EuroWire March 2016

News Technology

Fighting fire with improved properties

The price performance ratio is good and the processability is recognised by many cable manufacturers in the market. Both of these high-performing products achieved impressive results in several burning tests. The FM 0474/5 and the Mecoline S TP 1021 F are well-coordinated teamworkers. Melos GmbH – Germany Website : www.melos-gmbh.com

Because of the new Construction Products Regulation the optimised bedding compounds will have a significant impact on improved fire behaviour properties. Besides bedding compounds, Melos also offers flame retardant insulation and sheathing compounds. The 80°C sheathing compound Mecoline S TP 1021 F is already used throughout Europe’s cable industry.

For the cable industry, fire protection from the inside is already an important topic and its importance is increasing steadily. That is why Melos has developed a new bedding compound with improved fire behaviour properties, the FM 0474/5. Compared to the long-term proven bedding compounds FM 1248 and FM 1239, which are both equally suitable for XLPE/HFFR cables, the new FM 0474/5 will convince cable manufacturers with its burning properties. These comp- ounds will be used by various cable manufacturers worldwide. From an overview of the test results of FM 0474/5: cone calorimeter tests at 50 kW/mÇ showed a total heat release of 35.2 MJ/mÇ and a time to ignition of 378s. Further burning tests showed a limiting oxygen index of 63 per cent and a temperature Index of >330°C. Exhibition line-up Schleuniger Inc demonstrated a selection of its established wire processing products, and introduced some new additions, at the 2016 IPC Apex Expo, the conference and exhibition at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Schleuniger debuted its newest cut and strip machine, the EcoStrip 9380. This flexible machine is designed for expanded capabilities due to its quick-change transport unit for belts, rollers and shortmode and is compatible with a wide range of accessories, including pre-feeding, marking, stacking and coiling. An intuitive colour touchscreen user interface minimises training and set-up times, and with optional Schleuniger software the EcoStrip 9380 can easily be integrated into various networks. Also new, Schleuniger demonstrated its UniCrimp 100 crimping press, a bench top machine that delivers up to two tons of force. The safety guards can be completely opened to allow easy access to the working area along with simple, fast changeover, adjustment and set-up times. The UniCrimp 100 accepts most applicators on the market and provides quality crimping for wires up to 6mm 2 (10 AWG).

Schleuniger – Switzerland Website : www.schleuniger.com

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March 2016