came at the perfect time, as we were looking for key opportunities that would allow us to expand our company, our services and reach new customers,” said Sta an Edstrom, chairman. Full story on page 20.

Looking ahead, dates have been announced for the next staging of wire Russia.

David Bell Editor

Publishing Team

Editor:

................................................................................................................................David Bell

Features Editor (USA):

............................................................................................................................. Gill Watson

Editorial assistant:

..................................................................................................................Christian Bradley

Design/Production:

............................................................................................................................Julie Tomlin

Production:

..............................................................................................................................Lisa Wright

Sales & Marketing: UK & ROW sales.............................................................................................Jason Smith (International) Italian speaking sales...................................................................Giuliana Benedetto Chinese speaking sales ............................................................................................Linda Li Advertisement Coordinator: ..............................................................................................................................Liz Hughes Accounts Manager: ...............................................................................................................................Karen Low Subscriptions: ...............................................................................................................................Karen Low Publisher: ....................................................................................................................Caroline Sullens Founder: ..........................................................................................................................John C Hogg

* US$33 purchase only Front cover: Fainplast srl See page 96 for further details US copies only : EuroWire (ISSN 1463-2483, USPS No: 022-738) is published six times a year, January, March, May, July, September and November by Intras Ltd and distributed in the USA by Asendia USA, 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA. Periodicals postage paid at Philadelphia, PA and additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to EuroWire, Intras Ltd, C/O 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032. www.read-eurowire.com © 2020 Intras Ltd, UK ISSN 1463-2438

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Contents

July 2020

Photo courtesy: bigstockphoto.com Photographer: Nickola S.“Shanghai Pudong Skyline”

Regulars

Market News

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Diary of events

Deutsch Inhalt 66 Neuigkeiten 96 Inserentenverzeichnis

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Corporate News

Sommaire Français 78 Nouvelles du Marché 96 Index des Annonceurs Indice Italiano 84 Notizie del Mercato 96 Indice degli Inserzionisti Содержание на русском языке 72 Ηοвости рьінка 96 Перечень рекламодателей Indice Español 90 Noticias de Mercado 96 Indice de Anunciadores

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Transatlantic Cable

33

EuroFasteners

49

Technology News

96

Editorial Index

96

Advertisers Index

6

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Next Issue GettingTechnical Analytical study of soft coating material for optical bre

Feature wire China 2020 Guangzhou Julang

Visit us online at: www.read-eurowire.com

Technical Articles

The design and application of radio frequency identi able optical cable By Ji Li, Zexing Jiang, Shan Jiang, Yifan Ding and Dongxue Wang, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China 62 Entwurf und Einsatz von 68 von Ji Li, Zexing Jiang, Shan Jiang, Yifan Ding und Dongxue Wang, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China Разработка и применение радиочастотного оптического кабеля Джи Ли, Цзэсин Цзян, Шан Цзян, Ифань Дин и Донгсю Ван, Hengtong Optic- Electric Co, Ltd, Сучжоу, Цзянсу, Китай 74 Lichtwellenleiterkabeln mit Radiofrequenz-Identi kation

Conception et application de câbles optiques avec identi cation par radiofréquence Par Ji Li, Zexing Jiang, Shan Jiang, Yifan Ding e Dongxue Wang, Hengtong Optic- Electric Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, Chine Progettazione e applicazione di cavi ottici con identi cazione a radiofrequenza A cura di Ji Li, Zexing Jiang, Shan Jiang, Yifan Ding e Dongxue Wang, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, Cina Diseño y aplicación de cable óptico identi cable por radiofrecuencia Por Ji Li, Zexing Jiang, Shan Jiang, Yifan Ding y Dongxue Wang, Hengtong Optic-Electric Co, Ltd, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China 92 86 80

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dates for your diary . . .

wire China 2020

2020

22–24 September: China (Guangzhou) International Metal and Metallurgy Exhibition – trade exhibition – Guangzhou, China Organisers : Guangzhou Julang

Exhibition Design Co Ltd Fax : +86 2038 6207 81 Email : julang@julang.com.cn Website : www.julang.com.cn

23–26 September: wire China – trade exhibition – Shanghai, China Organisers : SECRI and Messe Düsseldorf (Shanghai) Co Ltd Fax : +86 216 169 8301 Email : shanghai@mdc.com.cn Website : www.julang.com.cn

11–14 October: IWCS – virtual symposium and trade exhibition Organisers : IWCS Tel : +1 717 993 9500 Website : www.iwcs.org

7–11 December: wire 2020 – trade exhibition – Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf GmbH Email : wire@messe-duesseldorf.de Website : www.wire.de

2021

25–28 January: MACH – trade exhibition – Birmingham, UK Organisers : MTA (Manufacturing Technologies Association) Email : mach@mta.org.uk Website : www.machexhibition.com 25–27 March: wire India – trade exhibition – Mumbai, India Organisers : Messe Düsseldorf India Pvt Ltd Fax : +91 112 697 1746 Email : info@wire-india.com Website : www.wire-india.com

As with all shows, and with the continuing coronavirus pandemic, please check to ensure the event is going ahead.

Photocredit:bigstockphoto.com “Shanghai,China”Photographer:Phongsaya

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July 2020

Corporate News

▲ ▲ The AWI team helped with the effort to support the NHS

Wire manufacturer helps in ventilator production

In addition to the projects for ventilator production, AWI provided wire for electric heating elements used for medical plastic forming and for the critical sterilisation of vital equipment. Other customers placing orders are involved in the detection of gases for hospital incubators, dental products and power generation. Angus Hogarth, sales director at AWI, concluded, “We are very proud of the heroic actions of frontline NHS and social care staff and this is our own small way of supporting them to help save lives.” Mr Hogarth added, “Our staff have been fantastic and really embraced our role as a key manufacturer, adopting the government’s social distancing policies whilst still delivering wire that is going to be used in increasing the number of ventilators in the UK and supporting other crucial medical equipment.” AlloyWire International www.alloywire.com

“We work with over 5,000 customers every year and we knew a lot of them supplied into critical sectors that deliver essential services,” explained Mark Venables, managing director of Alloy Wire International. “The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this sharply into view and ... we have been busy manufacturing a range of wire for companies that are playing a crucial role in supporting the frontline, often meeting extremely demanding timelines in the process.” The company supplied wire to a customer who had to remake springs destined for ventilator production due to an untimely power cut, while another client made a 280-mile round trip to collect an order. AWI manufactures round, flat and profile wire, with its range featuring a number of medically suitable materials including Phynox, MP35N, stainless 316LVM, nickel 200 and 201 and Inconel. The company’s staff worked around the clock to meet the requirements of existing and new customers, with material available from 0.025 to 21mm (0.001" to 0.827") in small batches or medium/large volumes.

Wire manufactured in the UK’s West Midlands is helping support the country’s unprecedented drive to build more medical ventilators. Alloy Wire International (AWI) was commissioned to produce more than 5 km of material to be used in the production of crucial parts for use in life-saving equipment destined for the Nightingale Hospital in London. The company, which holds more than 200 tonnes of EU/DFARS-compliant stock, put its Emergency Manufacturing Service (EMS) into action to meet the urgent requirements of a spring maker that was supplying into the VentilatorChallengeUK Consortium to assist in the ramp-up of Smiths and Penlon Rapidly Manufactured Ventilator Systems. Interest also came from North America and South Korea, with AWI supplying urgent quantities of custom-made Inconel spring wire and 316V stainless steel to a spring maker in Wisconsin and a major medical centre in Seoul, respectively.

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Corporate News

IWCS 2020 goes virtual

Supermac awarded business leader award

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The IWCS 2020 International Cable & Connectivity Symposium will be a virtual event, held entirely online in October due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Plans were already underway for such a possibility when the Rhode Island Convention Center, where the conference was to be located, was converted to a critical auxiliary hospital by the State of Rhode Island to accommodate the overflow of coronavirus patients. For the 69 th year, IWCS will provide an interactive platform for the discussion and sharing of innovations in critical cabling infrastructure, with a full programme to provide opportunities for speakers, attendees, exhibitors and sponsors. The IWCS 2020 Virtual Edition will follow the basic outline of the in-person conferences, with the precise logistics to be determined over the coming months. IWCS, Inc www.iwcs.org

▲ Managing director Jasvinder Singh (with framed certificate) and director Vivek Kohli (holding the award)

Supermac Industries, a global solutions provider in extrusion and process technology, has been presented with the ET Now Business Leader of the Year 2020 award in the machinery manufacturing sector. The awards ceremony was held at Taj Lands End in Mumbai, India, in February. The award was received by Supermac managing director Jasvinder Singh and director Vivek Kohli. Supermac Industries (India) Ltd www.supermacindia.com

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Corporate News

New Sikora executive board member appointed

Measuring, control, inspection and sorting technology manufacturer Sikora AG has appointed Dr Jörg Wissdorf as a member of the executive board, succeeding Harry Prunk, who will retire after 45 years with the company. “It was important for us to approach the succession at an early stage in order to ensure a smooth transition”, said Prof Dr Thomas Sikora, chairman of the company’s supervisory board. “We are delighted to have won our ideal candidate with Dr Wissdorf.”

Dr Wissdorf will be responsible for the sales, marketing and service areas after a transition period with Mr Prunk. The graduated aerospace engineer previously worked in several positions in sales and marketing, as well as being managing director of national and international companies. “I look forward to the new responsibility and want to further expand the growths of the company in the existing as well as in the younger markets,” said Dr Wissdorf. Sikora’s portfolio includes future-oriented systems that enable process optimisation, sustainability and efficiency. “To bring the specific advantages of Sikora onto the markets in order to further increase the success of the company will be one of my core activities,” explained Dr Wissdorf. Sikora AG www.sikora.net ▲ ▲ New Sikora executive board member Dr Jörg Wissdorf

wire Russia – Moscow in 2021

The leading regional Russian trade fair for the wire and cable industry – wire Russia – will take place in Moscow from 8 to 10 June 2021. Around 200 companies from 25 countries are expected at the Moscow Expocentre in Krasnaya Presnya. Together with its local partner VNIIKP, All-Russian Cable Scientific Research and Development Institute, Messe Düsseldorf Moscow will be staging the event in Hall 1 of the Expocentre over the three days. Companies from Russia and its neighbouring countries, and from Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, the UK, Austria, Switzerland and Italy, will be travelling to the Russian capital to establish new business relations, intensify existing contacts and present technological innovations from the wire and cable industry. The exhibitors at wire Russia will show machines and plants for wire production and wire refinement, forming technology, spring production technology, cable and strand machines, tools and aids for process engineering as well as measuring and control technology. The product range is supplemented by wire rod, bright wire, wire mesh, special wire, cables and plates. The trade fairs Tube Russia, Metallurgy Russia and Litmash Russia will be held in parallel with wire Russia. Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire-russia.com

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Corporate News

New prototype launched by strategic partnership

Cable industry expert Cimteq and strategic partner Aesa Cortaillod have announced the launch of a new prototype that integrates Cimteq’s CableBuilder cable design software with Aesa Cortaillod’s quality management software, CIQ. The two companies, with a combined sixty years of cable industry knowledge, have been working together to develop the prototype. Aesa Cortaillod provides measuring systems, devices and quality-performance services from its factories in Switzerland, Germany and China. UK-based Cimteq produces cable design and manufacturing software. The companies identified that a partnership could develop benefits for customers on both sides through increased profitability, improved quality and savings in materials. Cimteq president Ali Shehab commented, “By seamlessly interconnecting CableBuilder and CIQ through a single and universal interface, it is possible to simplify the overall handling of large design and production data pools. The power of CableBuilder, with its bespoke management of all cable manufacturing product and process data, provides a one-stop shop for controlled delivery and transfer of test plans to the shop floor, connecting directly with the test devices.” Director Amanda Shehab added, “In future, we also plan to integrate our CableMES with AESA’s CIQ, as it provides a highly sophisticated analysis tool. It is vital that CableMES knows the quality status of every piece of material, finished and semi-finished product on the shop floor. This can be done through CableMES’s own quality module, or through a third-party system like CIQ. The benefits of integrating with CIQ is that we would then have direct integration to AESA’s own measurements equipment too.” Aesa Cortaillod’s CEO, Vincent Arbet-Engels, PhD, said, “The CIQ quality management system supports traceability features as well as extended quality improvement and data management capabilities. In very real terms, it opens a window on to the shop floor by tracking process and test data, not to mention production history. Its integration with CableBuilder will have significant benefits for our clients; not least that automatically pulling data from CableBuilder will mean a lot less data to set up inside CIQ.” Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com

▲ ▲ Cimteq’s cable design software integrates with Aesa Cortaillod’s quality management tools

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Corporate News

New sales companies and expansion in South Africa

It is predicted that the African market will be among the world’s fastest growing in just a few years. With its 54 countries, a wealth of raw materials deposits and around 1.3bn inhabitants, Africa offers great potential. In some countries, growth rates (GDP) of between six and ten per cent were achieved in 2018. “For us, Africa is a sleeping giant,” said Andreas Lapp, chairman of the board of Lapp

Holding AG. “We see great opportunities for growth in the long term. We want to be a part of that.” German companies are still under- represented in Africa, especially small and medium-sized companies. For this reason, Lapp views the African Continental Free Trade Agreement establishing an African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

▲ ▲ The school yard of the Collège Andreas Lapp

positively. The agreement was signed by 52 African member states and is intended to create predictable framework conditions for trade and investment by German companies. With indicators pointing to growth, Lapp is continuing the strategic expansion of its sales network. The demand for connection solutions from Lapp is constantly growing: in some regions of Africa, the company was able to achieve up to 50 per cent turnover growth in the last financial year. The demand is particularly high for automation, the food industry and the energy sector with the expansion of power grids and the use of renewable energies such as wind and solar energy. Lapp has had its own subsidiary in South Africa since 2010, which is used as a base to serve seven countries in southern Africa. Lapp Southern Africa has moved to a new location in Johannesburg. With 2,700m 2 of storage space, it is four times the size of the old location. A separate sales company will also be opened in West Africa, and in the near future Lapp will expand in East Africa. Last year, the Collège Andreas Lapp was opened in Galebre, Ivory Coast. The initiative for establishing the school first came from Lapp employee Désiré Kope, who works in the company’s logistics and service centre in Ludwigsburg, Germany. Mr Kope had saved for many years to set up a school in his home in Ivory Coast. With additional financial support from Andreas Lapp, his dream has become a reality. Mr Lapp found it inspiring that an employee wanted to use money earned in Germany to do something useful in his home country, to help the local people in the long term: “Mr Kope’s commitment is fantastic. It’s something that we simply have to support,” he commented. U.I. Lapp GmbH www.lappkabel.com

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Corporate News

ATS contracted to supply two tying machines

Supermac Scholz CCV 132 KV Line

Supermac specialises in the following areas: · State-of-the-art CCV Line with Scholz Vulcanisation system for Power Cables up to 132 KV XLPE and 33 KV for Rubber · Proven Triple Extrusion Line for SIOPLAS (XLPE) cables · High-speed Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for House Wiring & Control Cables and medical equipment sector · High output and best in class Insulation Line and Sheathing Line for Power Cables · HCV Rubber insulation and sheathing line · Hybrid and composite CCV lines for both XLPE and Rubber · Rubicon make Rubber extruders for Insulation and sheathing materials · Silicone extrusion lines with infrared vulcanisation system · Extruders for variety of applications – up to 175 mm · Cross-Head Single/Dual/Triple · Haul-Off Caterpillar · Capstan · Take-up and pay-off of all types and sizes and as per requirement above 4.5 meters and 40 MT

FRL named exclusive distributor for Everflon fluoropolymers Fluoropolymer Resources LLC (FRL), a recycler of melt fluoropolymers, has announced an agreement to become the exclusive distribution partner of Everflon Polymer Co’s virgin ETFE and FEP products in the Americas and Europe. Everflon Polymer Co, part of the C&F group, is a manufacturer of high-performance fluoropolymer products in China. Available in a wide array of melt flow ranges, Everflon ETFE and FEP can be supplied to suit most applications. Robust processes and rigorous testing ensure the consistency and quality expected from a premium virgin fluoropolymer. As with all FRL offerings, technical assistance and process support is provided on the customer’s production line. “From the beginning, our mission has been to provide cost savings to our customers without sacrificing product or process performance,” said Kevin Buchanan, president of Fluoropolymer Resources. “We are incredibly excited to be able to diversify our product portfolio and introduce a new virgin alternative that fits this same core value proposition.” Everflon ETFE and FEP products are stocked and distributed from FRL’s facility in North Windham, Connecticut, USA, and are available directly through FRL in the USA as well as from distribution partners in Europe. Fluoropolymer Resources, LLC www.frlusa.com All ATS tying machines are tested in the company’s workshop before shipment to site, to reduce start-up time and costs. The commissioning will be carried out during the summer 2020 shutdown. Applicazioni Tecnologiche Siderurgiche SpA www.ats.ud.it ▲ ▲ ATS’s TMB 400 tying machine ATS Mechatronics has been selected by Acciaierie di Sicilia to supply and integrate two tying machines into its bar rolling mill in Catania, Italy. The scope of the project includes the design, manufacturing and commissioning of an automatic tying machine for round bundles to be integrated into the final tying area. Auxiliary mechanical equipment, a hydraulic circuit and electrical systems will also be supplied. The automation will be totally integrated by AIC in the new finishing area automation system.

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Corporate News

First bar rolled on Kocks RSB 5.0

Korean special steel maker POSCO has commissioned its bar mill #2 incorporating a reducing and sizing block (RSB®) 370++/5 in 5.0 design by Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG.

▲ ▲ Kocks RSB 370++/5 with SCS and 4D Eagle measuring gauge

New sales agent in the French market At the start of this year, wire drawing machine producer Kieselstein International GmbH secured the French company Services et Equipements Industriels sarl (SEQUEM) as its new sales agent. For many years, Kieselstein had served customers in the French market directly from Chemnitz in Germany. With the aim of offering a more intensive support by a local agent, the company started searching for a representative that knows the wire industry well and is regarded by customers as a competent and reliable partner. SEQUEM represents producers of metal working machinery and is focused on the wire industry, and Kieselstein has appointed it as its representative in France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. Kieselstein is a producer of wire drawing and wire shaving plants that are developed and assembled based on customers’ requirements. The company operates two testing plants in its in-house testing centre. More than 20 agents are official representatives of Kieselstein around the world. Kieselstein International GmbH www.kieselstein.com The Kocks RSB 5.0 finishes round dimensions of Ø 14 to 55mm but also produces flexible feeders for the wire rod line. The new RSB replaces an existing Kocks block that had been in operation since 1995, producing more than 12.5mn tons of round SBQ grades for the automotive industry. Apart from the RSB 5.0, the scope included the size control system (SCS®), which allows real-time adjustment of the operating parameters of the rolling block, and the light section measuring gauge 4D Eagle®. Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG www.kocks.de

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Corporate News

One stop for all maintenance

The new Upcast®UPtime maintenance software is designed to provide clarity in the maintaining of casting lines. All maintenance-related data can be found in one application, showing all the required measures in chronological order. Line operators can sign off prescheduled tasks in any desired order, and pull out the drawings, manuals or instructions for the required tools in order to carry out a specific maintenance operation. The program is both simple and multipurpose. It allows for comments or attachments, which will be forwarded to the supervisor, and the application follows the user easily on a mobile device. Work can be performed by having the tablet available with the instructions on-screen while carrying out the task. Malfunction notices can be sent immediately. A desktop version of the UPtime software is available, with increased versatility. The new software can collect the maintenance history of the line to simplify quality control. The user can

▲ ▲ The software is designed for Upcast casting lines

add repetitive measurements in certain cycles, making it possible to keep better track of measurable variables and values, and helping to evaluate the condition of the equipment. The program is compatible with all of the new Upcast upward casting lines, as well as most of the older lines. Upcast believes that the time spent on this development will benefit customers over time, and states that it has always been important for the company to take care of customers after the commissioning of casting lines. Upcast Oy www.upcast.com

▲ ▲ Upcast sales manager Janne Hosio

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Corporate News

A factory environment that welcomes all

The surrounding diversity and equality sets minimum standards to ensure that no individual is placed at a disadvantage because of their age, disability, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation or social background. Celebrating diversity has benefits beyond being legally compliant: it is recognised as improving staff wellbeing and engagement. Initiatives that work for one company may not necessarily work for another, but according to Cimteq, a cable design and manufacturing software specialist, there are several questions that can help develop a welcoming environment for all: How does the company profile compare to that of the customer? Customers seek to work with suppliers that share both their make-up and values. Inviting customers to see first-hand the diversity of the workforce will give confidence that the company understands customers’ needs. Are diversity levels where they could be? Set workforce profile targets in all areas legal framework

▲ ▲ Targeting diversity across the business

of the business (recruitment, training, promotion and retention), assess them regularly and report on progress across the company.

How does a company turn inclusivity strategy into practical activity? can represent diverse groups can accelerate buy-in across the factory floor. By sharing their experiences, these ‘torchbearers’ can be the point of contact to galvanise staff ideas and effect change. While creating a strategy is easy, changing the culture of a company and maintaining momentum is less so. Applying for awards or signing up to campaigns demonstrates that com- mitment is for the long-term. Examples in the UK include The Times Top 50 Employers for Women and Stonewall Top 100 Employers awards, and the Disability Confident Leader campaign. Companies that embrace diversity in the workplace report higher staff retention levels and run less risk of reputational damage. Beyond this financial cost, companies open to different ideas and styles of thinking are more confident in their innovation and decision making. Cimteq is committed to sharing its expertise on a host of subjects of interest to cable manufacturers through its online resource and e-learning centre, Cimteq Academy. Cimteq Ltd www.cimteq.com Appointing individuals who

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Corporate News

Tenova reorganises businesses and governance

Tenova, a Techint Group company specialised in solutions for the metals and mining industries, has decided to reorganise its businesses and review its governance structures. The changes are intended to steady Tenova around the two businesses in which it operates – metals and mining – to better focus on each area’s specific priorities, market approach and global presence. In the context of this reorganisation, the role of Tenova CEO has been assigned to Roberto Pancaldi, previously CEO of the metals division, while Andrea Lovato, the former Tenova CEO, will assume the role of TAKRAF CEO. “The extraordinary situation caused by the outbreak of COVID-19 at a global level has accelerated the rethinking of our business model and the definition of a new structure to better fit the complexity of the current business scenario, with a leaner structure and a clearer definition of roles,” commented Mr Lovato. This change will leave more autonomy to the respective CEOs in developing their businesses and in building their long-term sustainability while they concentrate on short-term consolidation and continuity. Mr Pancaldi stated, “I am sure that this reorganisation will help us to better focus our strategy and result in our steel and metals market offering being more solid.” Tenova, a Techint Group company, is a worldwide partner for solutions in metals and mining. Located in 19 countries across five continents, Tenova designs technologies and develops

services that help companies reduce costs, save energy, limit environmental impact and improve working conditions. Tenova SpA www.tenova.com ▲ ▲ Roberto Pancaldi becomes CEO of Tenova

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Corporate News

Securing a safe working environment Workplace safety is a requirement when creating a healthy and stable work environment for all employees. Companies must eliminate potential hazards and follow standards and safety rules to ensure the wellbeing of their workers. Manufacturers also have a responsibility for machine operation safety and to make sure that equipment is in accordance with security standards.

At Sweden-based wire machinery manufacturer Lämneå Bruk, a safety-first policy is implemented in all aspects of work: not only in its own workshop, but also for the machines it builds and delivers to international customers, safety is essential. The family-owned business uses an advanced procedure to ensure that all machines fulfil the latest European safety standards, and conducts a thorough three-step risk analysis to eliminate potential dangers. The first step starts early in the design process of each machine, to avoid possible hazards and risks with a safe design and/or by adding features to eliminate or reduce the anticipated risk. This includes identifying the source of risks (eg moving a spool); the risk situation and what could happen; possible effects if risk occurs; risk exposure; probability of risk occurring; and the possibility to avoid the risk. After identifying these risk factors, the Lämneå Bruk team evaluates current and new safety measures, and estimates and assesses the listed points again. In the second step, all technical components of the machine undergo a thorough examination. Each machine is divided into safety functions, and these are again split into subsystems where each safety component is mathematically evaluated. Safety evaluation software then creates a complete report describing the different safety functions and the outcome of the mathematical evaluation. This report forms the basis for the continued safety work on the machine and determines which safety components should be used. In the third and final step, each safety component is tested and checked extensively. A detailed document outlines the exact test result to ensure safety standards according to European laws and

beyond for the machines, customers and operators. The safety evaluation software automatically generates a test protocol. During the commissioning phase, the on-site engineer signs off the functionality of every safety component in each subsystem to ensure that the machine is safe to operate before it goes into production. Lämneå Bruk AB www.lamnea.se ▲ ▲ Safety evaluation software creates a complete report of the safety functions

Windak expands with newmanufacturing facility in Northern Europe

A new manufacturing facility in Estonia with a production hall of 3,000m 2 will bring two existing factories under one roof and create an enhanced ability to address increasingly complex business needs for the Windak Group. “This opportunity came at the perfect time, as we were looking for key opportunities that would allow us to expand our company, our services and reach new customers,” stated Staffan Edstrom, Windak Group’s chairman. The new production facility will allow Windak to increase exports, improve production processes and organise “open house” events, for closer communication with EMEA customers and suppliers. Windak OÜ www.windakgroup.com

▲ ▲ Windak’s new factory

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Corporate News

Wire Experts Group completes leadership realignment

As part of a new, unified corporate management structure, Wire Experts Group (WEG), the parent company to Pelican Wire and Rubadue Wire, has announced the newest members of the WEG leadership team and their respective roles. Brinson White, previously director of engineering at Pelican Wire, will now lead the engineering and maintenance teams at both Pelican Wire and Rubadue Wire under the title WEG director of engineering. Mike Skorupa, quality manager at Rubadue Wire, has been named director of continuous improvement across all business units. Kevin Clements, previously a member of the engineering team and production planning manager, has been named global supply chain manager. Each will report to Sean Toland, executive vice president of Wire Experts. The other members of the leadership team are CEO Ted Bill and CFO Susan Smith. Mr Bill

▲ ▲ Brinson White

▲ ▲ Kevin Clements

Wire Experts Group https://wireexperts.com PelicanWire https://pelicanwire.com

stated, “Mike, Brinson and Kevin represent some of our best and brightest minds. For us, this is a natural move to embed high quality standards and engineering excellence across our entire company.”

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Corporate News

Miltec UV is celebrating 30 years in business in 2020. Over the years, the company has changed from a distributor of industrial UV (ultraviolet) products, to become a global equipment manufacturer. The company manufactures UV curing equipment and spare parts to over 30 markets globally. Its combined portfolio consists of microwave, arc and LED lamp technologies. Miltec UV has developed comprehensive capabilities and a staff of technical experts that provide consulting, training and technical support. It also operates a customer applications laboratory, which is open to customers and formulators to work alongside Miltec’s PhD chemists, engineers and UV experts towards new breakthroughs in testing processes, cost reduction and process improvements. The company recently worked with the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense to develop a manufacturing process, utilising UV curing technology, for lithium-ion batteries. This UV technology will be used in vehicles, power tools, cell phones and other applications that use lithium-ion batteries. At Miltec’s 30 th anniversary proclamation presentation, held in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland, USA, the company was presented with a certificate of special recognition from US Senator Benjamin L Cardin; a Queen Anne’s County Proclamation 30-year celebrations

Certificate signed by the Queen Anne’s County Board of County Commissioners; and a Secretary’s Citation certificate from the Maryland Department of Commerce. Miltec UV www.miltec.com ▲ ▲ Miltec UV’s CEO, Marilyn Blandford, presented with one of the certificates

Change at the top of Altana’s supervisory board

Dr added, “Based on many years of experience, I know about the extraordinary potential of this company and especially of the people who work here.” Altana Group offers environ- mentally compatible solu- tions for coating manu- facturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and packaging industries, the cosmetics sector, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, speciality coat- ings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring Wolfgruber

The supervisory board of chemicals group Altana has elected Dr Matthias L Wolfgruber as its new chairman. has been a member of the supervisory board since March 2016, and was previously chairman of the company’s management board, succeeds Dr Klaus-Jürgen Schmieder, a former member of the management board of L’Air Liquide SA, who left the supervisory board at the end of his term of office after reaching the age limit. Dr Schmieder had been a member of the supervisory board since May 2001, and had been chairman since July 2012. Dr Wolfgruber, who

▲ ▲ Dr Matthias L Wolfgruber

instruments.

Prof Dr Frank Richter, who became managing director of SKion GmbH on 1 July, was newly elected to the supervisory board. Ulrich Gajewiak and Susanne Klatten remain deputy chairpersons of the supervisory board. “We thank Dr Schmieder for his great support in the past years and wish him all the best for his future,” said Martin Babilas, CEO of Altana. “At the same time, we would like to welcome Professor Richter

to the supervisory board of Altana AG. We are particularly pleased to have gained Dr Wolfgruber as chairman. In his new function, he will continue to enrich the supervisory board, both professionally and personally.” Dr Wolfgruber commented, “To continue to accompany the Altana Group as chairman of the supervisory board on its successful and sustainable growth path is both a pleasure and an honour for me.”

Headquartered Germany, the group has 47 production facilities and more than 65 service and research laboratories worldwide. The company is composed of four divisions: BYK, Eckart, Elantas and Actega. Altana AG www.altana.com in Wesel,

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Corporate News

Polycab India Ltd has opened an Experience Centre and branch office in Trivandrum, the capital of Kerala, India. Kunal Jaisinghani, head of agri products at Polycab India, inaugurated the centre in the presence of senior management Experience centre opened in Trivandrum team members, business associates, and trade representatives. Polycab Experience Centres display the company’s entire range of products. In wires and cables, Polycab has a wide

selection of power cables, control cables, instrumentation, building wires and industrial cables. The Experience Centres also showcase the company’s FMEG product portfolio consisting of fans, lighting, switches, switchgears, conduit pipes, pumps, geysers and solar. FMEG R&D activities will be focused on developing new products to capitalise on industry trends, including the move towards home automation and environmentally friendly products that consume less power. Polycab also intends to focus on street lighting with automated IoT-based smart systems and other specialised products such as domestic and agriculture pumps. The new showroom is located in the heart of Trivandrum. Customers will be given a walk-through experience at the store, and guidance will be given on the best practices for wiring and selection of electrical products. The branch office will service local businesses and the surrounding areas. Polycab India Ltd https://polycab.com

▲ ▲ Kunal Jaisinghani lights a lamp during the inauguration of the Experience Centre in Trivandrum

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Corporate News

New flame-retardant solution raises the bar for fire safety standards

Thermoplastic polyurethane can be made with properties ranging from soft to hard and from elastic to stiff, depending on the requirements. The products have in common a high abrasion and wear resistance as well as chemical and weather resistance. The plastic granulate can be processed into profiles, strips, hoses, fibres, films or foams. Formulating and compounding steps can be used to create additional value. For example, end-use requirements such as flame retardancy, adhesion, appearance and haptics can be enhanced through specific formulation and compounding techniques. Covestro www.covestro.com Teknor Apex www.teknorapex.com Borealis is a provider of solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilisers. The company’s head office is in Vienna, Austria, and it operates in more than 120 countries, providing services and products in collaboration with Borouge, a joint venture with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). Borealis www.borealisgroup.com Borouge www.borouge.com the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) Euroclass scale for flaming droplets. This highest level of flame retardancy makes it possible for cable industry partners to fulfil the stringent CPR cable standards in Europe when using FR8101. Borealis and Borouge state that cable manufacturers have previously been bound by certain limitations when using conventional halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) cable compounds. For example, material decomposition during the extrusion process can result in lower production speeds and inferior cable performance. The mechanical properties offered by FR8101 can eliminate these issues by allowing cable makers to run production lines at high speeds. When used in tandem with a crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) insulation solution provided by Visico™/Ambicat™, the new grade is a simple way for Borealis and Borouge customers to fulfil CPR requirements without having to use other FR insulation or bedding. This enables more efficient processing during production, as well as lighter cables and easier installation. “The launch of FR8101 provides an innovative and more effective solution that addresses important industry challenges,” explained Bart Verheule, Borealis head of marketing, energy. “Borealis and Borouge are committed to bringing energy all around by supplying new ways for our partners to make safer and more sustainable cables. This in turn helps raise standards in health and safety for everyone.”

Borealis and Borouge are expanding their existing portfolio of flame-retardant (FR) jacketing grades with the launch of FR8101. The new, halogen-free solution is based on metal hydrate technology and is intended for the production of low-voltage building cables used in demanding environments. FR8101 is claimed to allow cable manufacturers to offer a safer product with better performance while achieving increased production efficiency. FR8101 is based on a highly flame-retardant metal hydrate technology. In the event of a fire, the material releases water to reduce the intensity of the flames. Jacketing made with FR8101 is resistant to the flaming droplets that often cause fire to spread within buildings where cables are installed inside walls and roofs. By retaining its shape in intense heat, FR8101 jacketing stays on the cable, even if the cable is burnt. Depending on the type of construction, FR8101 can earn the best possible rating of “d0” in

▼ FR8101 is Borealis and Borouge’s new flame-retardant jacketing grade

Cooperation agreement on compounding TPU

Materials plastics compounder Teknor Apex have signed an agreement to closely cooperate on compounding thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Covestro has been producing TPU – a versatile plastic – in pure form for many years, for use in various industry sectors. Through compounding, the array of achievable properties can be increased. This is a particular strength of Teknor Apex. Dr Thorsten Dreier, global head of the TPU business at Covestro, commented, “Together with Teknor Apex, we want to develop customised products to grow together with our existing and new customers.” Sachin Sakhalkar, vice president of the TPE division at Teknor Apex, added, “The combination of Covestro’s expertise in TPU resin with Teknor Apex’s custom formulation and compounding capabilities provide a compelling value driver for our combined customers worldwide.” Covestro will support the marketing of the jointly developed products by Teknor Apex with its Desmoflex® brand. manufacturer Covestro and global

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Transatlantic Cable

Dr Tan explained that, due to this work function contrast, “electrons can flow from the light region into the dark region, as they are being generated, in the silicon substrate.” Connecting this generator with an external circuit will convert the flow of electrons into electrical power. Each cell contains a gold film deposited on a silicon wafer. Several cells of the same size are arranged on a flexible and transparent polyethylene terephthalate film. Experiments have demonstrated that the device is sensitive to where the electrodes sit, in relation to the shadow edge and the transparency of the metal film. In 50 per cent shadow it can generate a power density of 0.14μW/cm 2 under indoor conditions (0.0001 sun illumination) – roughly twice that of a commercial silicon solar cell. However, Anita Ho-Baillie, an adjunct professor at the School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering department of Australia’s University of Sydney, has cast a doubt: “Commercial silicon cells are designed for respectable power generation, and deliver a reasonable amount of current. The efficiency [of the shadow effect generator] is actually really low – 0.14μW/cm 2 under 0.0001 sun corresponds to a 0.000014 per cent power conversion efficiency.” Dr Tan aims to make the device cheaper, by using a tungsten film, and plans surface modifications to boost performance. While the generated power will not be as high as that of solar cells under full illumination, Dr Tan wants to inspire others to think about shadows as “an untapped energy source” rather than a problem. The California Energy Commission has awarded $3.5mn in funding to the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory to develop fibre optic cables that can monitor offshore wind operations and underground natural gas storage. Yuxin Wu, head of Berkeley Lab’s geophysics department, said, “One of the most expensive components of a wind turbine is the gearbox; they also tend to be the part that’s most vulnerable to failure. Often, before they fail, they produce abnormal vibrations or excessive heat due to increased or irregular friction. We intend to use fibre optic cables to monitor the vibrational, strain and temperature signal of the gearbox in order to pinpoint where problems are happening.” The Berkeley researchers believe that fibre optic cables, wrapped around the entire gearbox, could provide a 3D map of changes. Real-time monitoring could bring greater reliability in natural gas storage and offshore wind

Research

Versatile graphene causes more excitement for the materials research community: a new, and timely, application Mining News magazine reported in early May that Graphene Solutions, based in Illinois, USA, is collaborating with the UK’s Graphene Composites (GC) and Canada’s ZEN Graphene Solutions to work on a graphene ink that could be applied to textiles. As soon as the development, testing and confirmation of the graphene ink’s properties are complete, the ink will be incorporated into fabrics used in personal protection equipment, such as masks and filters. For its part, ZEN has synthesised a silver nanoparticle functionalised graphene oxide ink at its laboratory in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, that previous researchers documented as capable of destroying earlier versions of coronavirus. COVID-19 testing of the ZEN/GC ink will be conducted at Western University’s ImPaKT facility biosafety level 3 laboratory in Ontario, and tested to kill influenza A and B viruses at biosafety level 2 laboratories in the UK and the USA. Could there be power in the shadows? Solar panels need precision placing to receive maximum sunlight, and to prevent one panel from shading another; this limits the number of panels in a given area and, as a consequence, the amount of power generated. However, a recent paper from Q Zhang et al, writing in Energy & Environmental Science , reports a device capable of generating energy in shadowy areas where solar cells are ineffective, potentially even inside the home or office. Swee Ching Tan, and his colleagues from the National University of Singapore, have developed a device that can harvest energy, even when considerably shaded. Dr Tan said, “To make this device is much cheaper and easier than silicon solar cells. [Our device] only needs a piece of silicon substrate coated with a thin piece of [gold] metal film.” It is believed the device could boost power generation indoors, as well as on solar farms, as the device is sensitive in shadows cast by even low light intensities. The team has demonstrated that optical illumination contrasts create work function contrasts on metal films coated onto a semiconductor (silicon, in this case).

Image: www.bigstockphoto.com Photographer Adrian Grosu

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