EuroWire July 2024

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Editor ....................................................................................... David Bell

Editorial Assistant .......................................... Christian Bradley

‘A truly great week!’ The staging of Wire Expo at the Mohegan Sun resort last month certainly proved popular with attendees, with a 15 per cent increase in numbers at the Connecticut, USA, venue.

Design & Production ............................................... Lisa Wright

Advertising/Marketing ........................................ Jason Smith UK, Italy, USA, Canada, India & ROW Linda Li Asia 亚洲

Advertisement Coordinator .............................. Liz Hughes

Accounts Manager ......................................... Louise Jennings

1,108 participants from 38 states and 21 countries filled the exhibit hall and conference rooms for the two-day event.

Subscriptions .............................................Louise Jennings

Web Design/Developer ...........................Andrew Barnes

A full complement of products and suppliers from 168 companies made use of the facilities on offer, while 300 companies attended the conference side of events.

Social Media Administrator ....................Milly Harrison

Founder .......................................................................... John C Hogg

Daniel Blais, president of organisers the Wire Association International, said: “What a great turnout at this year’s Wire Expo. We held the annual clock winding ceremony outside of the WAI headquarters for the first time.

Europe

Advertising/Marketing & Editorial Intras Ltd Unit 32, Tangent Business Hub, Shirebrook, Nottinghamshire NG20 8RX, UK

“Breaking with tradition reminds us that our industry is in constant evolution and that we should never be afraid to try something different.

Tel: +44 1926 334137 Fax: +44 1926 314755 eurowire@intras.co.uk www.read-eurowire.com Intras USA – Doug Zirkle Danbury Corporate Center 107 Mill Plain Road Danbury, CT 06811, USA Tel : +1 203 794 0444 doug@intras.co.uk

“The increased attendance and energy this week shows how important it is for our members to stay connected and learn first hand what is happening within our industry. A truly great week!” See our review of Wire Expo on page 15.

USA

Also celebrating success with its exhibition is the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), which staged MACH at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, in April.

With more than 500 exhibitors, the event presented an ideal opportunity for buyers and visitors to see the latest products and technologies during the week-long event.

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 offices. POSTMASTER : Send address changes to EuroWire, Intras Ltd, C/O 701 Ashland Ave, Folcroft PA 19032. This publication and its full contents of layout, text, images, and graphics is copyright protected. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photocopying, recording or any other storage or retrieval system without the publisher’s written permission. The publisher, owners, agents, printers, editors and contributors cannot be held responsible for and hereby exclude all liability whatsoever for errors, omissions or the accuracy and claims printed or inferred in the editorial or advertisements published in this, previous or subsequent editions or for any damages, costs or losses caused thereby. EuroWire reserves the right to edit, reword and subedit all editorial submissions in accordance with editorial policy. EuroWire expressed graphically or by text is a registered name and style trademark of Intras Ltd, UK. All matters relating to this Disclaimer are governed by the laws of England. EuroWire is published six times per year and incorporates the title and publishing rights only of the former series of publications known as ‘ Transfil Europe ’. EuroWire is circulated to engineers, managers and personnel in the wire, cable, fibre optic and wire product industries upon receipt of a completed subscription form. An annual subscription is available from Intras Ltd, UK, at Euros 140.00, £120.00, US$195.00.

“Footfall has been the most in a long, long time,” said Greg Capp, sales director at Sodi-Tech. “On day one we got enough enquiries to last us for the next six months. This has been our best MACH ever, and we are looking to book our stand again for 2026.”

See the full review of MACH on page 14.

David Bell Editor

Front cover courtesy of

Mixer SpA

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July 2024

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Contents July 2024

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EuroFasteners

Corporate News

ISSN: 2633-9714 online

ISSN: 2633-9706 print

EF 3/37 Corporate News EF 5/39 Products

20

Technology News

www.read-eurofasteners.com

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People

Photo by Valentina Giarre, Unsplash

Technical Article 42

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Single-ended testing of coupling attenuation with passive DUT termination at far end By Harshang Pandya, Dr Zhu Xing and Arvind Patel, AEM Singapore Pte Ltd; Bernhard Mund, bda connectivity GmbH; and Dave Hess, Cord Data

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Editorial Index

44

Advertising Index

11

Diary dates

■ wire China – show issue ■ IWCS – show issue ■ Steel wire rod and rope production, machinery and equipment ■ Cable manufacturing machinery and equipment ■ Getting technical SDM submarine cable with 200μm diameter optical fibre Next issue

25-28 September 2024 wire China 2024

Trade exhibition Shanghai, China Organisers: Shanghai Electric Cable Research Institute Co Ltd Messe Düsseldorf Shanghai Co Ltd www.wirechina.net 14-17 October 2024 IWCS Cable & Connectivity Industry Forum Trade exhibition & Technical Symposium Providence, Rhode Island, USA Organisers: IWCS www.iwcs.org

15-17 October 2024 FABTECH Trade exhibition Orlando, Florida, USA Organisers: FMA (Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International) www.fabtechexpo.com 22-25 October 2024 EuroBlech Trade exhibition Hanover, Germany Organisers: Mack-Brooks Exhibitions www.euroblech.com 27-29 November 2024 wire India Trade exhibition Mumbai, India Organisers: Messe Düsseldorf GmbH www.wire-india.com 4-6 March 2025 AMI Cables Conference Düsseldorf, Germany Organisers: Applied Market Information www.ami-events.com

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11-14 March 2025 Global Industrie Trade exhibition Lyon, France Organisers: GL Events www.global-industrie.com

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Corporate News

Nearly 120 visitors participated in the trip to see the NCZ in-house exhibition

Trend-setting wire and cable manufacturing equipment

By the end of the trade fair week, around 600 guests had seen the new RBD line. The centrepieces of the line on display were the new MSM 88 drawing machine, driven by torque motors, and the new R 503 continuous resistance annealer, which uses the patented Niehoff HEAT system (high efficiency annealing technology). This technology enables users to cut energy costs and CO 2 emissions. The Niehoff experts were able to calculate figures for individual customer cases directly at the event, giving an idea of the benefits for the customer. Niehoff added an extra highlight for customers on the last day of the trade fair, with a one-day flight and bus trip from Düsseldorf Airport via Prague

Airport to Niehoff’s Czech subsidiary, NCZ in Nymburk, where an in-house exhibition awaited the visitors. The focus was on the demonstration of a D 2002 double twist stranding machine, which stranded 61 copper wires to a conductor cross-section of 400mm 2 . Designed to strand and compact class 2 conductors for power cables and flexible class 5 conductors as well as to strand insulated wires, the D 2002 provides cable manufacturers with the ability to produce larger size power cables, increasingly in demand due to the growing global need for electrical energy. Maschinenfabrik Niehoff GmbH & Co KG www.niehoff.de

Niehoff reports that the wire 2024 trade fair was a great success. The company, one of the largest exhibitors in Düsseldorf, presented a series of innovations in the fields of wire drawing, bobbin rewinding, braiding and the NPS automotive wire packaging system, as well as its new extended service concept, Niehoff LifeCycle+. The next-generation rod breakdown (RBD) line type MSM 88 + R 503 for copper and aluminium wires received particular interest from visitors. The new series comprises several mod els of rod breakdown machine (MSM 84, MSM 88) and annealer (R 403, R 503, R 603). The line was presented in a spe cial showroom where visitors followed guided presentations in small groups.

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July 2024

Supermac – Global Solution Provider in Extrusion and Process Technology along with IIOT applications

Supermac Industries established in the year 1974 is a leader in manufacturing of high end systems and process technology for the wire & cable in Power and telecom sector and related Industries. The ISO 9001 and CE certified company specializes in offering customized and tailor made solutions to fulfil specific needs of the variety of customers all across the globe. With a highly skilled design team, with the best of manufacturing and highly talented commissioning team, trained experts in cable processes and technology, we offer design to process expertise to bring in the best product for you. Supermac Industries established in the year 1974 is a leader in manufacturing of high end systems and process technology for the wire & cable in Power and telecom sector and related Industries. The ISO 9001 and CE certified company specializes in offering customized and tailor made solutions to fulfil specific needs of the variety of customers all across the globe. With a highly skilled design team, with the best of manufacturing and highly talented commissioning team, trained experts in cable processes and technology, we offer design to process expertise to bring in the best product for you. Supermac has expertise providing on line commissioning from remote. Post commissioning customer service support is provided Supermac has expertise providing on line commissioning from remote. Post commissioning customer service support is provided

IIOT screen IIOT screen

from both on site as well as from remote. In our endeavour to conform to industry 4.0 norms, Supermac has taken strong strides forward in implementing several digital initiatives and can provide IIOT enabled extrusion lines supported by Siemens Mind sphere software from both on site as well as from remote. In our endeavour to conform to industry 4.0 norms, Supermac has taken strong strides forward in implementing several digital initiatives and can provide IIOT enabled extrusion lines supported by Siemens Mind sphere software The company has three established and running units near New Delhi and are adding another unit under our expansion program. The company has three established and running units near New Delhi and are adding another unit under our expansion program. The state-of-the art facilities are equipped with international and indigenous machinery to carry out the process of manufacturing as per the customer’s requirements. Supermac has strategic partnership with German Companies – M/S Scholz to cover CCV Lines, M/S Rubicon to cover Rubber extrusion Lines and Simpack USA for Coiling machines and Solutions. The state-of-the art facilities are equipped with international and indigenous machinery to carry out the process of manufacturing as per the customer’s requirements. Supermac has strategic partnership with German Company – M/S Scholz to cover CCV Lines, and Simpack USA for Coiling machines and Solutions.

High speed building wire line High speed building wire line

Supermac specializes in the following areas: • State of the art CCV Line with Supermac specializes in the following areas: • State of the art CCV Line with

• Rubber extruders for Insulation and sheathing materials • Silicone extrusion lines with infrared vulcanization system • Cat 5.6 and 7 Lines • FTTH drop cable lines • Fluoropolymer – FEP, PTFE /ETFE Lines • Loose tube/Secondary coating lines for fibre optics • 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 • Rubber extruders for Insulation and sheathing materials • Silicone extrusion lines with infrared vulcanization system • Cat 5.6 and 7 Lines • FTTH drop cable lines • Fluoropolymer – FEP, PTFE /ETFE Lines • Loose tube/Secondary coating lines for fibre optics • 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

Scholz Vulcanization system for Power Cables up to 132 KV XLPE and 33 KV for Rubber • Specialized Medical Tubing extrusion lines • 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 and Optical fiber Cables. • HCV insulation and sheathing line • Hybrid and composite CCV lines for both XLPE and Rubber. Scholz Vulcanization system for Power Cables up to 132 KV XLPE and 33 KV for Rubber • Specialized Medical Tubing extrusion lines • 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 and Optical fiber Cables. • HCV insulation and sheathing line • Hybrid and composite CCV lines for both XLPE and Rubber.

Supermac CCV Line Supermac CCV Line

www.supermacindia.com www.supermacindia.com

SUPERMAC INDUSTRIES (INDIA) LIMITED SUPERMAC INDUSTRIES (INDIA) LIMITED

UNIT-I : Plot No-2, Sector-6, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon Haryana, INDIA Ph.: +91-0124-4690500 | Fax: +91-0124-4690501 E-mail: jasvinder@supermacindia.com, vkohli@supermacindia.com UNIT-I : Plot No-2, Sector-6, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon Haryana, INDIA Ph.: +91-0124-4690500 | Fax: +91-0124-4690501 E-mail: jasvinder@supermacindia.com, vkohli@supermacindia.com

OFFICE : A-28 & 29, NARAINA Industrial Area Phase-1, New Delhi-110028, INDIA Ph.: +91-11-45574317 E-mail: office@supermacindia.com OFFICE : A-28 & 29, NARAINA Industrial Area Phase-1, New Delhi-110028, INDIA Ph.: +91-11-45574317 E-mail: office@supermacindia.com

UNIT-II : Plot No. 18-19, Sector-2A, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA UNIT-II : Plot No. 18-19, Sector-2A, IMT Manesar, Gurgaon, Haryana, INDIA

Corporate News

Leibinger wins German innovation award The German Design Council has honoured Leibinger’s IQJET industrial printer with the Gold German Innovation Award. In addition, the company was named Innovator of the Year 2024.

commented, “We have set a goal to continuously optimise industrial CIJ printing and take a leading role as a provider of innovative coding and marking technology. We are proud that our innovative strength has also impressed the jury.” added, “Our developments are always focused on benefiting the customer, meaning that with the Leibinger printers we aim to make a significant contribution to operating cost optimisation, sustainability and efficiency in manu- facturing and packaging lines worldwide.” also recognised Leibinger as Innovator of the Year 2024. Renowned business, science and media experts considered Leibinger to be the pioneer in its field. The award is the largest audience award in German business, honouring companies of all sizes and industries, as well as innovative ideas from all areas of business. Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG www.leibinger-group.com Mr van het Reve The nomination committee

The interdisciplinary expert jury of the German Design Council awarded IQJET in the category “Excellence in Business to Business: Machines & Engineering”. The award is based on criteria such as sustainability, quality and economic efficiency for outstanding products, projects and pioneering achievements. Around 300 guests from politics, business and media attended the event. ensure compliance with legal requirements, enable traceability along the entire value chain, and create transparency. Leibinger’s new IQJET industrial printer offers users from numerous industries a solution for marking their products. Printing text, logos and codes on a variety of surfaces such as metal, plastic, glass and paper, the device ensures performance, print quality and efficiency with reliable continuous operation and no need for cleaning. Printed information can

(From left) Jan van het Reve and Christina Leibinger accepted the German Innovation Award in Berlin

Users benefit from the “Plug&Print” performance, easy operation and five years of maintenance-free operation. Compared to conventional printers, IQJET is claimed to reduce operating costs by up to 30 per cent. Companies can optimise their ecological footprint through the low consumption of energy, ink and solvents. Christina Leibinger, CEO of Leibinger, and COO Jan van het Reve personally accepted the award. Ms Leibinger

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Corporate News

Long-term renewable wind and solar agreement in Austria

neutral and energy-independent regions through renewable sources. In doing so, Burgenland Energie aims to support Austria’s goal of achieving 100 per cent renewable energy in its electricity system. Borealis will secure 55 per cent of renewable electricity for its operations in Austria, in a move towards its goal of sourcing 100 per cent of electricity for its polyolefins and base chemicals business units from renewable sources by the end of the decade. The newly established PPA is expected to lead to a reduction of approximately 7,300 metric tons of annual Scope 2 emissions (indirect greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the purchase or acquisition of electricity, steam, heat and cooling). “We are extremely proud to announce the signing of this significant hybrid power purchase agreement with Burgenland Energie,” said Thomas Gangl, Borealis CEO. “This new partnership exemplifies our dedication to spearheading the energy transition as

Borealis, a provider of advanced and sustainable polyolefins solutions, has partnered with Austrian wind and solar power producer Burgenland Energie, with the signing of a power purchase agreement (PPA). agreement, renewable electricity will be provided by a hybrid renewable energy park located in Nickelsdorf, Austria, that is owned by Burgenland Energie’s subsidiaries Nick Alpha and Wind PV Operation. Burgenland Energie will begin supplying around 70 GWh per year of wind and solar energy to Borealis facilities in Schwechat, Austria, as of January 2026. This equates to powering approximately 15,855 households annually, marking a substantial move towards sustainable energy practices. Burgenland Energie is advancing its position in the solar energy market by constructing wind and solar hybrid parks throughout Austria. This aligns with its vision to transform Burgenland into one of the world’s first climate Under the ten-year

Copyright: Burgenland Energie

Borealis and Burgenland Energie have signed their first long-term renewable wind and solar PPA

well as our commitment to our purpose of reinventing essentials for sustainable living.” Stephan Sharma commented, “When discussing climate change and the steps we’re taking to combat it, it’s crucial to recognise that individuals and companies play pivotal roles in achieving our goals. The partnership between Borealis and Burgenland Energie exemplifies how collective efforts can drive significant change.” Borealis AG www.borealisgroup.com Burgenland Energie https://burgenlandenergie.at Burgenland Energie CEO

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Corporate News

Busbar capabilities to cater for growing demand

electric vehicle drivetrains: we are also seeing wider potential in marine, rail and static electrical installation, such as mining and other heavy industries.” Traditionally, busbars are stamped, bent and then insulated, but stamping can be cost prohibitive due to expensive stamping tools/dies, and is less flexible if the geometries need to be changed or altered. These limitations make bending and forming from reel-stock a more efficient and viable process. William Hughes’s technique uses CNC technology to precisely form pre-coated copper stock in such a way that the existing insulation remains completely viable along the length of the bar. The technique has been researched and developed to exploit the fact that straight copper bar stock can be more easily coated than bar that has already been shaped.

Following a number of successful projects last year, spring and wire form designer and fabricator William Hughes Group is investing in and expanding its busbar research, design, test and CNC fabrication operations. With an engineering heritage dating back to before the Industrial Revolution, the company will leverage its significant wire-forming expertise and deploy it in the creation of complex busbar geometries fabricated from ready insulated, reel-fed stock. Graham Burgon, sales executive at William Hughes, explained, “With battery based systems gaining a significant foothold in a variety of markets all over the world, there is growing demand from OEMs and their tier-one suppliers for precision engineered electrical components that can be fabricated to cater for complex real-estate limitations. These applications are not just for

William Hughes can create complex busbars to order

“Busbars are a natural progression from our wire and spring capabilities,” said Mr Burgon. “Indeed, the fabrication techniques and processes are similar, albeit with stock materials with a different cross-section. We are also able to leverage our extensive R&D capabilities. In addition to our existing successes in the electric vehicle market, the growing economies of scale in the global mobile battery market will expand battery and low-voltage applications, which in turn will drive demand for ancillaries such as busbars – but only if they match the strict quality and complexity criteria.”

William Hughes Ltd www.wmhughes.co.uk

Cable and pipe sealing solution provider appoints Vietnam distributor

markets. The group sees opportunity for expansion and strengthened customer relations. “Given the initial success in expanding our outreach locally, we see the opportunity to leverage our position and tap into other potential sectors,” said Dx Lin. Roxtec www.roxtec.com

culture strong technical expertise, we managed to further strengthen our position with key local customers,” says Dx Lin, managing director of Roxtec Singapore. “Additionally, they continue to invest in the Roxtec brand, which has led to a positive positioning of our brand in Vietnam.” Roxtec Group has 28 subsidiaries around the world and is active in more than 80 knowledge and

Roxtec, a producer of modular-based cable and pipe transits, has appointed Roxtec Sealing Solution Vietnam Co, Ltd as its exclusive distributor in Vietnam. The Vietnam team, led by managing director Le Viet Nga, first engaged with Roxtec Singapore five years ago as non exclusive distributor. “Tapping on to their existing local relationships, extensive business

Sustainability milestone through completion of life cycle analyses

Huber’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its 2023 Ecovadis silver rating, its World Business Council for Sustainable Development membership, its Climate Risk Assessment completion, its industry average Carbon Disclosure Project score and being recognised as a 2023 US Best Managed Company Gold Standard honoree by Deloitte. Huber Advanced Materials www.huberadvancedmaterials.com

collaborative global supplier, Huber Advanced Materials will share LCA data with customers on request, to support customers’ sustainability efforts. The company is making continuous investments to further reduce its environmental footprint. Examples of sustainability projects include an investment into a modern natural gas-fired cogeneration plant at its Martinswerk site in Germany, scheduled for start-up early 2025, and a solar array at its Marblehead site in Illinois, USA.

Huber Advanced Materials – a producer of halogen-free fire-retardant additives, speciality aluminas and organic matting agents – has achieved a major milestone in its sustainability journey. The company has completed “cradle to gate” life cycle analyses (LCAs) for more than 90 per cent of its entire product portfolio, including its aluminium hydroxides, calcined aluminas, activated aluminas and Vertex® magnesium hydroxides. As a transparent and

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Corporate News

Commissioning at Chinese greenfield rolling mill

software and hardware features that assist operators in the stand and guide preparation and support the entire tooling process in the roll shop. Friedrich Kocks GmbH & Co KG www.kocks.de

scope of supply included the remote control for stands and guides, which allows operational parameters to be adjusted from the control stand. In addition to the roll shop equipment, Kocks installed the Bamicon Octopus

Chinese Chengde Jianlong Iron & Steel Co Ltd has successfully rolled the first bar on its Kocks Reducing & Sizing Block for large bar dimensions in its advanced greenfield medium bar mill line. The project follows a previous finishing block installation with Kocks several years ago. In 2017, Chengde Jianlong modernised its small bar mill SBQ line with a Kocks RSB® 370++/4 in 5.0 design, which resulted in an improvement in product quality and mill output. For the current project, the steel producer again relied on Kocks’s portfolio for producing speciality steels. In the newly built 1,000,000 t/a rolling mill for larger dimensions, an RSB 500++/4 in StarDrive design has now been successfully commissioned. Straight after rolling the first bar, the four-stand finishing block started regular production. The RSB 500++ rolls straight bars with a diameter of 60 to 160mm onto the cooling bed. This largest reducing and sizing block is in the advanced RSB design. The further steel producer

The first bar has been rolled on Kocks’s largest RSB

MPD & EPD Revolutionary product

Wire surface = ND Dies 01/

02/ < 1.0mm shaped dies 03/

Dies life > PCD Dies

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Corporate News

Second hot-dip galvanising line ordered

JJ-Lapp has supported major projects across a diverse range of industries, including building automation, in- dustrial automation, renewable energy, harnessing solutions, mining and machine building. “I’m immensely grateful for the past leaders who laid a strong foundation for our enduring partnership with Lapp Holding Asia and our people and partners who have consistently contributed to its success over the past two decades,” said JJ-Lapp CEO Marc von Grabowski. “I’m excited to build on this foundation as we embark on the next chapter of our success story.” JJ-Lapp www.jj-lapp.com systems from SMS bring the individual units together to form a smart facility. stable production and optimised surface quality. SMS’s cleaning section removes surface contaminations with a combination of mechanical, hydrodynamic and chemical process steps. The cleanliness of the strip surface is important for the final product quality. The all-radiant-tube furnace from Drever International is designed to strictly separate the furnace atmosphere, the combustion process and the ambient environment, in order to avoid any deterioration in the surface condition during heat treatment. Duma-Bandzink’s air knife systems provide quality for galvanised surfaces. SMS’s in-line skin pass mill is designed to finish the galvanised surface with a controlled surface imprint. In addition, the unit improves the strip shape to allow for easy stamping at the end-user’s facilities. SMS’s scope of delivery includes the engineering, procurement and delivery of the complete range of equipment required for the new hot dip galvanising line. Technical assistance during the erection and commissioning phases is included. SMS group GmbH www.sms-group.com The technology ensures

E&A equipment will be designed and supplied by entities operating within SMS. The technological centrepiece of the new line is the all-radiant-tube annealing furnace from Drever International together with the air knife system from Duma-Bandzink, both companies of the SMS group. These systems ensure the right material properties within tight tolerances, as well as the surface condition that automotive end-users require for exposed qualities. The terminal and process equipment delivered by SMS’s Center of Competence for Processing Lines ensures stable production and efficient maintenance. A high degree of modularisation is incorporated in the chosen design. Electrical and automation

Angang Automotive Steel Co, Ltd and Ansteel Engineering Technology Corporation Ltd have signed a contract with SMS for the supply of a new hot dip galvanising line (No 2). The first ready-for-sale coil is scheduled for production in November 2025. The new No 2 hot dip galvanising line, to be installed on the premises of Angang Guangzhou Automotive Steel in Guangzhou, China, will have an annual capacity of 400,000 tons. The production bay will be located close to the existing No 1 hot dip galvanising line, also supplied by SMS in 2013. The new line is intended to produce exposed automotive panels that require optimal surface quality. All key technological components covering the mechanical, thermal, process and Guangzhou

SMS will deliver a hot dip galvanising line to Angang Guangzhou Automotive Steel

Celebrating two decades of success in Southeast Asia

established a manufacturing facility in Indonesia, expanding its manufacturing capabilities in the region. The company has forged strategic partnerships throughout the region to grow its renewable energy segment and become a one-stop solutions provider for solar projects. This includes partnerships with Huawei for its complete range of solar PV inverters; Trina Solar, a global PV and smart energy total solution provider; and Clenergy, a solar mounting gear provider. have facilitated access to solar PV projects by building on JJ-Lapp’s range of solar connectors and solar cables from Lapp and other brands. These strategic partnerships

This year marks a milestone for JJ-Lapp, the cable technology joint venture of Jebsen and Jessen Group and Lapp Holding Asia, as it celebrates two decades of growth through regional expansion and strategic partnerships. Founded in 2004, the joint venture com bines Jebsen & Jessen’s local know-how and reach across the region with Lapp Holding Asia’s Germany-based engineer ing and manufacturing capabilities. With an initial footprint in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia, JJ-Lapp steadily expanded to other key markets, includ ing the Philippines and Vietnam. key milestones have fuelled its growth over the past two decades. In 2010, JJ-Lapp Strategic partnerships and

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Corporate News

Madem Reels Group carbon neutral study The Madem Reels Group directly captured more carbon from atmosphere than its emissions, positively contri- buting to mitigate climate change, according to a study. captured more gases than it emitted through the natural carbon capture provided by its cultivated forests.

evenly fulfilled to share our long-term commitment with all 200 wire and cable customers over 45 countries.” The next step of the project consists of the continuous search for environmental improvements and advancement in energy efficiency throughout operations. Madem SA www.mademreels.com Ecofinance Negocios www.grupoecofinance.com.br

In addition, the accumulated inventory from native and cultivated forests accounts for more than 195 times the fossil emissions. “We are proud of our companies and teams worldwide, who are successfully performing their environmental mis- sion,” said global sales and marketing director Leandro Mazzoccato. “We are

The group has closed its inventory of greenhouse effect gases, under the advice of Ecofinance Negocios, scoring a higher total by integrating Scope 3 sources. In 2022, taking biogenic and fossil emissions into account, the group

Meeting the industry in Düsseldorf Ajex & Turner Wire Technologies has extended its thanks to the visitors who made a success of the company’s appearance at wire 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany. A spokesperson commented, “Your presence and engagement transformed the event into a At the event, Ajex & Turner unveiled advancements that included the Contact Tube, buncher bows, and Nano and pressure dies – innovations that it says represent the company’s “commitment to precision and progress”.

ideas and shape the future together. Ajex & Turner is looking forward to meeting the industry again at wire Düsseldorf 2026, to “redefine the future of the wire and cable industry together”. Ajex & Turner Wire Technologies Pvt Ltd www.ajexturner.com

Being more than just a showcase, wire Düsseldorf is a dynamic platform where industry leaders can exchange

vibrant epicentre of innovation and collaboration within the wire and cable industry.”

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July 2024

Corporate News

MACH 2024 hailed a success MACH 2024, the UK event for inspiring, innovating and connecting manufactur ing, saw thousands of visitors filling the five halls at the NEC in Birmingham over the week-long show in April. The 2024 edition of the exhibition gained a six per cent increase in the number of visitors, with the full attendance of the event approaching 30,000 people. Exhibitors showcased their latest engineering-based manufacturing tech- nologies and solutions, including demonstrations and product launches. the Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA) and sponsored by Lloyds Bank, MACH brings together suppliers of machine tools, cutting tools, metrology equipment, additive manufacturing (3D printing), surface engineering, robotics and automation, sheet metal, metal forming and fabrication technology, and specialist software. The event gave an opportunity for buyers and visitors to see the latest products and technologies from a line up of more than 500 exhibitors. Greg Capp, sales director at Sodi-Tech, commented, “Footfall has been the most in a long, long time. On day one we got enough enquiries to last us for the next six months. This has been our best MACH ever, and we are looking to book our stand again for 2026.” Another exhibitor – DTS (UK) – sealed a multi-million deal with WEC Group Owned and organised by

The E&D Zone at MACH 2024 was a popular attraction

James Selka DL, CEO at the MTA, said, ”Attracting new talent into the engineering-based manufacturing sector is a key driver for the MTA. “The dedicated E&D Zone at MACH continues to be our biggest opportunity to inspire a future generation into engineering as an exciting career.” and development) was again sponsored by global metal-cutting specialist Sandvik Coromant. The zone included a range of exhibitors from different sections of the engineering industry as well as hands-on activities provided by organisations such as University of Wolverhampton Racing, F1 in schools and World Skills. MACH 2026 will take place from 20 to 24 April, again at the NEC, Birmingham. Manufacturing Technologies Association www.mta.org.uk www.machexhibition.com The E&D Zone (education

involved in such an important project. Not only will electrification greatly enhance the transport infrastructure in southern Turkey, it will also deliver significant environmental benefits. We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the challenges our customers face and look forward to supplying this project with the world-leading rail synonymous with the British Steel name.” UK Export Finance (UKEF), the UK government’s export credit agency, has underwritten €781mn of financing to support construction of the 286km railway. With financing provided through UKEF’s buyer credit facility, Rönesans Holding will finish construction of the Mersin-Adana-Gaziantep High Speed Ltd. Andy Guy, operations/sales director for DTS (the UK agent for Correa), said, “MACH 2024 has been one of the best yet and this deal with WEC Group has been a real highlight.” A key point of the first day’s seminar programme was the launch of the MTA’s latest ‘True Impact of Manufacturing Report’, which revealed the positive impact that manufacturing is having on the UK economy. Among the key findings of the report, manufacturing accounts for £518bn of UK GDP and supports 7.3mn jobs; “making things” accounts for 34.5 per cent of all UK goods and services exports; and the median wage in manufacturing is 11 per cent above the national average. Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, delivered a keynote speech that included an insight into thinking behind current and future UK government policy and how this aligns with both the immediate and future needs of UK manufacturing.

Multi-million-pound contract for high-speed rail British Steel has secured a multi-million pound contract to supply rail for a new high-speed electric railway in Turkey. Railway on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Transport, with British Steel as one of the key suppliers.

Erman Ilıcak, president of Rönesans Holding, said, “By upgrading the existing railway line to a high standard railway line, we will be actively reducing negative environmental impact while offering a lower-carbon travel alternative and significantly enhancing the region’s industrial connectivity and trade.” The rail – 60E1 in grade R260 at 36m in length – is to be manufactured in Scunthorpe, UK. British Steel https://britishsteel.co.uk

The manufacturer will deliver tens of thousands of tonnes of track for the project connecting Mersin with the cities of Adana, Osmaniye and Gaziantep in southern Turkey. It will help create a lower-emission transport link between Turkey’s second-largest container port and inland cities more than 150 miles away, with the project expected to reduce CO 2 emissions by more than 150,000 tonnes per year. British Steel president and CEO Xijun Cao said, “We’re delighted British Steel has been awarded this contract, and to be

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July 2024

Corporate News

Wire Expo returns to Mohegan Sun with increased participation

The Wire Association International (WAI) Inc successfully staged its latest Wire Expo trade event in June, at the Mohegan Sun Resort & Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, USA. 1,108 participants from 38 states and 21 countries filled the exhibit hall and conference rooms. The biennial event was last staged at the Mohegan Sun in 2016. WAI’s popular Fundamentals of Wire Manufacturing Course on 10 June preceded the activities with 130 participants. The exhibit included a full complement of products and supplies from 168 participating companies. Conference attendees represented 300 discrete companies. Describing the event, WAI 2024 president Daniel Blais said, “What a great turnout

industry in recognition of being a strong supporter of WAI and the wire industry.

at this year’s Wire Expo. We held the annual clock winding ceremony outside of the WAI headquarters for the first time. Breaking with tradition reminds us that our industry is in constant evolution and that we should never be afraid to try something different. The increased attendance and energy [at the event] show how important it is for our members to stay connected and learn first-hand what is happening within our industry.” This year’s keynote speakers shared their perspectives on improvement and manufacturing excellence, both to a full audience. HO Woltz, chairman, president and CEO of Insteel Industries, presented a keynote address titled “Success based on committing to continuous improvement and a passion for manufacturing”. He also accepted the 2024 WAI Champion Award, an honour given to an individual from the wire

Paul

Furtado,

COO

at

Prysmian,

presented address, “Elevating operations: Paving the way to manufacturing excellence”. WAI presented its highest honours to award recipients William Bigbee – Mordica Memorial Award; Jan Sørige – Donnellan Memorial Award; and Raúl García Martínez – President’s Award. More than 400 attendees gathered outside for the welcome reception, to network and relax with refreshments and live music. WAI’s Operations Summit & Wire Expo will next be held in the spring of 2026. The Wire Association International, Inc www.wirenet.org his keynote

Positive shift and growing interest at Wire Expo

The company highlighted strong interest in its No Twist Coiler technology, as attendees were engaged by the wire package produced in inverted carriers. This design offers several benefits, including convenient shipping options for end consumers and a user-friendly payoff option for further in-house processing without the need for electricity.

Swedish wire machinery manufacturer Lämneå Bruk reported a successful showing at Wire Expo 2024 in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA. Sales engineers Stefan Petersson and Jonathan Danborg-Tammelin noted a shift in the industry demographics, with more young professionals attending compared to previous years. While overall visitor numbers were satisfactory, a notable absence of some established industry figures was observed.

Lämneå Bruk AB www.lamnea.com

Jonathan Danborg-Tammelin (left) and Stefan Petersson represented Lämneå Bruk at Wire Expo

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July 2024

Monday–Wednesday, October 14–17 | Providence, Rhode Island, USA

Experience the traditional event elements and more! Highlighting the Technical Symposium, Supplier Exhibition™, and additional components that have established the IWCS Forum as the premiere event for cable technologies for the past 72 years, the 2024 IWCS Forum also features new components for trending developments in sustainability, energy transition, and broadband infrastructure. Join industry-leading wire and cable suppliers, manufacturers, and end-users to experience critical innovations and developments affecting the global cable and connectivity industry.

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

PLENARY LUNCHEON WITH KEYNOTE

EXECUTIVE SESSION

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

TECHNICAL SYMPOSIUM

SUPPLIER EXHIBITION™

“Navigating the Energy Transition: Smart Grid and Broadband Connectivity” Introducing a new full-day breakout session fostering discussion on broad trends critical to global connectivity.

Large-scale and municipal infrastructure technology

The future energy grid

Power demand and communications interconnectivity

Leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and automation for efficient transmission of power and communications

SIGN UP FOR EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS AT IWCS.ORG/NEWSLETTER Registration will open this summer. Visit IWCS.ORG for travel information to begin planning your IWCS Forum experience. Traveling internationally? Ensure your U.S.A. VISA and travel documents are valid through October.

Corporate News

Global Industrie 2024 review Held in March at Paris Nord Villepinte, Global Industrie – France’s major industrial gathering – brought together nearly 50,000 people from the industrial world. Ferrari, secretary of state for digital affairs.

“We cannot hope to see an industrial renaissance in a great industrial country like France if we do not have a major event, and that event is the Global Industrie exhibition,” said Mr Dufourcq.

2,300 exhibitors and their 15,500 employees welcomed nearly 34,000 visitors, including four ministers, business leaders, representatives of professional organisations and 6,000 young people. rep- resentatives of French and international industry. Held in the year of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, the event was able to bring people together around an innovative industrial sector. Under the presidency of Nicolas Dufourcq, CEO of Bpifrance, the exhibition was opened by Roland Lescure, minister delegate for industry and energy, and welcomed Amélie Oudea-Castera, minister of sport and the Olympic and Paralympic Games; Franck Riester, minister delegate for foreign trade, attractiveness, Francophonie and French nationals abroad; and Marina Global Industrie helped promote reindustrialisation by hosting

Nearly 34,000 visitors attended the latest Global Industrie event

Over four days, Global Industrie hosted 500 speakers in a variety of formats. The Big Stage provided an opportunity to hear committed speeches by French and international leaders. Each of the speakers shared their daily experiences, their vision of industry and the challenges facing the sector: reindustrialisation, carbon reduction, job attractiveness, parity, etc. Participants were able to expand their international business opportunities with the presence of visitors from 86 countries, and 25 per cent foreign exhibitors from 34 countries, and also with the arrival of several delegations (from Belgium, Italy, Luxembourg,

Moravia-Silesia, Slovakia and Tunisia) and ambassadors accompanied by their economic advisors (Japan, Portugal, Slovakia and Tunisia). Three thousand machines were in operation. Topics trending in 2024 included the role of artificial intelligence as a lever for innovation in equipment; and the use of 5G in a notable development for the first in time in France. Global Industrie 2025 will be held from 11 to 14 March 2025 at Eurexpo Lyon, France. Global Industrie https://global-industrie.com

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July 2024

Corporate News

Dubai technical service seminars Metalube’s technical services team travelled to Dubai, UAE, in May, to conduct technical service seminars in collaboration with Dubai Cable Company (Ducab). The team was led by global technical services manager Emma Pates, who was joined by technical sales manager Zaid Ahmad and Asia technical services manager Mohd Shahrin Abu Bakar. “We are thrilled to bring our technical expertise directly to our customers in Dubai,” said Ms Pates. “By offering comprehensive aftersales support, we empower our customers to achieve optimal results and drive efficiency in their operations.”

The Metalube team in Dubai

Management” system, an aftersales service designed to maximise productivity; extend lubricant lifespan; reduce downtime and maintenance; and provide continuous support and access to service and technology. Metalube Group www.metalube.co.uk

The company stated that the visit to Ducab forms a crucial component of its aftersales support strategy. By providing technical guidance and expertise directly to customers, Metalube ensures that its products are utilised to their fullest potential.

This is part of Metalube’s “Total Fluid

Siderurgica Balboa selects Danieli combustion systems

optimisation model and an improved roof lining. Field instrumentation will be upgraded for CE compliance. The project will include plant start-up and personnel training. The upgrade will be completed by the end of 2024.

Targeting energy efficiency and pollution reduction, AG Siderurgica Balboa has selected Danieli technologies to revamp two reheating furnaces, serving the section mill and the flexible bar, wire rod and light section mill with new process and equipment. In operation in the company’s Jerez de los Caballeros plant, in the Spanish Extremadura region, both mills were originally supplied by Danieli between 2005 and 2007. The projects will allow a CO 2 footprint reduction by lowering the consumption

of natural gas by up to ten per cent. This will be achieved by installing new Danieli Centro Combustion proprietary HydroMAB flameless burners, which will also reduce NOx emissions. HydroMAB burners are hydrogen-ready by design, so Siderurgica Balboa will be able to adopt hydrogen as soon it is available. The section mill furnace will be driven by new Danieli Automation Level 1 and process control, featuring the RHF

Danieli & C SpA www.danieli.com AG Siderurgica Balboa SA https://siderbalboa.es

Optical services field test solution awarded Media company TMC has named HFR Networks Inc’s flexiTester, a handheld device driven by a smartphone device equipped with an easy-to-use, intuitive user interface which eliminates the need for training.”

can use it to proactively validate the service path, including the optical connections within the fibre distribution panel, enhancing field operations and increasing productivity. “The TMC Labs Internet Telephony Innovation Award recognises the best and the most unique products and services that this industry has to offer,” said TMC CEO Rich Tehrani. “HFR Networks has proven their commitment to quality and the further development of the IP communications industry through its flexiTester.” HFR Networks, Inc www.hfrnetworks.com

application to field test access wave- lengths and services, as a 2024 TMC Labs Internet Telephony Innovation Award winner. The awards recognise products that display innovation, unique features and significant contributions toward improving communications technology. “We are honoured to receive this award for flexiTester, a multi-function field tester for optical services,” said Wolfgang Kim, head of the optical transport business at HFR Networks. “flexiTester consolidates several pieces of test equipment into one compact handheld

The flexiTester streamlines field test functions in order to achieve faster de- ployments and troubleshooting. The device supports critical functions in- cluding optical power meter, OTDR, Smart Tunable SFP+/SFP28 testing, and Visual Fault Finder functions. All functions are also available through a smartphone application (iOS and Android). Open and standards-compliant for use across third-party vendors, the flexiTester supports both semi-active and passive DWDM deployments. Field engineers

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