EuroWire March 2024

Technology News

Non-reactive pre-coat to replace zinc phosphate coatings Blachford has been supplying the global wire drawing industry and many of the world’s largest wire drawing companies since the 1950s with wire drawing lubricant programmes that are tailored to the technical specifications of customers’ processes. The company’s in-field engineers and experienced R&D team work closely with customers to fully understand each application’s technical requirements, then design products and programmes that meet those goals. In 2018, Blachford began to sell a new line of pre-coats for ferrous wire. One of its newest products, Chemdraw BSS-300, is a non-reactive pre-coat, intended to replace zinc-phosphate coatings, and the latest product offering is Chemdraw BSS-400 – a pre-coat formulated without boric acid. Visitors to Blachford’s stand will be able to learn more about its products for the manufacture of ferrous and non-ferrous wire; its line of polyol esters; machining and grinding fluids; and custom product design offerings such as borax-free wire drawing lubricants. Blachford Corp www.blachford.com The IQJET features an intelligent pump management system. Operating intermittently, the pumps use less power and are also more durable. The IQJET is energy efficient and on average uses only 36 watts. stand 09 E02 The role of coding and marking Efficient marking can play a key role in the promotion of sustainability, reliability and cost reduction. CIJ (continuous inkjet technology) is a widespread marking technology in cable extrusion. In May 2023, the German marking specialist Leibinger launched a new IQJET printer, designed for efficiency and sustainability. The printer requires no maintenance for its first five years in service because of the robust and wear-minimising product design. CIJ printers are suitable for most surfaces, shapes and materials, as coding is contactless. Integration in cable production is simple, and operation is safe for people and the environment. The inks are fast-drying and can be applied to light as well as dark substrates. Leibinger’s nozzle-sealing technology on the IQJET makes cleaning unnecessary. In breaks between print runs, the ink circuit is automatically sealed airtight, and ink continues to circulate. As a result, the ink is unable to dry out and the lines do not get clogged. Print quality is consistent because the temperature and viscosity of ink in the IQJET is controlled continuously. No solvent is consumed during breaks between print runs. Vaporised solvents are recovered and returned to the system.

Photo credit: Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG

Leibinger’s IQJET marks cables during the extrusion process

The new ink cartridge system also contributes towards sustainability. The cartridges drain completely, unlike many conventional CIJ printers. Once the cartridge is empty, it can be replaced during runtime. Empty cartridges can be disposed of with other plastic waste, and are easy to recycle as they are made from 100 per cent PE. For integration in production operations, Leibinger offers a plug-and-print solution with its IQJET. The printer features ports including OPC UA and an integrated PLC, enabling it to be incorporated easily into the production line. Operation is simple and intuitive via a 10" touchscreen display. Paul Leibinger GmbH & Co KG www.leibinger-group.com

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March 2024