EuroWire May 2024

Technology News

Expanded beam fibre optic connector technology

This solution allows the rapid termination and repair of cables in the field, making the 5000 Series Expanded Beam Connector suitable for harsh environment appli- cations, including military

Bulgin, a manufacturer of environ- mentally sealed connectors and components, has launched a patented (UK and USA) expanded beam fibre optic connector and cable management system. The technology, which is now available in the 5000 Series Expanded Beam Connector, is the result of a two year project to produce a low-cost, sustainable expanded beam product suitable for a wide range of industries. Expanded beam fibre optic connectors are typically used in applications where it is important to reduce the impact of dirt or contamination when joining two fibre optic cables. Accurate alignment of ferrules and minimal twisting of fibre optic cables are critical to minimise light loss and to ensure efficient transmission of the signal through the connector. Bulgin’s patented technology offers a ferrule-lens alignment feature in combination with a cable management system to prevent twisting of the optical fibres.

Bulgin’s 5000 Series Expanded Beam Connectors

deployment of fibre optic systems in harsh environments. It opens up the use of expanded beam technology to applications where the price of previous products may have been prohibitive, without compromising on the high level of reliable signal transmission that these users require.” Bulgin manufactures a range of rugged connectors, fuse holders, battery holders, switches and indicators designed for use in challenging environments. UK, the company has offices in key global regions and a sales and distribution network covering 65 countries. Its manufacturing facilities are based in the UK and Tunisia. Bulgin Ltd www.bulgin.com Headquartered in Cambridge, Pauline Mouillet, product marketing manager – CIJ at Markem-Imaje, said, “Our new white ink delivers exceptional print quality, durability and versatility for extruded products. “Referred to internally as the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of CIJ inks, this product truly offers a ‘do it all’ solution that produces excellent results across a range of extruded substrates.” The 9750 E, 9750 E+ and 9750 EW+ coders offer advanced solutions for wire and cable marking and coding, including the first dual dye and pigment ink CIJ printer for the extrusion sector, and a dedicated printhead with jet stabilisation to maintain width and legibility of wire coding – avoiding the ‘accordion’ effect of some wire coding. Markem-Imaje www.markem-imaje.com

communications, mining, oil and gas, and broadcasting. It is particularly suited to temporary fibre optic set-ups that need to be quickly assembled and dismantled, such as concert venues and sports stadiums. Thisen Bird, associate product manager at Bulgin, said, “We have successfully developed a redeployable synthetic polymer connector system that offers the same robust level of performance as traditional military standard connectors, but at a lower cost. “This project shows what can be achieved when a knowledgeable team is given the freedom to innovate.” Jose Latre, lead development engineer at Bulgin, continued, “This was a very rewarding project, culminating in a patented product that meets the demands of any industry needing quick

Multipurpose white ink for clear coding on extruded products

with extruded substrates such as PVC, PE and rubber. It is designed as a multipurpose solution with strong visibility, adhesion and durability qualities across a range of materials used in the extrusion industry, and is engineered to withstand the challenges set by bending, rubbing, vulcanisation, lubricants and water, ensuring durability and longevity in demanding industrial environments.

Markem-Imaje, a provider of end to-end supply chain solutions and industrial marking and coding systems, is introducing to the extrusion market a versatile new opaque white ink that is compatible with its specialised extruded product coders (models 9750+, 9750 E+ and 9750 EW+). The MW2160P ink is tailored to meet the diverse needs of manufacturers working

The manufacturer states that MW2160P’s adhesion on all extruded parts provides a reliable and long-lasting print quality, meeting the standards required in industrial applications.

Markem-Imaje’s new white ink for specialised extruded product coders

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May 2024