EuroWire July 2021

Focus On USA

Colourable pelletised compounds Electric Cable Compounds, Inc (ECC) is a privately owned and operated global pro- ducer of colourablepelletisedcompounds, and has provided polymeric solutions that exceed rigorous industry standards for more than a quarter of a century. It offers its own proprietary product line as well as custom mixing services. Examples of materials produced include elastomeric and polyolefin-based cross-linkable and thermoplastic compounds. Excelene 5005 – a peroxide cross-linkable polyolefin insulation material developed for automotive primary wire. It is halogen free and suitable for flame-retardant 125°C applications. Cable insulated with Excelene 5005 is designed to comply with the requirements specified in the SAE J1127/J1128 and ISO 6722 standards. The compound is also suitable for use in UL 125°C rated AWM applications.

recommends both systems as insulation for not only automotive battery cable, but also for appliance wire and welding cable applications. The AquaGraft 2-5150 is preferred for applications that require a higher degree of flexibility. When blended at the proper ratios, these systems will meet various low voltage and speciality wire and cable requirements, including FT-2 and UL horizontal flame. The systems will cure with exposure to moisture at ambient temperatures, or can be accelerated with exposure to water bath or steam sauna. AquaGraft 16-5150 is also designed for use in UL/CSA 150°C rated AWM cable applications. When extruded and cured consistent with industry practices, finished cable will comply with UL 150°C styles 3321 and CSA CL-1503 Class 1, Group A/B single conductor 600v XLPE. Electric Cable Compounds, Inc www.electriccablecompounds.com ing up stocks of finished goods. It is often easier to make chain link when needed, rather than plan production and manage finished goods inventory, especially for low-volume items. A bulk of inventory stays upstream in easier-to-manage wire. Some manufacturers set up a “team machine”, leaving a machine set up and ready to run when a team member has unexpected downtime. Bergandi has introduced two new designs for the world market, and for companies that do not need the full capability and performance of the company’s flagship WVR-500 weaving machine.

Excelene 5005 is provided as a colourable, free-flowing pelletised material, ready for extrusion on a conventional continuous vulcanisation (CV) line. It is available for sampling, and product data sheets and processing recommendations are available. AquaGraft® 2-5150 and AquaGraft 16- 5150 are approved for 125°C ISO 6722 and SAE 1127/1128 battery cable applications. These 125°C rated polyolefin-based systems are flame retardant, moisture cross-linkable and are described as having excellent fluid resistance. ECC

ECC’s skilled staff, with a comprehensive laboratory including pilot-scale produc- tion equipment, can provide research and material evaluation resources to continu- ously develop solutions to advance the field of rubber and plastics technology. Experienced chemists and technicians provide customers with timely technical assistance for product support as well as the design and development of custom compounds to meet specific needs and applications.

Recently developed materials include

New opportunities from Bergandi Supplementing the introduction of two new chain link weaving machine models, Bergandi Machinery is introducing a new “factory reconditioned” machine opportunity for owners of existing Bergandi weaving machines. has also established a machine trade-in programme. A discount will be offered on any new chain link weaver upon the return of a Bergandi weaving machine of almost any age (if in operable condition). Many 50-year-old machines will be eligible for trade-in.

CNC benders AIM’s AFES-3DxT, originally launched at Interwire 2019, features an updated five- servo-axis turret tool-changer machine with a fast servo cutter. The turret head indexing tool changer provides flexibility in wire forming capability while the servo- cut ensures fast and quiet production. Standard features include DXF, LRA and XYZ import, animated bending simulation with collision detection, Auto Pilot speed/ The factory-reconditioned machine will operate just like a new machine and will carry the same warranty. The company Worn and broken parts will be replaced with new or reconditioned parts; a new, current-generation electronic machine control system will be installed; and a new space-saving take-up will be solidly attached to the machine, creating a “uni- body” construction, reducing vibration, and allowing higher weaving speeds and fewer, if any, mis-weaves.

load monitoring, touchscreen monitors and 5 hp wire payoff. Remote support via the Internet is avail- able, and a maintenance module reminds users of the work necessary for zero down- time. Available options include automatic bend setup with AccuCal, easy production statistics with AccuTrack, 24/7 online AIM Academy training, Faro, Romer And Aicon CMM communications for automatic Reconditioned machines will be an opportunity for existing manufacturers to add capacity to streamline their operations and create “quick response” manufacturing opportunities. Operators will be able to dedicate a ma- chine to a single SKU, or dedicate a machine to extruded chain link, reducing cumulative set-up time, and giving them the ability to make more products when the product is needed, rather than build-

Bergandi Machinery www.bergandi.com

▲ AFES-3D8T from AIM

programmer corrections, integration with robots, and STEP and IGES file importing. AIM, Inc www.aimmachines.com

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July 2021