EuroWire March 2024

Exhibitors at wire 2024

cradles. An FMS-cradleGuard transmitter was installed at each cradle. All safety proxies and line break proxies were wired from the pintle to each transmitter on each cradle. The receiver’s outputs were wired into the machine safety and other signals, which were tested and certified, completing the upgrade. During the upgrade process, it was essential to maintain productivity and meet demand, to avoid significant disruption to the production process. This was done by carrying out the upgrade in phases where only a section of the machines were taken offline at any given time. The upgrade process was planned for off-peak production periods to minimise the impact on production levels. FMS Force Measuring Systems AG www.fms-technology.com 09 F26 Growing demand for energy and the ongoing energy transition poses challenges for the wire industry, in particular the production of rectangular magnet wires. The carbon footprint in the copper sector is taking an important role. Due to increasing electrification in the mobility sector, manufacturers are facing previously unknown requirements for product quality and process stability, as well as the documentation of these factors. Fuhr GmbH & Co KG

produced in large quantities over long periods of time, so their manufacture is less concerned about flexibility, and more about process stability and product quality. Fuhr offers optimised machine concepts for both sectors. For the flexible production sector, its portfolio includes five-stand rolling mills in different sizes, designed to be as efficient as possible for the required dimensional range. The modular design of these systems allows only the necessary power to be installed. Volker Gerth, managing director at Fuhr, said, “The quality of the produced wire and the documentation of this quality is also important.” For this reason, Fuhr relies on specially developed measuring devices and software for logging and evaluating the measurement data for its systems. “This allows our customers to document the wire dimensions of each produced reel,” said Mr Gerth. For the second sector, Fuhr offers the compact IPU320 in-line profiling unit. This machine is designed for the continuous production of a certain wire dimension, and is usually installed directly in front of a wire insulation plant (enamelling or extrusion unit). The compact design allows the IPU to be integrated into existing systems. Winding wires, also known as hairpin wire, must not show any damage. Wire forming and insulation are therefore usually performed in one line. The IPU320 is designed for wires up to 15mm². This dimension is sufficient for the automotive sector. In order to serve the growing market for the TMM (transport and mobile machines) sector, Fuhr developed a larger version – the IPU500 – in 2023. 15 A13 Futec Europe will show an opto- electronic 100 per cent on-line wire and cable surface inspection system using only one CCD line scan camera. The system is designed for outer diameters from 0.5 to 60mm and can be integrated into existing production lines without having to modify them. When a wire or cable passes through, the system captures small surface defects such as scratches, cracks, pores and notches – even those not visible to the human eye – as well as contamination. Fuhr GmbH & Co KG www.fuhr-wire.com Futec Europe GmbH

Advancements been integrated into FLYMCA machinery in recent years include tubular stranders and bow cablers. These enhancements have resulted in decreased downtime and changeover periods, along with a reduction in the need for operator intervention, to enhance safety. Notable improvements encompass the incorporation of accumulators enabling uninterrupted operation; automatic loading and unloading systems facilitating simultaneous bobbin loading and unloading; and automated cutting and taping of cable ends. FLYMCA SL www.flymca.com FMS Force Measuring Systems AG 11 E32 Haggie Wire and Strand is a South African manufacturer and supplier of concrete reinforcing products. Upgrading its machines is a necessary step for improving efficiency, produc- tivity and safety. One of the major challenges faced by Haggie Wire and Strand is maintaining ageing equipment that is prone to breakdowns. SA Power, a distributor for FMS in South Africa, assisted with the upgrading of some of the machines while maintaining production demand. that have

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Upgrade using FMS-cradleGuard

The rotating cable machines were using traditional slip ring systems that require frequent servicing and regular inspection – they are prone to mechanical wear and tear. The FMS system provided a wireless solution to replace the slip rings. The low maintenance system only requires the recharging and replacement of remote batteries on a four-day cycle. The preparation of the functional specification was carried out in close collaboration between engineers from Haggie Wire and Strand and SA Power, to clearly define the requirements and expectations of the upgrade, as well as the role of each party. Budgets, orders and resources were then allocated. The upgrade involved removing the slip rings and installing two FMS cradleGuard receivers between the six

Five-stand rolling mill

Fuhr GmbH & Co KG, headquartered in Steinheim, East Westphalia, Germany, sees these challenges as an opportunity. The company analysed the market a few years ago and found that it can be divided into two different sectors. One sector is wires for the construction of large generators, transformers and motors. These wires are usually made to order, so manufacturers need flexible machines that can be quickly converted to accommodate changes in wire dimensions. The other sector serves the production of winding wires for the drive motors in electric cars. These are

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March 2024